The New Leaf

He came to my desk with a quivering lip—

The lesson was done—

"Dear teacher, I want a new leaf," he said

"I have spoiled this one."

In place of the leaf, so stained and blotted,

I gave him a new one, all unspotted,

And into his sad eyes smiled―

"Do better now my child.”

I went to the throne with a quivering soul —

The old year was done—

“Dear Father, hast Thou a new leaf for me?

I have spoiled this one,”

He took the old leaf, stained and blotted,

And gave me a new one, all unspotted,

And into my heart smiled―

“Do better now, My Child.”

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