The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-07-27
SUNBEAM,


gently, very early in the day, and the
little twinkling stars modestly with
drew. and were soon lost to sight, over
powered by the bright dawn of day.
The smoke here and there lazily
curled from the cold chimneys, and in
little while the great world was astir.
and the quiet Of the morn wasybroken,
by the sound of busy feet, treading their
way to the business and toll of a warm
summer day.
Little Sunbeam opened her eyes with
yawn and said, what shall I do this
long tiresome day."
Old Sol answered, There is enough
to do. my child; look at the dark world
beyond, make haste, speed away, and
see what good you can accomplish. Per-
haps with your little light you may
make some one happy. You will have
many hours for play before I call you
home tonight"
"Ah! but am SO little! What can l
dor" said Sunbeam.
DOL Why try and see. You are SO
bright, my jewel, that you may accom-
plish wonders; SO speed away" And old
Sol spread himself. and all things re-
joiced.
Away went Sunbeam wondering where
to go. She stopped few minutes be-
meath spreading oak, whose foliag 9
was not so dense but that Sunbeam
could peep through. She gazed for
moment on the cattle in the distance,
and rested upon the shoulder of shep-
herd boy, who was watching his flock of
sheep. But she could not tarry long, so
she merrily tripped away, and soon
spied an elegant mansion, with its steps
of marble, it's verandas, woody walks
and velvety lawns.
"Ah!" she soliloquized, this is lovely,
elegant, magnificent. will tarry here
WHILE" and, as she approached the
elegantly curtened windows, a pettish
voice said, Flora there comes the sun!
Close the blinds. drop the shades; The
carpets and the damask will be ruined. /"
But bright and not disheartened,
Sunbeam sped on her mission; joined
the busy throng that crowded the streets
of great and fashionable city. Dancing
and skipping away che rested upon the
beautiful goods displayed in grand and
and snowy window; but alas, down
drops the curtain. quickly unrols the
awning, and Sunbeam is again shut out.
"Ah. ali! / am an intruder again;
where now shall l go? Am l really
wanted any where?"
Slowly and thoughtfully Sunbeam
tripped along; danced upon the waters
of beautiful stream; climbed its shady
banks. wandered through the forest, and
just beyond a lovely cottage met her
gaze. Over its porch were trailing
vines; about the door were growing the
loveliest flowers; behind the steps stood
baby's carriage. She peeped in. No
baby there; the fresh rumpled pillow
and pretty blue afghan showed plainly
that baby had been to ride.
Sunbeam, on tip toe, peeped into the
window. which stood open. The furni-
ture was neat and tasty; the drapsries
white and airy. Upon the floor sat a
lovely baby. Strewn about we're toys OF
every variety. Sunbeam lighted upon
one and another. Baby reached out her
chubby hand, and Sunbeam rested upon
that. Long they played together; baby
laughed and crowed, Sunbeam danced
and capered.
what is pleasing my little one so?"
said the mamma. looking up from her
work. "Ah! L see, little Sunbeam SO
beautiful and bright. how glad we are to
see your But baby had played long,
and it was her sleeping time. so mamma
took her in her lap and as Sunbeam
quietly withdrew, she heard a sweet
voice singing:
Come again, Sunbeam, a welcome youIl find,
For friend who is always so gentle and kind
And go to sleep. baby, pleasantly dream,
OF your pretty plaything-the golden Sunbeam