Close by the gate of Holyrood,
Where dwelt the gracious Queen,
Near where a soldier-sentry stood,
A little boy was seen.
A slouching cap was loosely flung
Upon his uncombed hair;
His clothes in rags and tatters hung,
His legs and feet were bare.
He boldly walked along the road,
As though a lord of state,
Toward Her Majesty’s abode,
And to the royal gate.
The soldier stopped his further course,
And put his gun between;
But Jimmie said, while looking cross,
“I want to see the Queen.”
“You cannot see the Queen, my lad,”
The soldier then replied;
This made poor little Jimmie sad,
And so he stood and cried.
“There’s no one to the palace goes
But those of noble race;
And you have only ragged clothes,
And such a dirty face!”
Just then there came across the vale,
A youth of noble mien,
Who heard the little fellow’s tale—
“I want to see the Queen.”
“And you shall see the Queen today,”
Replied the princely boy;
This chased poor Jimmie’s fears away,
And filled his heart with joy.
But while he wiped away a tear,
He muttered soft and low,
“You sojer, sir, with that great spear,
Won’t let us pass, you know.”
“Don’t be afraid, my little one,”
He whispered in his ear;
“He shall not hurt you with his gun
Nor touch you with his spear.”
So Jimmie took the prince’s hand,
And trotted by his side,
Well pleased to see the soldier stand
So calm and dignified.
And when they came to Holyrood
It was a pleasant scene;
As little shoeless Jimmie stood
And gazed upon the Queen.
Well pleased with what the prince had done,
She granted his request;
Took pity on the friendless one,
And had him washed and dressed.
And Jimmie grateful thanks returned
When cleansed and dressed and shod;
And through the Queen’s great goodness learned
The gracious ways of God;
That neither soldier, gun nor sword,
Could bar the living way,
To keep a sinner from the Lord,
Or frighten him away.
The queens and princes, dukes and earls,
Need Christ, the Living Way,
As well as little boys and girls
That romp about and play.
The blood of Jesus Christ alone
Can wash us from our sins;
And when that precious blood is known,
Then heavenly bliss begins.
For ‘tis by Christ alone we live,
And have our peace and joy,
And that’s what God delights to give
To every girl and boy.
G.C.