The moon comes every night to peep Through the window where I lie, And I pretend to be asleep; But I watch the moon as it goes by, And it never makes a sound. It stands and stares, and then it goes To the house that's next to me, Stealing on its tippy-toes, To peep at folk asleep maybe; And it never makes a sound. MIDNIGHT And then I wakened up in such a fright; I thought I heard a movement in the room But did not dare to look; I snuggled right Down underneath the bedclothes--then the boom Of a tremendous voice said, "_Sit up, lad, And let me see your face._" So up I sat, Although I didn't want to. I was glad I did though, for it was an angel that Had called me, and he said, he'd come to know Was I the boy who wouldn't say his prayers Nor do his sums, and that I'd have to go Straight down to hell because of such affairs. ... I said I'd be converted and do good If he would let me off--he said he would. BEHIND THE HILL Behind the hill I met a man in green Who asked me if my mother had gone out? I said she had. He asked me had I seen His castle where the people sing and shout From dawn to dark, and told me that he had A crock of gold inside a hollow tree, And I could have it.--I wanted money bad To buy a sword with, and I thought that he Would keep his solemn word; so, off we went. He said he had a pound hid in the crock, And owned the castle too, and paid no rent To any one, and that you had to knock Five hundred times. I asked, "_Who reckoned up?_" And he said, "_You insulting little pup!_" THE SECRET I was frightened, for a wind Crept along the grass to say Something that was in my mind Yesterday-- Something that I did not know Could be found out by the wind, I had buried it so low In my mind. APRIL SHOWERS The leaves are fresh after the rain, The air is cool and clear, The sun is shining warm again, The sparrows hopping in the lane Are brisk and full of cheer. And that is why we dance and play, And that is why we sing, Calling out in voices gay, We will not go to school to-day Or learn anything: It is a happy thing, I say, To be alive on such a day. THE TURN OF THE ROAD