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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO SLEEP by GIOVANNI DELLA CASA

First Line: O SLEEP, O TRANQUIL SON OF NOISELESS NIGHT
Last Line: (JOHN ADDINGTON SYMONDS)
Subject(s): SLEEP;

O SLEEP, O tranquil son of noiseless Night,
Of humid, shadowy Night; O dear repose
For wearied men, forgetfulness of woes
Grievous enough the bloom of life to blight!
Succor this heart that hath outworn delight,
And knows no rest; these tired limbs compose;
Fly to me, Sleep; thy dusky vans disclose
Over my languid eyes, then cease thy flight.
Where, where is Silence, that avoids the day?
Where the light dreams, that with a wavering tread
And unsubstantial footing follow thee?
Alas! in vain I call thee; and these gray,
These frigid shades flatter in vain. O bed,
How rough with thorns! O nights, how harsh to me!

(@3John Addington Symonds@1)



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