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.