" MOTHER , dear mother, the day is done;
Rapidly sinketh the setting sun, —
While on the wings of the passing hours,
Lingers the breath of the shutting flowers.
Mother, dear mother, before I die,
Throw up the sash to the clear night sky;
Fain would I whisper a last farewell
To the gentle flowers that I loved so well. "

The mother rose with a tearful eye,
And threw up the sash to the evening sky.

" Mother, dear mother, they all are there
With their gentle eyes and their foreheads fair;
Lily and violet, myrtle and rose,
Laying them down to their night's repose.
Mother, I wish I could pass away
From this lovely earth with the dying day!
How sweet to be borne to celestial bowers
On the pleasant breath of the fainting flowers! "

The mother turned with an anxious eye,
And gazed on her darling tearfully.

" Mother, dear mother, I fain would rest,
Pillowed once more on your loving breast.
Dark to my vision is twilight now,
Cold are the shadows that press my brow.
Mother, dear mother, your gentle face
Mid the thick darkness no more I trace;
Death is around me, — farewell! I roam
On the breath of flowers to my heavenly home. "

The mother gazed, but her tears were dried;
Her child, with the fainting blossoms, died.