Before Sleeping

When I sleep. Love, be thou near;
Let me hear
In my heart thy voice, and say,

"All the day
I have done thy will and hers."

Sleep confers
Many blessings; but, to me.

What shall be
Half so sweet as dreamless rest?

That is best!
If she come in any dream.

And I seem
To embrace her while I cry,

"Thou and L
Are together once again,"

How the pain
Of awakening should I bear?

O Love, hear!
Keep all evil dreams away;

Only say,
"By thy side my watch I keep.
Sleep, son, sleep!"