O little man, little man,
In the cradle rocking,
Soon to study and to plan,
Soon to cipher, parse and scan,
At door of wisdom knocking;
Measuring the mountains high
And the worlds that stud the sky,—
Sleep and rest, you little man,
Be a baby while you can;
Gather strength to lead the van.
Baby darling, woman wee,
In the cradle rocking,
Soon to study and to plan,
Soon to cipher, parse and scan;
Measuring the mountains high,
And the worlds that star the sky;
Soon to mend the stocking,
Learning then to sew and bake,
Also fashion and to make.
Dainty baby-fingers, rest;
Soon they’ll need to do their best.
Dream that all the world is true,
Pure as yonder starry-blue;
Look at angels while you sleep;
See God’s foot-prints in the deep:
All the baby hearts are His,
And they “see Him as He is.”
Be a baby while you can;
Gather strength to lead the van.