"I SHOULD LIKE TO DIE,” SAID WILLIE

"I should like to die," said Willie, "if my papa could die, too;

 But he says he isn't ready- 'cause he's got so much to do;

 But my little sister Nellie says that I must surely die,

And she and mamma-then she stopped because it made me

cry.

"I remember that she told me once, while sitting on her knee,

That the angels never weary watching over her and me;

 And if r was only good- Nellie told me so before­-

That they let us into Heaven when they see us at the door.

"I shall know no more of sorrow, I shall know no more of sin-

­I shall see mamma and Nellie, for I know they'll let me in;

 But I'll have to tell the angel when I meet him at the door,

That he must excuse my papa, because he couldn't leave the store.

"I know I shall be happy, and shall always want to stay­-

 I should like to hear the singing-I should love the endless day;

I would like to look at Jesus- I'd love him more and more,

And I'd gather water-lilies for the angel at the door.

 Nellie says that it may be I shall soon be called away-­

If papa was only ready I should like to go today;

But if I go before him to that world of light and joy,

I guess he'll want to come to Heaven to see his little boy."