Song Before Dawn

I. What troubles you, my little one? The dawn is far away. Why should you struggle to be free When mother folds you tenderly Until the day? O sleep for now, my little one— The dawn is far away. II. You cannot rest, my precious one? The dawn is yet to be. A dream or two and day shall bring The fleeting sunlight beckoning From sea to sea. O trust in mother, precious one— The dawn is yet to be. III. How peaceful now you dream, my own— The dawn is still afar. O would that I might shelter you Through all the day to guard anew At even star! O hush! Be brave, my frail heart— The dawn is still afar! WALTER EDWARDS HOUGHTON, JR.