A popular song from 1863
Words and Music by Henry Clay Work
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
- Ten o’clock! the rain begins to fall
And Nellie still from home
Vainly now, her loving name we call
Oh whither does she roam
Can it be she wanders from the street
Thro’ the wood to find her lonely way
Bless the child! I fear her little feet
Have carried her astray
Chorus:
Wake the boys to search for Nellie
Stay not for the dawn
Who shall sleep when from the mother’s fold
One little lamb is gone
- Eleven of o’clock! the little brothers wait
Still hoping her return;
Peeping through the lattice of the gate
Their darling to discern
Weary now they turn them to the door
While their tears, for lips that now are dumb
Ask the question often asked before
Oh mother will she come - Twelve o’clock! and in the forest wild
What terrors rule the hour
Who can tell what foe surround the child
Or shield her from their power
Storm face and torrents to be crossed
Beasts of prey that in the darkness roam
Would to God that only I were lost
And Nellie safe at home - One o’clock! methinks I hear a voice
With tidings in its tone
Does it bid this trembling heart rejoice
Or sorrow makes it known
Still I heard that midnight echo stirred
Surely too, it bears a joyful sound
Praise the Lord! a mother’s prayer is heard
The darling one is found
Chorus:
Through the wood the midnight echoes
Bear a joyful sound
Praise the Lord! a mother’s prayer is heard
The darling one is found
Sung by Vancha March: