Sleep on, and dream of Heaven awhile
Tho’ shut so close thy laughing eyes,
Thy rosy lips still wear a smile
And move, and breathe delicious sighs!
Ah, now soft blushes tinge her cheeks
And mantle o’er her neck of snow:
Ah, now she murmurs, now she speaks
What most I wish and fear to know!
She starts, she trembles, and she weeps!
Her fair hands folded on her breast:
And now, how like a saint she sleeps!
A seraph in the realms of rest!
Sleep on secure! Above controul
Thy thoughts belong to Heaven and thee:
And may the secret of thy soul
Remain within its sanctuary!
By Samuel Rogers ( 1763-1855)
