Robert Francis St. Clair-Erskine, Earl of Rosslyn (1833–1890)

’TIS bedtime; say your hymn, and bid ‘Good-night,

God bless Mamma, Papa, and dear ones all,’

Your half-shut eyes beneath your eyelids fall,

Another minute you will shut them quite.

Yes, I will carry you, put out the light,

And tuck you up, although you are so tall!

What will you give me, Sleepy One, and call

My wages, if I settle you all right?

I laid her golden curls upon my arm,

I drew her little feet within my hand,

Her rosy palms were joined in trustful bliss,

Her heart next mine beat gently, soft and warm;

She nestled to me, and, by Love’s command,

Paid me my precious wages—‘Baby’s kiss.’