James Stephens

Midnight

And then I wakened up in such a fright;
I thought I heard a movement in the room
But did not dare to look; I snuggled right
Down underneath the bedclothes—then the boom

Of a tremendous voice said, 'Sit up, lad,
And let me see your face.' So up I sat,
Although I didn't want to. I was glad
I did though, for it was an angel that

Had called me, and he said, he'd come to know
Was I the boy who wouldn't say his prayers
Nor do his sums, and that I'd have to go
Straight down to hell because of such affairs.

... I said I'd be converted and do good
If he would let me off—he said he would.