My Baby

My Baby [The author of these tender verses is the son of Elder Orson F. Whitney of the Council of the Twelve. A native son of Salt Lake City, he resided here until recently, connected with the Publicity Department of the Utah- Idaho Sugar Company, whose organ Tfie Cossette, he founded and edited. He left this employ to engage with the Lubrite Oil Refining Company, of St. Louis. Immediately on his arrival there he was chosen to preside over the local branch of the Y. M. M. I. A., in which capacity he now serves. Editors.] Tell me, my little one, tell me, Since you've come to our earthly shore, What are the wondrous tales you bring From the Land of the Herebefore? From which bright world came you hither? What is your message to me? As a wee little helpless creature, Just what might your mission be?

Our scholars and poets and sages Can teach you what men have learned here, But your own little mind holds the secret Of that mystical former sphere. You are silent—you seem to marvel. Are you fearful? And yet so wise! Or did the great Power who sent you Seal your lips when he opened your eyes?

Nor yet were the bud-lips parted; Nor was it a voice that spake; But out of two eyes, heaven-glancing, Their owner this answer did make: I came here that you might behold me While spotless and pure is my soul, That the Master who bade you be like me, Might thus help you win the high goal. I came here to bring joy and gladness, From the fulness of glory above; That the blest human pair, my earth parents, Might see what a great thing is love. I was sent here to show the man-creature That life is no frivolous fling; — — That the woman my mother who bore me Is a noble and wonderful thing.

I came to this stage of progression, In the plan of an infinite God, To add to the works of my fathers, And walk in the ways they have trod. The rest I've forgotten. What matter? Why dwell on a life that is done? I joy in the happier knowledge That a still greater life has begun. C. Byron Wh\U\e.