132 FLORAL CEREMONIES. 



HYMN OF THE TURKISH CHILDREN. 



BY MISS PARDOE. 



A recent traveller in Turkey describes an interesting 

 ceremony witnessed by her, performed at a time of exces- 

 sive drought. "At dusk, the village children, walking 

 two and two, and each carrying a bunch of wild flowers, 

 drew near the cistern in their turn, and sang to one of 

 the thrilling melodies of the country, a hymn of supplica- 

 tion." 



Allah ! Father ! hear us ; 



Our souls are faint and weak : 

 A cloud is on our mother's brow, 



A tear upon her cheek : 

 We fain would chase that cloud away, 



And stay that sad'ning tear ; 

 For this it is to-night we 



Allah! Father ! hear ! 



