[In the day of health and prosperity everybody feels like singing, but
"in the night" of adversity grace must produce the song of holy
confidence and hope. Such a song is the following, which has probably
been printed oftener than any other of Miss JOHNSON'S poems. It has
appeared in several papers; finds a place in Dewart's "Selections from
Canadian Poets"; was set to music by George F. Root, and appears in
his "School for the Cabinet Organ." With many it has been a favorite.]
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!