IN ABSENCE.

Sleep, dearest, sleep beside the murmuring sea;

Sleep, dearest, sleep, and bright dreams compass thee.

My sleepless thoughts a guard of love shall be

Around thy couch and bid thee dream of me.

Sleep, Bright Eyes, sleep.

Sleep, dearest, sleep, the slumber of the pure;

Sleep, dearest, sleep, in angels’ care secure.

Evil itself thy beauty would allure

To cease from ill and make thy joyance sure.

Sleep, Bright Eyes, sleep.

Sleep, dearest, sleep; in slumber thou art mine;

Sleep, dearest, sleep; our souls still intertwine.

Yon radiant star that on thy couch doth shine

Bears from my lips a kiss to lay on thine.

Sleep, Bright Eyes, sleep.