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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LANGUEDOC FOLK LULLABY by ANONYMOUS

First Line: IF MY BOY SLEEP QUIETLY
Last Line: WITH THREE TALL BELFRIES RINGING

If my boy sleep quietly,
He shall see the busy bee,
When't has made its honey fine,
Dancing in the bright sunshine.

If my boy will slumber,
Angels, without number,
Will draw near, so fair and bright;
For they only come at night.

If my boy lie still in bed,
God, too, will be pleased and glad,
And will say: "I'll send to him
All night long the loveliest dream."

E'en the Virgin will come down,
On her head a golden crown,
And will talk to my dear child
With her smile, so sweet and mild.

Hush, hush, my little babe!
And thou shalt have in a trice,
Alexandria for thy sugar,
And Cairo for thy rice.

The great Constantinople,
For three long years of pleasure,
Three Asiatic cities,
To fill thy chest with treasure.

Three provinces around,
Their tribute duly bringing;
Three mountain monasteries.
With three tall belfries ringing.



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