The boy has been resting at his mother’s breast

All the life-day long. God’s blessing on my joy!

The boy has been lying close in to my heart

All the life-day long. He is weary now.

Sleep thou, dearest boy of mine!

I will cradle thee, I will watch thee.

The Button-moulder’s voice.

[Behind the house.]

At the last cross-road we will meet again, Peer;

And then we’ll see whether——; I say no more.