Little Masterpieces of American Wit and Humor, Volume II

by W. W. Jacobs

  A BOSTON LULLABY

  Doff thy new spectacles, Peregrine, darling one; Minds are but obstacles When work is overdone. Lullaby, hushaby, slumber thou festinate, Hushaby, lullaby, never procrastinate.

  Lay down thy Ibsen, dear, Browning and Emerson; Sealed be thy cultured ear Save to my benison. Lullaby, hushaby, cherish obedience. Hushaby, lullaby, captivate somnolence.

  Dream thou of Lohengrin, Siegfried, Bruennhilde fair; Banish, my Peregrine, Thoughts of the Pilgrims spare. Lullaby, hushaby, sleep, dear, till night is done. Hushaby, lullaby, mother's phenomenon.