A Music-hall audience will always be exceedingly susceptible to pathos--so long as they clearly understand that the song is not intended to be of a comic nature. However, there is very little danger of any misapprehension in the case of our present example, which is as natural and affecting a little song as any that have been moving the Music Halls of late. The ultra-fastidious may possibly be repelled by what they would term the vulgarity of the title,--“The Night-light Ever Burning by the Bed”--but, although it is true that this humble luminary is now more generally called a “Fairy Lamp,” persons of true taste and refinement will prefer the homely simplicity of its earlier name. The song only contains three verses, which is the regulation allowance for Music-hall pathos, the authors probably feeling that the audience could not stand any more. It should be explained that the “tum-tum” at the end of certain lines is not intended to be sung--it is merely an indication to the orchestra to pinch their violins in a _pizzicato_ manner. The singer should either come on as a serious black man--for burnt cork is a marvellous provocative of pathos--or as his ordinary self. In either case he should wear evening dress, with a large brilliant on each hand. THE NIGHT-LIGHT EVER BURNING BY THE BED. _First Verse._ I’ve been thinking of the home where my early years were spent, ’Neath the care of a kind maiden aunt, (_Tum_-tum-_tum_!) And to go there once again has been often my intent, But the railway fare’s expensive, so I can’t! (_Tum_-tum!) Still I never can forget that night when last we met: “Oh, promise me--whate’er you do!” she said, (_Tum_-tum-_tum_!) “Wear flannel next your chest, and, when you go to rest, Keep a night-light always burning by your bed!” (_Tum_-tum!) _Refrain_ (_pianissimo._) And my eyes are dim and wet; For I seem to hear them yet-- Those solemn words at parting that she said: (_Tum_-tum-_tum_!) “Now, mind you burn a night-light, --’Twill last until it’s quite light-- In a saucerful of water by your bed!” (_Tum_-tum!) _Second Verse._ I promised as she wished, and her tears I gently dried, As she gave me all the halfpence that she had: (_Tum_-tum-_tum_!) And through the world e’er since I have wandered far and wide, And been gradually going to the bad! (_Tum_-tum!) Many a folly, many a crime I’ve committed in my time, For a lawless and a chequered life I’ve led! (_Tum_-tum-_tum_.) Still I’ve kept the promise sworn--flannel next my skin I’ve worn, And I’ve always burnt a night-light by my bed! (_Tum_-tum!) _Refrain._