Page:Morning-Glories and Other Stories.djvu/56

 LULLABY.


 * Now the day is done,
 * Now the shepherd sun

Drives his white flocks from the sky;
 * Now the flowers rest
 * On their mother's breast,

Hushed by her low lullaby.


 * Now the glowworms glance.
 * Now the fireflies dance,

Under fern-boughs green and high;
 * And the western breeze
 * To the forest trees

Chants a tuneful lullaby.


 * Now 'mid shadows deep
 * Falls blessed sleep,

Like dew from the summer sky;
 * And the whole earth dreams,
 * In the moon's soft beams,

While night breathes a lullaby.


 * Now, birdlings, rest,
 * In your wind-rocked nest,

Unscared by the owl's shrill cry;
 * For with folded wings
 * Little Brier swings,

And singeth your lullaby."

In this gentle family lived the elf, and for a time all went well, for those about her were so lovely in their manners, so unselfish, kind, and patient, she had no cause for anger, wilfulness, or discontent, but seemed to be a perfect fairy, and was much beloved by all in the wood. By and by she began to get tired of this quiet