We lay us calmly down to sleep

Verse 1

We lay us calmly down to sleep When friendly night is come, and leave To God the rest; Whether we wake to smile or weep, Or wake no more on time's fair shore, He knoweth best, He knoweth best. O Father, us in safety keep! We lay us down to sleep.

Verse 2

As sinks the sun in western skies When day is done, and twilight dim Comes silent on, So fades the world's most luring prize On eyes that close in deep repose Till wakes the dawn, Till wakes the dawn. O Father, us in safety keep! We lay us down to sleep.

Verse 3

Why vex our souls with wearing care? Why shun the grave, for aching head So cool and low? Have we found life so passing fair, So grand to be, so sweet that we Should dread to go? Should dread to go? O Father, us in safety keep! We lay us down to sleep.

Verse 4

Some other hand the task can take, If so it seemeth best, the task By us begun; No work for which we need to wake In joy or grief, for life so brief, Beneath the sun, Beneath the sun. O Father, us in safety keep! We lay us down to sleep.