Willie’s Fears
Part II — Mother
Come, Willie, and tell me, my dear,
What made you so foolish, last night;
I am waiting this morning to hear
The cause of your terrible fright.
WILLIE.
Biddie said that a wolf would come out
And catch me if I was not good;
That is what I was thinking about
When I screamed just as loud as I could.
MOTHER.
And where would a wolf come from, pray;
Biddy could not find one, should she try.
’T was a wicked thing for her to say,—
She knew she was telling a lie.
Examine your chamber, my dear;
Look carefully round before night,
And if you can find a wolf here,
I will certainly leave you a light.
WILLIE.
Mamma, you are laughing at me,
There’s no wolf anywhere to be found;
I know there is nothing to see
If I take all the day to look round.
MOTHER.
Then I hope you will not be afraid;
Now tell me, my son, if you’re able,
Of what mamma’s candles are made,
You see one stand there on the table.
WILLIE.
Of tallow and cotton, mamma;
The candles are run in a mould.
I went up one day with papa
To the factory where they are sold.
MOTHER.
Can tallow and cotton, my son,
Protect you from harm thro’ the night,
When into a mould it is run,
And made in a candle to light?
WILLIE.
The candle could not see or hear,
And I’ll try to remember to-night,
That God my kind Father is near,
Then, mamma, I’ll not ask for a light.