Cousin Hatty's Hymns and Twilight Stories Part 12

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_.

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A lovely babe was lying Upon its mother's breast; And she, with soft, low music.

Was hus.h.i.+ng 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!

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