THE TWO LULLABIES.
"Once songs as lullabies to thee I sung, To sleep hath sung thee now an angel"s tongue."
_From the German of Ruckert_.
[Ill.u.s.tration: Letter A.]
A lovely babe was lying Upon its mother"s breast; And she, with soft, low music.
Was hushing it to rest.
The song was sweet and gentle, And loving in its tone; And in its touching tenderness A mother"s love was shown.
And still it floated onward, With melody so deep, Till closed the dark-fringed eyelids, The baby was asleep.
And still beside his cradle She sang the same low hymn, Till he smiled, as he was sleeping, At angel fancies dim.
Years pa.s.sed.--The helpless infant Was now a happy boy; And often rang his laughter, In notes of heartfelt joy.
Upon his mother"s bosom I saw the child again; And his little head was drooping In weakness and in pain.
Back from his marble forehead The hair streamed, golden bright; But yet his dark eye sparkled With more than mortal light.
And suddenly he whispered, "What music sweet I hear!
"Tis not the song you used to sing At night, O mother dear!
"But sweeter far, and softer, Than notes you ever sung; It is as if a silver bell Its pleasant chimings rung.
"It tells of rest, dear mother, Of slumber calm and deep; And I am worn and weary, And fain "would sink to sleep.
"Darkness is closing round me-- You"re fading from my sight-- I hear it still!--dear mother, Kiss me once more--good-night!"
He slept; but angel voices Had sung his lullaby; And sweet shall be his waking In our Father"s home on high!
[Ill.u.s.tration]