Rio Grande's Last Race, and Other Verses

"He Giveth His Beloved Sleep"

  The long day passes with its load of sorrow:
   In slumber deep
  I lay me down to rest until to-morrow —
   Thank God for sleep.

  Thank God for all respite from weary toiling,
   From cares that creep
  Across our lives like evil shadows, spoiling
   God's kindly sleep.

  We plough and sow, and, as the hours grow later,
   We strive to reap,
  And build our barns, and hope to build them greater
   Before we sleep.

  We toil and strain and strive with one another
   In hopes to heap
  Some greater share of profit than our brother
   Before we sleep.

  What will it profit that with tears or laughter
   Our watch we keep?
  Beyond it all there lies the Great Hereafter!
   Thank God for sleep!

  For, at the last, beseeching Christ to save us,
   We turn with deep
  Heart-felt thanksgiving unto God, who gave us
   The Gift of Sleep.