As they sat resting on the big sofa , they heard a soft , sweet voice singing . It was n't mamma ; for she was only talking to baby , and this voice sang a real song . Presently they saw mamma 's shadow on the wall , and found it was the shadow-mother singing to the shadow-children . They listened intently , and this is what they heard : `` Little shadows , little shadows , Dancing on the chamber wall , While I sit beside the hearthstone Where the red flames rise and fall . Caps and nightgowns , caps and nightgowns , My three antic shadows wear ; And no sound they make in playing , For the six small feet are bare . `` Dancing gayly , dancing gayly , To and fro all together , Like a family of daisies Blown about in windy weather ; Nimble fairies , nimble fairies , Playing pranks in the warm glow , While I sing the nursery ditties Childish phantoms love and know . `` Now what happens , now what happens ? One small shadow 's tumbled down : I can see it on the carpet , Softly rubbing its hurt crown . No one whimpers , no one whimpers ; A brave-hearted sprite is this : See ! the others offer comfort In a silent , shadowy kiss . `` Hush ! they 're creeping ; hush ! they 're creeping , Up about my rocking-chair : I can feel their loving fingers Clasp my neck and touch my hair . Little shadows , little shadows , Take me captive , hold me tight , As they climb and cling and whisper , ` Mother dear , good night ! good night ! ' '' As the song ended , the real children , as well as the shadows , lovingly kissed mamma , and said `` Good-night ; '' then went away into their rooms , said their prayers , and nestled down into their beds . Ned slept alone in the room next that which Polly and Will had ; and , after lying quiet a little while , he called out softly : `` I say , Polly , are you asleep ? '' `` No : I 'm thinking what a queer day we 've had , '' answered Polly . `` It 's been a good day , and I 'm glad we tried our wish ; for the shadows showed us , as well as they could , what we ought to do and be . I sha n't forget it , shall you ? ''
said XXXXX .
Mother Ned day fro hearthstone nightgowns phantoms rocking-chair shadow-children whimpers