Earth had a merry time last night— She's much too flighty, I'm afraid; For, after we were all asleep, She visited a masquerade. She called the Silence and the Night To guard our bedsides till the morn, Then, stepping softly, lest we wake, Herself she hastened to adorn. She donned a silv'ry domino; A trailing garment that was sent At her request, from old Jack Frost's First class costume establishment. This garment, smooth and velvety, Was looped with many a starry gem To graceful folds, and, on her head, There blazed a sparkling diadem. The mantle hung o'er arms and neck, Was Hoarfrost Brothers' finest lace; They also made the dainty mask With which she hid her fair, sweet face. Her hair was white—or seemed to be; But then, she was disguised, you know; She wreathed it round with crystal flow'rs, And then she powdered it with snow. How did I know 'twas Mother Earth? I'll tell you: o'er this gay costume, She wore a silv'ry, floating veil She often borrows from the moon. And more than that—whene'er I looked Into her eye so sweet and mild, It seemed as if, upon the wind, I heard the whispered words, "My child." I know not if 'twas really true, Or was it but an idle dream, I know not if 'twas Mother Earth I saw, last night, in moonlit sheen. But, of the silent melody That filled my soul, she was a part; The lovely mother who, so oft, Has pressed me to her throbbing heart! |