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A Good Boy

I woke before the morning, I was happy all the day,
I never said an ugly word, but smiled and stuck to play.

And now at last the sun is going down behind the wood,
And I am very happy, for I know that I've been good.

My bed is waiting cool and fresh, with linen smooth and fair,
And I must be off to sleepsin-by, and not forget my prayer.

I know that, till to-morrow I shall see the sun arise,
No ugly dream shall fright my mind, no ugly sight my eyes.

But slumber hold me tightly till I waken in the dawn,
And hear the thrushes singing in the lilacs round the lawn.

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Comments


  • November 21, 2006
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    Sleepsin-by

    From guest pm (contact)
    What does "Sleepsin-by" mean?


    • I-Like-Rhymes Moderators member
      November 22, 2006
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      A common phrase (in Yorkshire anyways) is bye-byes meaning to sleep.

      I assume Stevenson is using sleepsin-by in the same way as babytalk for sleep.


  • April 28, 2004
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    excellent poem

    I like this poem 'A good boy' By Stevenson, he penned so many beautiful verses to children and he was a master wordsmith.

  • kyattaman
    May 15, 2003
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    this poem is deceptive in its simplicity as a children's poem. the language is fresh, the rhyme consistent and i especially like the last couplet. so, I have not read a lot of stevenson but i enjoyed this one.