132 
f ICBAi CEBEM0SIES. 
HYMN OF THE TURKISH CHILDREN, 
BY MISS PAKDOE. 
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 pray— 
Allah ! Father !—hear ! 
