Part 2 — THE LAST GOOD NIGHT.
Reading edition
[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!