The Poetry Corner

Dolly's Lullaby.

By Juliana Horatia Ewing

Hush-a-by, Baby! Your baby, Mamma, No one but pussy may go where you are; Soft-footed pussy alone may pass by, For, if he wakens, your baby will cry. Hush-a-by, Dolly! My baby are you, Yellow-haired Dolly, with eyes of bright blue; Though I say "Hush!" because Mother does so, You wouldn't cry like her baby, I know! Hush-a-by, Baby! Mamma walks about, Sings to you softly, or rocks you without; If you slept sounder, then I might walk too, Sing to my Dolly, and rock her like you! Hush-a-by Dolly! Sleep sweetly, my pet! Dear Mamma made you this fine berceaunette, Muslin and rose-colour, ribbon and lace; When had a baby a cosier place? Hush-a-by, Baby! the baby who cries. Why, dear Mamma, don't you shut baby's eyes? Pull down his wire, as I do, you see; Lay him by Dolly, and come out with me. Hush-a-by, Dolly! Mamma will not speak; You, my dear baby, would sleep for a week. Poor Mamma's baby allows her no rest, Hush-a-by, Dolly, of babies the best!