In the evening's dusky gloaming as

the darkness settles down,

And I lay aside the labor of the day

at twilight's dawn,

Then I hear the voice of children,

trooping in they come to me

And I take them up to love them,

place them fondly on my knee.

Johnny, Madeline and Jamesie, Clyde

and Irene Rosemary,

And they fill my heart with gladness,

all the world is mine you see.

In their clubs some may take pleas-

ure, others linger o'er their

wines,

But with children all around me all

the world is surely mine.

Yes I know the day is coming when

no more their childish voice

Will to me at twilight's gloaming

come and make my heart rejoice.

But today I have them near me and

I bid the world depart

For they comfort me and cheer me,

fill the round tower of my heart.

Can I lose them? Never! Never!

though some miles may inter-

vene;

They are with me ever! ever! Mem-

ory is ever green.

Yes, I've placed a wall around them

and as long as life shall last

Time or distance cannot claim them;

in my heart I hold them fast.

And I know that in their memory,

Grandpa Sutton will abide,

And they'll pause as glancing back-

ward o'er life's way at eventide;

And may something I have taught

them find a lodging in each

heart,

Make each life more rich and noble

as they tread life's busy mart.

^__Nettie Squire Sutton.