Elegiac sonnets. Volume 1 of 2  contents   |   previous   |   next SONNET XI. TO SLEEP. COME balmy Sleep! tir'd nature's soft resort!          On these sad temples all thy poppies shed; And bid gay dreams, from Morpheus' airy court,          Float in light vision round my aching head! [Note:] SONNET XI. Line 4. Float in light vision round my aching head. Float in light vision round the poet's head. Mason. Secure of all thy blessings, partial Power!          On his hard bed the peasant throws him down; And the poor sea boy, in the rudest hour, [Note:] SONNET XI. Line 7. And the poor sea boy, is the rudest hour, Enjoys thee more than he who wears a crown. Wilt thou upon the high and giddy mast Seal up the ship boy's eyes, and rock his brains In cradle of the rude impetuous surge? etc. Shakespeare's Henry IV.          Enjoys thee more than he who wears a crown. Clasp'd in her faithful shepherd's guardian arms,          Well may the village girl sweet slumbers prove; And they, O gentle Sleep! still taste thy charms,          Who wake to labour, liberty, and love. But still thy opiate aid dost thou deny To calm the anxious breast; to close the streaming eye.  contents   |   previous   |   next		HOME INTRODUCTION