human
But, truly, I could never see, said little Dick Molloy,
gpt
How he could never do these things and really be a boy.
human
Which shall it be? which shall it be? I looked at John,--John looked at me, (Dear, patient John, who loves me yet As well as though my locks were jet.) And when I found that I must speak, My voice seemed strangely low and weak;
gpt
Tell me again what Robert said ; And then I listening bent my head.
human
This is his letter: 'I will give A house and land while you shall live, If, in return, from out your seven, One child to me for aye is given.'
gpt
Come John, said I,
human
We'll choose among them as they lie Asleep
gpt
Not _her_. We stooped beside the trundle-bed, And one long ray of lamp-light shed Athwart the boyish faces there, In sleep so pitiful and fair. I saw on Jamie's rough red cheek A tear undried; ere John could speak,
human
He's but a baby too, said I, And kissed him as we hurried by. Pale, patient Robby's angel face Still in his sleep bore suffering's trace;
gpt
No, for a thousand crowns not him, He whispered, while our eyes were dim. Poor Dick! sad Dick! our wayward son, Turbulent, reckless, idle one,-- Could _he_ be spared?
human
Nay, He who gave Bids us befriend him to the grave; Only a mother's heart can be Patient enough for such as he; And so, said John,
gpt
I would not dare To send him from her bedside prayer. Then stole we softly up above, And knelt by Mary, child of love;
human
Perhaps for _her_ 'twould better be, I said to John. Quite silently He lifted up a curl, that lay Across her cheek in wilful way, And shook his head;
gpt
Nay, love, not thee ; The while my heart beat audibly. Only one more, our eldest lad, Trusty and truthful, good and glad,-- So like his father:
human
No, John, no; I cannot, will not, let him go!