“NOW I LAY ME”

When I pass from earth away,

Palsied though I be and grey,

May my spirit keep so young

That my failing, faltering tongue

Frames that prayer so dear to me,

Taught me at my mother's knee:

“Now I lay me down to sleep,”

( Passing to Eternal rest

On the loving parent breast )

“I pray the Lord my soul to keep;”

( From all danger safe and calm

In the hollow of His palm;)

“If I should die before I wake,”

( Drifting with a bated breath

Out of slumber into death,)

“I pray the Lord my soul to take.”

( From the body's claim set free

Sheltered in the Great to be. )

Simple prayer of trust and truth.

Taught me in my early youth —

Let my soul its beauty keep

When I lay me down to sleep.