Cradle-Song For My Son Carl

Little Carl, sleep soft and sweet: Thou'lt soon enough be waking; Soon enough ill days thou'lt meet, Their bitterness partaking. Earth's an isle with grief o'ercast; Breathe our best, death comes at last, We but dust forsaking. Once, where flowed a peaceful brook Through a rye-field's stubble, Stood a little boy to look At himself; his double. Sweet the picture was to see; All at once it ceased to be; Vanished like a bubble! And thus it is with life, my pet, And thus the years go flying; Live we wisely, gaily, yet There's no escape from dying. Little Carl on this must muse When the blossoms bright he views On spring's bosom lying. Slumber, little friend so wee; Joy thy joy is bringing. Clipped from paper thou shalt see A sleigh, and horses springing; Then a house of cards so tall We will build and see it fall, And little songs be singing.