The Watchman

Past twelve o’clock—past twelve.

Good night, good night, my dearest—
How fast the moments fly!
’Tis time to part, thou hearest
That hateful watchman’s cry.

Past one o’clock—past one.

Yet stay a moment longer—
Alas! why is it so,
The wish to stay grows stronger,
The more ’tis time to go?

Past two o’clock—past two.

Now wrap thy cloak about thee—
The hours must sure go wrong,
For when they’re past without thee,
They’re, oh, ten times as long.

Past three o’clock—past three.

Again that dreadful warning!
Had ever time such flight?
And see the sky, ’tis morning—
So now, indeed, good night.

Past three o’clock—past three.

Goodnight, good night.