Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/117



Hush! no more fire, no noise—all round is still. See the pale moon hath on th' horizon risen While thou wert speaking,.

, little Paul, what, crying, hush ! the night is very dark; The wolves are near the rampart, the dogs begin to bark; The bell has rung for slumber, and the guardian angel weeps When a little child beside the hearth so late a play-time keeps.

"I will not always go to sleep, I like to watch the light Of the fire upon my sabre, so glittering and so bright; And I will keep the wolves at bay, if they approach the door;" And again the little naughty one sat undrest upon the floor.

"My God! forgive the wayward child who mocks his mother's word; Oh Thou! the long in suffering! whose wrath is slowly stirr'd; Knowledge within the opening soul has but a feeble ray, Wait till he knows Thy graciousness! wait till a future day.

"The little birds since set of sun are plunged in slumbers deep; The long grass and the lonely trees are filled with them asleep; The little birds, new from the shell, have left the topmost bough, And 'neath the midnight's trembling shade they all are resting now.