Tranquil and innocent, tender and calm;

Sweet are the thoughts that approach us at night,

Sweet as the breeze with its perfumy balm.

And if I am reading the happy Word,

Or saying my prayers by the taper's glow,

I wish that my Harry had this preferr'd

To the painted toys and the men below.


'I wish that my Harry had this preferr'd'—

But ought I to wish it, if he does not?