...For Aye

May I have those pearls?" He questioned,
Knowing that I prized them so--
"If you love Me, will you lay those
At My feet?" I answered, "No."

But He looked so disappointed;
The I cried, "O though it grieves,
Take them, Master, take them, take them!
Yea, I love THEE `more than these.'"

Yes, He took my pearls, just cheap things
That could last but for a day,
But He gave me back some REAL ONES--
PRICELESS! JOYS for aye--FOR AYE!
--Edith Mapes