NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP.

Near the camp-fire's flickering light, In my blanket bed I lie, Gazing through the shades of night And the twinkling stars on high; O'er me spirits in the air Silent vigils seem to keep, As I breathe my childhood's prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep." Sadly sings the whip-poor-will In the boughs of yonder tree; Laughingly the dancing rill Swells the midnight melody. Foemen may be lurking near, In the cañon dark and deep; Low I breathe in Jesus' ear: "I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to keep." 'Mid those stars one face I see— One the Saviour turned away— Mother, who in infancy Taught my baby lips to pray; Her sweet spirit hovers near In this lonely mountain-brake. Take me to her Saviour dear "If I should die before I wake." Fainter grows the flickering light, As each ember slowly dies; Plaintively the birds of night Fill the air with sad'ning cries; Over me they seem to cry: "You may never more awake." Low I lisp: "If I should die, I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to take." Now I lay me down to sleep; I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to take.