A LOVER'S LULLABY
by: George Gascoigne (1525?-1577)
- ING lullaby, as women do,
- Wherewith they bring their babes to rest;
- And lullaby can I sing too,
- As womanly as can the best.
- With lullaby they still the child;
- And if I be not much beguiled,
- Full many a wanton babe have I,
- Which must be still'd with lullaby.
-
- First lullaby my youthful years,
- It is now time to go to bed:
- For crookèd age and hoary hairs
- Have won the haven within my head.
- With lullaby, then, youth be still;
- With lullaby content thy will;
- Since courage quails and comes behind,
- Go sleep, and so beguile thy mind!
-
- Next lullaby my gazing eyes,
- Which wonted were to glance apace;
- For every glass may now suffice
- To show the furrows in thy face.
- With lullaby then wink awhile;
- With lullaby your looks beguile;
- Let no fair face, nor beauty bright,
- Entice you eft with vain delight.
-
- And lullaby my wanton will;
- Let reason's rule now reign thy thought;
- Since all too late I find by skill
- How dear I have thy fancies bought;
- With lullaby now take thine ease,
- With lullaby thy doubts appease;
- For trust to this, if thou be still,
- My body shall obey thy will.
-
- Thus lullaby my youth, mine eyes,
- My will, my ware, and all that was:
- I can no more delay devise;
- But welcome pain, let pleasure pass.
- With lullaby no take your leave;
- With lullaby your dreams deceive;
- And when you rise with waking eye,
- Remember then this lullaby.
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POEMS BY GEORGE GASCOIGNE |
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