That bears on its bosom a baby fleet,

As the sunbeam many a shining mote.

So swiftly the babies are sweeping along

As if a breeze in the sail blew strong,

Yet no waves beat, for it is not the wind

But the crooning of many a mother-song.

Down Slumber river their course they keep,

Until they come to the sea of Sleep;

And the mermaids tell them of wonderful things,

For they are the dreams that arise from the deep.