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Listen, children, hear me tell, Ten now tolls from the old church bell. Once were given commandments ten, To be always kept by men. Naught avails that men should ward us,— One will watch and One will guard us, May He, of His boundless night, Give unto us all "good night." Listen, children, hear me tell, Eleven now tolls from the old church bell. Eleven Apostles went there forth, Preaching truth through all the earth. Listen, children, hear me tell, Twelve now tolls from the old church bell. Twelve hours day, and twelve hours night, Time to order all things right. Listen, children, hear me tell, One now tolls from the old church bell. One hath made the world, and He Orders all things righteously. Listen, children, hear me tell, Two now strikes on the old church bell. Two ways lie in each man's sight,— May you, children, choose the right. Listen, children, hear me tell, Three now strikes on the old church bell. Three times think when you're in doubt, Ere you set your task about. Listen, children, hear me tell, Four now strikes on the old church bell. Four sides hath the plowed field,— May thy life, child, harvest yield. Now the stars must fade away, Quickly now will come the day: Children, thank the bounteous Power That doth guard you every hour. Naught avails that man should ward you, One doth watch and One doth guard you; He hath, of His bounteous might, Given unto you all "good night." |