The Boy Who Promised Mother

The school was out, and down the street

A noisy crowd came thronging,

The hue of health, and gladness sweet,

To every face belonging.

Among them strode a little lad

Who listened to another.

And mildly said, half-grave, half-sad,

“I can’t. I promised mother.”

A shout went up, a ringing shout

Of boisterous derision,

But not one moment left in doubt

That manly, brave decision.

“Go where you please, do what you will,”

He calmly told the other;

“But I shall keep my word, boys, still.

I can’t. I promised mother.”

Ah, who could doubt the future course?

Of one who thus had spoken?

Through manhood’s struggle, gain, and loss,

Could faith like this be broken?

God’s blessings on that steadfast will,

Unyielding to another,

That bars all jeers and laughter still,

Because he promised mother!

--Selected.