By Strickland Gillian

　　I had a Mother who read to me

　　Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea

　　Gulasses clenched in their yellow teeth，

　　"Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath.

　　I had a Mother who read me lays

　　Of ancient and gallant and golden days；

　　Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe， Which every boy has the right to know.

　　I had a Mother who read me tales

　　Of Gelert teh hound of the hills of Wales，

　　True to his trust till his tragic death，

　　Faithfulness blent with his final breath.

　　I had a Mother who read me things

　　That wholesome life to the boy heart brings ——

　　Stories that stir with an upward touch，

　　Oh， that each mother of boys were such.

　　You may have tangible wealth untold；

　　Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.

　　Richer than I can never be ——

　　I had a Mother who read to me.