SAILING THE SEA OF DARK

Did you ever hear a child cry when it was time to go to bed?

Did you ever hear a child coax to “stay up a little longer”?

Let us see how our boy, Louis, went to bed.

“Come, laddie, it is time to go to bed,” calls Nurse.

“Bed! Do you call that a bed?

I call it my boat.

I never go to bed at night.

I just sail away to the land of dreams in my boat.”

“Well, child, put on your night-gown before you go.”

“O Nurse! That is not a night-gown!

That is my sailor-coat.

All night-sailors wear coats like that.”

“Very well, my dear. Now, then! shall I lift you into your boat?”

“No, no, Nursie!

You don’t play right.

You should say, ‘shall I help you aboard?’

Now, all aboard for the land of dreams!

Good-night, Nursie! Good-night, all my friends on shore!

I will shut my eyes, and sail away from the Dayland shores.

My boat sails so fast!

Soon I shall see the shores no more.

I cannot hear you, Nurse, if you call.

I shall be sailing miles away.

All night long I shall sail over the Dark sea.

But when the morning comes I will return.

When you come into my room in the morning, Nurse, you will find me.

My vessel will have returned safe.

You will find it safe beside the pier.

Good-night, dear Nurse.

Good-night, all my friends on shore.”