It was the prettiest night I e’er did know:
The full moon did its very, very best;
The wains and sleighs came jingling o’er the snow;
For no one wished to miss the great contest.
Our frame school house was large, but ne’er before
So many glad folks were upon its floor.
Each school its spellers chose, and wrote each name
On paper, of not more than twelve and ten,
Nor less than twelve; and then enclosed the same
Within a drawing box from which two men