Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1876-12-21
ANNIE AND wILLIE's PRAYER.
Bx SOPHIA p. SNOW.

This beautiful Poem was the one selected.
from over 60 offered in competition for II prize
OF One Hundred Dollars. by one OF the popu-
lar publications Of he dayl
Twas the eve before Christmas: Good night
had been said.
And Annie and Willie had crept into bed:
There were tears on their pillows. and tears
i'm their eyes.
And each little bosom was heavy with signs,
For tonight their stern fathers command
had been given
That they must retire precisely at seven
Instead OF eight; for they troubled him more
With questions unheard of than ever before
H. told them he thought this delusi"n sin.
No such thing a. santa Claus" ever bad been,
And he hoped. after this. he should never
more hear
how he scrambled down chimneys with pres
cnts each year.
And this is the reason that two little heads
So restlessly tossed on their soft, downy
beds.
Eight. nine. and the clock on the steeple
Not n word had been spoken by either till
then:
When Willie's sad face from the blanket did
peep.
And whispered. Dear Annie. is you fast
aslecp?-
why. no. brother Willie a sweet voice re-
plies.
I've ried in vain but can't shut my eyes
For somehow it makes mo so sorry because
Dear papa had said there is no Santa Claus:
Now We know there is. and it cant be denied
For he came every year before mamma died |:
But then I've been thinking that she used to
pray
And God would hear everything mamma
would say.
And perhaps she asked Him to send Santa
With the sacks full OF presents ne brought
every year"
We'll. why taat we pay dest IS mamma dij
then.
And ask Him to send him with presents
aden?-
I've been thinking so too aud without a
word moro
Four bare little feet bounded out on the
floor.
And four little knees the soft carpet pressed.
And two tiny hands were clasped close tn
each breast
Now. Willie. you know we must firmly be-
That the present we ask for we're sure to re-
ccive:
You must wait Just as still till say amen.
come then
me.
An ,r-,ns m +l n fo..1. I'LL.
want a wax dolly. n tea-set anc ring.
And an ebony work-box that shuts with a
spring.
Bless papa. dear Jesus. and cause him to see
That Santa Cha IS loves as far better than he !:
Don't let him get fretful and angry again
At dear brother Willie and Annie. amen
Please Desus ct Santa Taus come down to-
night.
And bring us some presents before II Is light.
want he should give me nice little sed.
With bright. shiny runners. and all painted
yed:
A box full OF tandy. a book ard toy.
Amen. and then. Desus. I'll be a dood boy
Their prayers being ended. they raised up
their heads,
And with hearts light and cheerful. again
sought their beds:
They were soon lost In slumber-both peace
fal and deep.
And with fairies In dreamland were roaming
in sleep.
Eight nine. and the little French clock had
struck ten
Ere the father had thought OF his children
again:
He seems now to hear Annics suppressed
signs.
And to see the big tears stand In willie's blue
Il was harsh with my darlings.- he mentally
said.
And should not have sent them so early to
But then was troubled-my feelings found
vent.
For bank stock to-day has gone down ten
But OF course they've forgot their troubles
ere this.
But then denied them the thrice ask ed for
kiss:
But Just to make sure I'll steal up to their
door
For I never spoke harsh TO my darlings be-
fore"
So saying lie softly assembled the stairs.
And arriving at the door heard both Of their
prayers.
Hi Annie's bless papa draws forth the big
tears.
And willie's grave promise falls sweet on his
ears.
Strange. strange. I've for gotten them said
he. with a sigh;
How longed when child to have Christ
mas draw nigh.
I'll atone for my harshness.- he inwardiy
said.
by answering their prayers. ere sleep in
my d.
Then he turned to the stairs and softly went
down,
Threw of velvet slippers and silk dressing
gown.
Donned hat. coat and boots. and was out in
the street.
A millionaire facing the cold. driving sleet;
Nor stopped he until he had bought every
thing
From box full of candy to a tiny gold ring
Indeed. he kept adding so much 10 his store
rhat the various presents outnumbered a
score
Then 'meward ne turned with his holiday
load.
And with Aunt Mary's aid in the nursery
twas slowed.
Miss Dolly was seated beneath pine tree
BY the side of "a table spread out for tea;
work-box well filed in Il center was laid,
And on 1t aring for which Annie had prayed !:
A soldier in uniform stood by a sled.
With bright shining runners all painted red.
There were balls. dogs aud horses, books
pleasing to see.
And birds OF all colors were perched in the
tree:
While Santa Claus. laughing stood up in the
top.
As II getting ready more presents to drop:
And as the fond father the picture surveyed
He thought for his trouble he had amply been
paid:
And he said to himself as he brushed of a
tear.
I'm happier tonight than I've been for a
year.
I've enjoyed moro true pleasure than ever
before.
What care il bank stock falls ten per cent.
more?