1.A dreary1 place would be this earth,Were there no little people in it;The song of life would lose its mirth,Were there no children to begin it;2.No little forms,like buds to grow,
And make the admiring heart surrender2; No little hands on breast and brow,To keep the thrilling love chords3 tender.
3.The sterner souls would grow more stern4,Unfeeling nature more inhuman,And man to utter5 coldness turn,And woman would be less than woman.
4.Life’s song,indeed,would lose its charm,Were there no babies to begin it;1Dreary,cheerless.2Surrender,give up,yield. 3 Chords,ties of affection. 4 Stern,severe,harsh.5 Utter,complete.A doleful1 place this world would be,Were there no little people in it.
（John G. Whittier）
1 Doleful,gloomy,sad.