icy stretches of sheet to right and left of him instead of golden
fields.

_Now the darkness gathers,_
_Stars begin to peep,_
_Birds and beasts and flowers_
_Soon will be asleep._

But rats did not sleep; they were at their worst and wake-fullest in the
night time.

_Jesu, give the weary_
_Calm and sweet repose,_
_With thy tenderest blessing_
_May mine eyelids close._

Mark waited a full five seconds in the hope that he need not finish the
hymn; but when he found that he was not asleep after five seconds he
resumed:

_Grant to little children_
_Visions bright of Thee;_
_Guard the sailors tossing_
_On the deep blue sea._

Mark envied the sailors.

_Comfort every sufferer_
_Watching late in pain._