Ten o'clock! the rain begins to fall, <br />And Nellie still from home! <br />Vainly now, her loving name we call, <br />Oh whither does she roam! <br />Can it be she wanders from the street, <br />Thro' the wood to find her lonely way, <br />Bless the child! I fear her little feet <br />Have carried her astray. <br /> <br />Wake the boys to search for Nellie! <br />Stay not for the dawn; <br />Who shall sleep when from the mother's fold <br />One little lamb is gone. <br /> <br />Eleven of o'clock! the little brothers wait, <br />Still hoping her return; <br />Peeping through the lattice of the gate, <br />Their darling to discern. <br />Weary now they turn them to the door, <br />While their tears, for lips that now are dumb, <br />Ask the question often asked before, <br />Oh mother will she come! <br /> <br />Twelve o'clock! and in the forest wild, <br />What terrors rule the hour! <br />Who can tell what foe surround the child, <br />Or shield her from their power. <br />Storm face and torrents to be cross'd, <br />Beasts of prey that in the darkness roam; <br />Would to God that only I were lost, <br />And Nellie safe at home! <br /> <br />One o'clock! methinks I hear a voice, <br />With tidings in its tone! <br />Does it bid this trembling heart rejoice, <br />Or sorrow makes it known. <br />Still I heard that midnight echo stirr'd, <br />Surely too, it bears a joyful sound; <br />Praise the Lord! a mother's pray'r is heard, <br />The darling one is found! <br /> <br />Through the wood the midnight echoes <br />Bear a joyful sound; <br />Praise the Lord! a mother's pray'r is heard, <br />The darling one is found.<br /><br />Henry Clay Work<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/nellie-lost-and-found/
