| Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922. | | | | Bed-time | | By Robert Francis St. Clair-Erskine, Earl of Rosslyn (1833–1890) |
| | | ’TIS bedtime; say your hymn, and bid ‘Good-night, | |
| God bless Mamma, Papa, and dear ones all,’ | |
| Your half-shut eyes beneath your eyelids fall, | |
| Another minute you will shut them quite. | |
| Yes, I will carry you, put out the light, | 5 |
| And tuck you up, although you are so tall! | |
| What will you give me, Sleepy One, and call | |
| My wages, if I settle you all right? | |
| I laid her golden curls upon my arm, | |
| I drew her little feet within my hand, | 10 |
| Her rosy palms were joined in trustful bliss, | |
| Her heart next mine beat gently, soft and warm; | |
| She nestled to me, and, by Love’s command, | |
| Paid me my precious wages—‘Baby’s kiss.’ | | | | |
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