.Sjttige. 251 
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Sage.. ..Domestic Virtues. 
At length his lonely cot appears in view, 
Beneath the shelter of an aged tree; 
Th’ expectant *wee things, todlin stacher through 
To meet their dad, wi’ flichtering noise and glee; 
His wee-bit ingle blinkin bonilie, 
His clean hearth-stane, his thrifty wifie’s smile, 
The lisping infant prattling on his knee, 
Does a’ his weary kiaugh and care beguile, 
And makes him quite forget his labour and his toil. 
Burns. 
How warmly we are loved, we seldom learn 
Till pain and sorrow take our strength away; 
Then hearts too long estranged, to us will turn, 
And be at peace, as in a former day. 
Our true and loving wife more loving grows; 
Our little ones in pitying wonder stand 
Beside the bed and clasp our fevered hand; 
Their glistening eye the tear of feeling shows j 
And it may be, when evening calls to rest, 
They sadly kneel beside their mother’s chair. 
Their silvery voices blend in simple prayer, 
And for their sire they make a child’s request. 
The times of anguish vainly are not given. 
That lead a family to unity and heaven. 
MacKellar. 
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