Go to thy rest, fair child.

GO to thy rest, fair child! Go to thy dreamless bed, While yet so gentle, undefil'd, With blessings on thy head.

Before thy heart had learn'd In waywardness to stray; Before thy feet had ever turn'd The dark and downward way;

Ere sin had sear'd the breast, Or sorrow woke the tear; Rise to thy throne of changeless rest, In yon celestial sphere!

Because thy smile was fair, Thy lip and eye so bright, Because thy loving cradle care Was such a dear delight;

Shall love, with weak embrace, Thy upward wing detain? No! gentle angel seek thy place Amid the cherub train.