Once a dream did weave a shade
O’ er my angel-guarded bed,
That an emmet lost its way
Where on grass methought I lay.
Troubled, wildered, and forlorn,
Dark, benighted, travel-worn,
Over many a tangled spray,
All heart-broke, I heard her say:
‘ O my children! do they cry,
Do they hear their father sigh?
Now they look abroad to see,
Now return and weep for me.’
Pitying, I dropped a tear:
But I saw a glow-worm near,
Who replied,‘ What wailing wight
Calls the watchman of the night?’
‘ I am set to light the ground,
While the beetle goes his round:
Follow now the beetle’ s hum;
Little wanderer, hie thee home!’