LESSON 30
GOOD NIGHT

Samuel Griswold Goodrich (b. 1793, d. 1860) was born in Ridgefield, Conn. Mr. Goodrich is best known as “Peter Parley, ” under which assumed name he commenced the publication of a series of Juvenile works about 1827. He edited“Parley's Magazine” from 1841 to 1854. He was appointed United States consul for Paris in 1848, and held that office four years. He was a voluminous writer, and his works are interesting and popular. His “Recollections of a Lifetime” was published in 1857, and “Peter Parley's Own Story” the year after his death.

1. The sun has sunk behind the hills,

The shadows o'er the landscape creep;

A drowsy sound the woodland fills,

As nature folds her arms to sleep:

Good night—good night.

2. The chattering jay has ceased his din,

The noisy robin sings no more;

The crow, his mountain haunt within,

Dreams 'mid the forest's surly roar:

Good night—good night.

3. The sunlit cloud floats dim and pale;

The dew is falling soft and still,

The mist hangs trembling o'er the vale,

And silence broods o'er yonder mill:

Good night—good night.

4. The rose, so ruddy in the light,

Bends on its stem all rayless now;

And by its side a lily white,

A sister shadow, seems to bow:

Good night—good night.

5. The bat may wheel on silent wing,

The fox his guilty vigils keep,

The boding owl his dirges sing;

But love and innocence will sleep:

Good night—good night.

STUDY GUIDE

A. Word Definition

1.drowsy:very sleepy.

2.haunt:place frequented by a person or animal.

3.yonder:over there,in that direction.

4.ruddy:freshly or healthily red.

5.vigils:keeping awake at night,especially to keep watch or pray.

6.dirges:lament for the dead;dreary piece of music.

B. Comprehension Questions

1. In “Good Night” where did the sun sink?

2. What do owls eat?

3. Label these statements true or false:

a. A jay is a furry animal. _____

b. A rose is a vegetable. _____

c. Bats often carry diseases. _____

4. Do you think this poem was written for children? Explain.

5. Name some noisy birds from your country.

6. What might a nineteenth century American mill been used for?

7. What are some colourful flowers you enjoy?

8. Why do people hunt foxes?

C. Writing Work

Write a story about your favourite animal.