The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of fairgrounds danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long summer’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the garden, the grass and the tree
Gave the lustre of mid-day to what I could see.
When, what to my wondering eyes should arrive,
But a tractor-driven float passing the end of my drive.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the lane
Classic cars lining up for the parade again.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
I saw balloons floating without any sound.

We sprang to our beds, to our kids gave a kiss,
And asleep we all fell with nothing amiss.
But we heard them exclaim as the bunting pulled tight,
“Happy Carnival to all, and to all a good night!”