Birth of Burnham

Samuel Burnham was born in Rindge, New Hampshire on February 21, 1833. The son of a minister, he went to Williams College only for a short time; despite never completing requirements, the institution gave him a degree for his accomplishments years later. Burnham worked as an educator for a short time before embarking on a literary career in the 1850s. His writing included history, natural science, novels, and poetry (some of which were turned into hymns). He was also an editor, not only of a quarterly magazine but also of the works of Senator Charles Sumner. His "Cradle Song":

      Lullaby, lullaby,
      Baby must sleep;
Now when the daylight dies,
Closed be the little eyes;
Rest till the sun arise,—
      Sleep, baby, sleep.

      Lullaby, lullaby,
      Baby must sleep;
Peaceful shall rest thy head;
Noiseless shall be the tread
Round our dear darling's bed,—
      Sleep, baby, sleep.

      Lullaby, lullaby,
      Baby must sleep;
No cause for anxious fears;
Nor yet for thee the years
When life must have its tears,—
      Sleep, baby, sleep.

      Lullaby, lullaby,
      Baby must sleep;
Baby be Heaven blest!
Cares trouble not thy breast;
Naught shall disturb thy rest,—
      Sleep, baby, sleep.

      Lullaby, lullaby,
      Baby must sleep;
Mother will watch and pray
Danger may keep away,
Until the dawn of day,—
      Sleep, baby, sleep.

      Lullaby, lullaby,
      Baby must sleep;
Forms that we cannot see,
Loving are watching thee;
Thus may it ever be!
      Sleepy, baby, sleep!

      Lullaby, lullaby,
      Baby must sleep;
God answers from the skies
Mother's fond prayers that rise;
Baby must close his eyes,—
      Sleep, baby, sleep.