I'll lend you for a little while, A child of mine, God said For you to love while he shall live, And mourn for when he's dead. It may be 6 or 7 years, Or twenty two or three, But will you till I call him back, Take care of him for me? He'll bring his charms to gladden you, And should his stay be brief, You'll have his lovely memories As solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, Since all from earth return, But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn. I've looked this wide world over In my search for teachers true, And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you. Now will you give him all your love, Nor think the labour vain, Nor hate me when I come to call And take him back again. I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord, Thy will be done", For all the joy this child shall bring The risk of grief we'll run. We'll shower him with tenderness and We'll love him while we may, And for the happiness we've known Forever grateful stay. But should the angels call for him Much sooner than we planned, We'll brave the bitter grief that comes And try to understand.