She wrote it when she was a girl , and somebody had it printed for other children . I like it best , myself . '' Pleased by the prospect of a little fun to cheer his virtuous task , Ben whisked over the leaves , and read with interest the lines Miss Celia had written in her girlhood : `` MY KINGDOM A little kingdom I possess , Where thoughts and feelings dwell ; And very hard I find the task Of governing it well . For passion tempts and troubles me , A wayward will misleads , And selfishness its shadow casts On all my words and deeds . `` How can I learn to rule myself , To be the child I should , -- Honest and brave , -- nor ever tire Of trying to be good ? How can I keep a sunny soul To shine along life 's way ? How can I tune my little heart To sweetly sing all day ? `` Dear Father , help me with the love That casteth out my fear ! Teach me to lean on thee , and feel That thou art very near ; That no temptation is unseen , No childish grief too small , Since Thou , with patience infinite , Doth soothe and comfort all . `` I do not ask for any crown , But that which all may will Nor seek to conquer any world Except the one within . Be then my guide until I find , Led by a tender hand , Thy happy kingdom in myself , And dare to take command . '' `` I like that ! '' said Ben , emphatically , when he had read the little hymn . `` I understand it , and I 'll learn it right away . Do n't see how she could make it all come out so nice and pretty . '' `` Celia can do any thing ! '' and Thorny gave an all-embracing wave of the hand , which forcibly expressed his firm belief in his sister 's boundless powers . `` I made some poetry once . Bab and Betty thought it was first-rate , I did n't , '' said Ben , moved to confidence by the discovery of Miss Celia 's poetic skill . `` Say it , '' commanded Thorny , adding with tact , `` I ca n't make any to save my life , -- never could but I 'm fond of it . ''
`` Chevalita , Pretty cretr , I do love her Like a brother ; Just to ride Is my delight , For she does not Kick or bite , '' recited XXXXX , with modest pride , for his first attempt had been inspired by sincere affection , and pronounced `` lovely '' by the admiring girls .
Ben Betty Celia Doth Father Thorny casteth day girlhood right