AS NIGHT CAME DARKLY DOWN.
The night came darkly down;
The birdies’ mother said,
“Peep! peep!
You ought to be asleep!
’Tis time my little ones were safe in bed!”
So, sheltered by her wings in downy nest,
The weary little birdlings took their rest.
The night came darkly down;
The baby’s mother said,
“Bye-low!
You musn’t frolic so!
You should have been asleep an hour ago!”
And, nestling closer to its mother’s breast,
The merry prattler sank to quiet rest.
Then in the cradle soft
’Twas laid with tenderest care.
“Good-night!
Sleep till the morning light!”
Whispered the mother as she breathed a prayer.
Night settled down; the gates of day were barred
And only loving angels were on guard.
Josephine Pollard.