I'D a dream to-night 
   As I fell asleep, 
O! the touching sight 
   Makes me still to weep: 
Of my little lad, 
Gone to leave me sad, 
Ay, the child I had, 
   But was not to keep. 

As in heaven high, 
   I my child did seek, 
There in train came by 
   Children fair and meek, 
Each in lily white, 
With a lamp alight; 
Each was clear to sight, 
   But they did not speak. 

Then, a little sad, 
Came my child in turn, 
But the lamp he had, 
   O it did not burn! 
He, to clear my doubt, 
Said, half turn'd about, 
'Your tears put it out; 
   Mother, never mourn.'