Something the heart must have to cherish,
       &nbsp Must love and joy and sorrow learn,
Something with passion clasp or perish,
       &nbsp And in itself to ashes burn.

So to this child my heart is clinging,
       &nbsp And its frank eyes, with look intense,
Me from a world of sin are bringing
       &nbsp Back to a world of innocence.

Disdain must thou endure forever;
       &nbsp Strong may thy heart in danger be!
Thou shalt not fail! but ah, be never
       &nbsp False as thy father was to me.

Never will I forsake thee, faithless,
       &nbsp And thou thy mother ne'er forsake,
Until her lips are white and breathless,
       &nbsp Until in death her eyes shall break.