MIDNIGHT

And then I wakened up in such a fright;

I thought I heard a movement in the room

But did not dare to look; I snuggled right

Down underneath the bedclothes — then the boom

Of a tremendous voice said, “Sit up, lad,

And let me see your face.” So up I sat,

Although I did n't want to. I was glad

I did though, for it was an angel that

Had called me, and he said, he'd come to know

Was I the boy who would n't say his prayers

Nor do his sums, and that I'd have to go

Straight down to hell because of such affairs.

... I said I'd be converted and do good

If he would let me off — he said he would.