The shadows grow long on the river and bay,
And darkly the island’s reflection
Appears in the water that shimmers and flows
Toward the sea in strange indirection.
But in nest or in cabin or “Little Content”,
Enfolded in safety they’re sleeping,
While the breezes blow cool on the broad Kennebec
And the night watch a high moon is keeping.
The evening ended with the singing of the old hymns or of more modern sacred songs. One councillor played the accompaniments; another led the singing and announced the selections. Favorite hymns were called for. The girls could remain or retire to their cabins, but many stayed and enjoyed this fitting close to the Sabbath.