Nature -- the Gentlest Mother is,

Nature -- the Gentlest Mother is, Impatient of no Child -- The feeblest -- or the waywardest -- Her Admonition mild --

In Forest -- and the Hill -- By Traveller -- be heard -- Restraining Rampant Squirrel -- Or too impetuous Bird --

How fair Her Conversation -- A Summer Afternoon -- Her Household -- Her Assembly -- And when the Sun go down --

Her Voice among the Aisles Incite the timid prayer Of the minutest Cricket -- The most unworthy Flower --

When all the Children sleep -- She turns as long away As will suffice to light Her lamps -- Then bending from the Sky --

With infinite Affection -- And infiniter Care -- Her Golden finger on Her lip -- Wills Silence -- Everywhere --