Classic Poem

Give ear, ye neighbours, while I tell:
Ten—strikes the hammer on the bell.
The hour of rest is drawing near;
To him whose duty 's done, good cheer!
Take heed to your fire and light,
That none may be harmed to-night;
Ten,—and all 's well!

Give ear, ye neighbours, while I tell:
The hammer strikes 'leven on the bell.
In town and village sweetly sleep,
All ye who a good conscience keep!
A bad one knows no rest;
It gnaws and stings the breast;
Eleven,—and all 's well!

Give ear, ye neighbours, while I tell:
Twelve—strikes the hammer on the bell.
The ghostly hour is just gone by,—
Who now believes the foolery?
Lie down in God's good keeping,
For there is quiet sleeping;
Twelve—and all 's well!

Give ear, ye neighbours, while I tell:
One—strikes the hammer on the bell.
Sad watcher by that lonely light,
May God make short thy tedious night!
His hope make strong thy heart,—
His peace assuage the smart!
One,—and all 's well!

Give ear, ye neighbours, while I tell:
Two—strikes the hammer on the bell.
I hear the cock already crow;
Soon, now, I cry my last and go.
Still you lie sleeping there;
Better than some you fare;
Two,—and all 's well!

Give ear, ye neighbours, while I tell:
Three—strikes the hammer on the bell.
Praise God, the Lord, for this new light;
'T is he who watched you through the night.
Sleep not the hours away,
When once has broke the day.
Past three o'clock, and all 's well!