PART I.

Loudly blows the northern wind, And fast the snow descends, Low before the driving storm, The slender willow bends. Why on such a dismal night Does Anna ope her door, And in her little ragged cloak, Walk quickly o'er the moor? She hastens to the neighbouring town, To beg some friendly aid, To save her mother, who so sick And ill in bed is laid. Her little brother by her side Will watch whilst Anne's away, And gladly, for his mother's sake, He leaves each favourite play. But see how quickly Anne returns, A cheerful look she wears, And softly, underneath her cloak, Med'cine and food she bears. These to her mother, day by day, With duteous love she gives, Whilst little Edward's cheerful smile, Her anxious care relieves.