In its cradle-hammock, cool and light,
A baby swayed in the summer air;
And through the leaves of the spreading trees,
It looked on the pure, blue heavens there;
And smiled as the warblers sang a song,
And cooed as the sweet breeze swept along,
Till its eyelids drooped and the lashes lay
On the velvet cheek; while the mother there
Guards still the babe of her tender care:
And the winds blow soft as they come that way
To touch the curls, and then whispering say,
“Peace to the child in its hammock bed,
And crowns of health for the bright young head.”