Classic Poem

The watchman walked the little streets
With slow and steady tread;
He slung his lantern as he went, —
" All's well! " the watchman said.

Behind close blinds a woman sat
Who had no more to sell;
The watchman paused before her door, —
" All's well! " he cried, " All's well! "

An old man shivered in the dark
Who had no bread to eat;
Echoed the watchman's cry, " All's well! "
Along the empty street.

The watchman passed a silent house
Wherein a child had died;
A candle burned against the pane, —
" All's well! " the watchman cried.

And through the night the watchman passed
With slow and steady tread;
And ever to the little streets
" All's well! " the watchman said.