THE LITTLE PLANT.

In the heart of a seed, buried deep, so deep,

A dear little plant lay fast asleep.

“Wake,” said the sunshine, “and creep to the light.”

“Wake,” said the voice of the rain-drops bright.

The little plant heard and rose to see

What the wonderful outside world might be.

—Anon.

Sleep, baby, sleep!

Thy father watches his sheep;

Thy mother is shaking the dreamland tree,

And down comes a little dream on thee.

Sleep, baby, sleep!

The large stars are the sheep;

The little stars are the lambs, I guess;

And the gentle moon is the shepherdess.

Sleep, baby, sleep!

Our Saviour loves His sheep;

He is the Lamb of God on high,

Who for our sakes came down to die.

Sleep, baby, sleep!

—E. Prentiss (from the German).