The sun hath laid him down to rest,
All wrapp’d in robes of gold;
The little bird hath sought his nest,
The bleating sheep his fold;—
Kine lowing
While going
Along the homeward trail,
Where merrily
And cheerily
The milkmaid fills her pail.
Now from afar the evening star
Peers out with trembling light,
And wild and shrill the whippoorwill
Repeats his loud “Good night!”
“Good night!”
Our evening hours have flown along,
And glided swift away,
With music’s charm, and cheerful song,
And converse glad and gay.
Thus lightly
And brightly
Our tide of time has rolled;
While laughter
Rang after
Each merry tale well told.
But in the sky the Moon rides high,
And, from the belfry’s height,
The midnight chime now tolls the time
When we must bid “Good night.”
“Good night!”
May no sad thought, nor carking care,
Invade your tranquil rest;
Nor nightmare grim, nor goblin, dare
Tramp o’er your slumbering breast.
Profoundly
And soundly
May Peace your eyelids close;
Safe keeping,
While sleeping,
Your heart from waking woes.
May Angels stand, a guardian band,
Around you calm and bright;
While near you move, in dreams of love,
Sweet forms that breathe “Good night!”