The happy hour

The happy day is over,

The household work is done.

The cares that fret the morning

Have faded with the sun

And in the tender twilight

I sit in happy rest

With my darling little baby

Asleep upon my breast.

While lids with golden fringes

Shut out the waning light

A little hand close folded

Holds mamma's finger tight

And in their soft white wrappings

At last in perfect rest

Two dainty feet are cuddled

Like birdies in the nest...

All hopes and love unworthy

Depart at this sweet hour

All pure and noble longings

Renew their holy power

For Christ who in the Virgin

Our motherhood has blest

Is near to ev'ry woman

With a baby on her breast...