The night dew comes in silent showers,
To cool the hearts of thirsty flowers;
The moon comes out,--the slender thing,
A crescent yet, but soon a ring,--
And brings with her one yellow star;
How small it looks, away so far!
But soon, in the heaven's shining blue,
A thousand twinkle and blink at you,
Like a thousand lamps in the sky so blue.

And hush! a light breeze stirs the tree,
And rocks, the birdies,--one, two, three.
What a beautiful cradle, that soft, warm nest!
What a dear little coverlid, mamma-bird's breast!
She's hugging them close to her,--tight, so tight
That each downy head is hid from sight;
But out from under her sheltering wings
Their bright eyes glisten,--the darling things!
I lean far out from my window's height
And say, "Dear, lovely world, good-night!

"Good-night, dear, pretty baby moon!
Your cradle you'll outgrow quite soon,
And then, perhaps, all night you'll shine,
A grown-up lady moon!--so fine
And bright that all the stars
Will want to light their lamps from yours.
Sleep sweetly, birdies, never fear,
For God is always watching near!
And you, dear, friendly world above,