Baby's in the boat, Rocking to and fro; Tautest craft afloat,-- Baby's watch below. Snowy sails are set: Little lullabies, Hush the pretty pet, Close the laughing eyes. Storms can never harm; Mother watches near: Oh! her loving arm Knows the way to steer. Quiet now, at last, Till the morning beams; Baby's anchored fast In the port of dreams. --_George Cooper_. {425}{426} [Illustration] THE ADORATION OF THE ANGELS By William Adolph Bouguereau (1825-1905) "Angels from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o'er all the earth, Ye who sang creation's story, Now proclaim Messiah's birth; Come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King." --_James Montgomery_ [End illustration] {427} LITTLE VOICES What says the little brook? "I am but a little brook; Yet on me The stars as brightly gleam As on the mighty stream; I sparkle on my way To the sea." What says the little ray? "I am but a little ray, Sent to earth By the sun so great and bright, Giving food and heat and light; Yet I gladden every spot The palace and the cot Hail my birth." What says the little flower? "I am but a little flower At your feet; Yet on the path you tread, Some joy and grace I shed; So I am happy too For the little I can do When we meet." What says the little lamb? "I am but a little lamb Soft and mild; Yet in the meadows sweet I ramble and I bleat; {428} And soon my wool will grow, To clothe you with, you know, Darling child." What says the little bird? "I am but a little bird With my song; Come, hear me singing now, As I hop from bough to bough; For I cheer the old and sad With my voice, and I am glad All day long," What says the little child? "I am but a little child Fond of play; Yet in my heart, I know The grace of God will grow, If I try to do His will, And His law of love fulfill, And obey." {429} THE TWILIGHT FALLS, THE NIGHT IS NEAR The twilight falls, the night is near. I fold my work away, And kneel to One who bends to hear The story of the day. The old, old story; yet I kneel To tell it at Thy call, And cares grow lighter as I feel That Jesus knows them all. Thou knowest all: I lean my head; My weary eyelids close; Content and glad awhile to tread This path, since Jesus knows. And He has loved me: all my heart With answering love is stirred, And every anguished pain and smart Finds healing in the word. So here I lay me down to rest, As nightly shadows fall, And lean confiding on His breast Who knows and pities all. {430} SAVIOUR, BREATHE AN EVENING BLESSING