‘TIS evening-time, and all things yield
To quietness and rest;
The birds have left the open field,
And sheltered in the nest.
You, too, my pet, must go to sleep;
You, too, must say “good night;”
And by your side my watch I’ll keep,
When I put out the light.
I’ll sing to you the hymns you love,
While you are still awake;
And pray the God, who dwells above,
To bless you, for Christ’s sake.
And then, dear boy, you will not fear,
If you should be alone;
For the kind Lord is ever near,
And mindful of His own.
And through the night, when others sleep,
He’ll guard you from all ill;
His tender love will surely keep,
And bless my darling still.
G. A. A.