When I pass from earth away,
Palsied though I be and grey,
May my spirit keep so young
That my failing, faltering tongue
Frames that prayer so dear to me,
Taught me at my mother's knee:
“Now I lay me down to sleep,”
( Passing to Eternal rest
On the loving parent breast )
“I pray the Lord my soul to keep;”
( From all danger safe and calm
In the hollow of His palm;)
“If I should die before I wake,”
( Drifting with a bated breath
Out of slumber into death,)
“I pray the Lord my soul to take.”
( From the body's claim set free
Sheltered in the Great to be. )
Simple prayer of trust and truth.
Taught me in my early youth —
Let my soul its beauty keep
When I lay me down to sleep.