THE LAST GOOD NIGHT.

Mother, good night! my work is done,—

I go to rest with the setting sun:

But not to wake with the morning light,

So, dearest mother, a long good night!

Father, good night! the shadows glide

Silently down to the river's side,—

The river itself with stars is bright,

So, dearest father, a long good night!

Sisters, good night! the roses close

Their dewy eyes for the night's repose —

And a strange, damp mist obscures my sight,

So, dearest sisters, a long good night!

Brothers, good night! the sunset flush

Has died away, and a midnight hush

Has settled o'er plain and mountain height,

So, dearest brothers, a long good night!

Good night! good night! nay, do not weep:

I'm weary of earth, I long to sleep —

I shall wake again with the dawning light

Of eternal day — good night, good night!