See, mother lies beside her little one,
Just as she lay last night to guard your rest
Until the east was lighted by the sun.
“Now lie until your active little frame
Is tired of lying in the same old way;
When we have lain till sleep has sped again
We’ll rise to greet another joyous day.”
Hardly had Miss Hare finished singing the lullaby, when Billy Beaver began thumping with his tail to let all the students of Beaver Creek know that it was time to retire.
“Goodnight, Reynard. I hope you will sleep well,” said the teacher kindly. “Goodnight, Tiny and Snowball and Winkie. I hope that my criticisms will benefit you. Remember that I meant them all in kindness. Is there anything I can do for you, Reynard?”