Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Frederick Locker-Lampson 1821–95

The Widow’s Mite

A WIDOW,—she had only one!

A puny and decrepit son;

But, day and night,

Though fretful oft, and weak and small,

A loving child, he was her all,—

The Widow’s Mite.

The Widow’s Mite—ay, so sustain’d,

She battled onward, nor complain’d

Though friends were fewer:

And while she toil’d for daily fare,

A little crutch upon the stair

Was music to her.

I saw her then, and now I see

That, though resign’d and cheerful, she

Has sorrow’d much:

She has,—HE gave it tenderly,—

Much faith, and, carefully laid by,

A little crutch.