Nellie Lost and Found
(Henry Clay Work)

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.
cho: 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 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 form surrounds the child
Or shield her from their power.
Storm to face, and torrents to be cross'd
Beasts of prey that in the darkness roam,
Would 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 hear that midnight echo stirr'd
Surely, too, it brings a joyful sound,
Praise the Lord! A mother's pray'r is heard
The darling one is found!

last chorus:
Through the wood the midnight echoed
Bear a joyful sound;
Praise the Lord! A mother's pray'r is heard
The darling one is found!

From Songs of Henry Clay Work, Work
RG
apr96