Author: William Blake Source: Nurse's Song

When the voices of children are heard on the green, Meaning: The speaker hears children playing and laughing outside.

And laughing is heard on the hill, Meaning: Their laughter can be heard from the hill.

My heart is at rest within my breast, Meaning: The speaker feels calm and happy inside.

And everything else is still. Meaning: Everything else becomes quiet and peaceful.

"Then come home, my children, the sun is gone down, Meaning: The nurse calls the children home because the sun has set.

And the dews of night arise; Meaning: She warns that night dew is starting to form.

Come, come, leave off play, and let us away, Meaning: She urges them to stop playing and come inside.

Till the morning appears in the skies." Meaning: They should wait until morning to play again.

"No, no, let us play, for it is yet day, Meaning: The children refuse, saying it's still daytime.

And we cannot go to sleep; Meaning: They argue they don't need to sleep yet.

Besides, in the sky the little birds fly, Meaning: They point out that birds are still flying in the sky.

And the hills are all covered with sheep." Meaning: They also mention the hills are full of sheep.

"Well, well, go and play till the light fades away, Meaning: The nurse agrees to let them play until sunset.

And then go home to bed." Meaning: She tells them to come home when it gets dark.

The little ones leaped, and shouted, and laughed, Meaning: The children jump, shout, and laugh with joy.

And all the hills echoed. Meaning: Their happy sounds echo across the hills.