Night Song

Ah, from your pillowed dreaming,

Give me but half an ear!

Now, while my lute is thrumming,

Sleep on—what would you more?

Now, with my lute-song blending,

The starry legions pour

Blessings on love unending;

Sleep on—what would you more?

This breath of love unending

Lifts me now high and clear

From earth’s tumultuous grinding:

Sleep on—what would you more?

On earth’s tumultuous straining

Too well you’d shut my door;

I’m banished, chill, complaining—

Sleep on—what would you more?

I’m banished, chill, unblooming,

But in your dream, give ear:

Might I thy pillowed dreaming

Sleep too—what would you more?

1804