Little shadows, little shadows br Dancing on the chamber wall, br While I sit beside the hearthstone br Where the red flames rise and fall. br Caps and nightgowns, caps and nightgowns, br My three antic shadows wear; br And no sound they make in playing, br For the six small feet are bare. br br Dancing gayly, dancing gayly, br To and fro all together, br Like a family of daisies br Blown about in windy weather; br Nimble fairies, nimble fairies, br Playing pranks in the warm glow, br While I sing the nursery ditties br Childish phantoms love and know. br br Now what happens, now what happens? br One small shadow's tumbled down: br I can see it on the carpet br Softly rubbing its hurt crown. br No one whimpers, no one whimpers; br A brave-hearted sprite is this: br See! the others offer comfort br In a silent, shadowy kiss. br br Hush! they're creeping; hush! they're creeping, br Up about my rocking-chair: br I can feel their loving fingers br Clasp my neck and touch my hair.