Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SLEEP, by ABRAHAM COWLEY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SLEEP, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: In vain, thou drousy god, I thee invoke
Last Line: Thou scorn'st th' unhappy; and the happy thee.
Subject(s): Sleep


1.

IN vain, thou drousy God, I thee invoke;
For thou, who dost from fumes arise,
Thou, who Man's Soule dost over-shade
With a thick Cloud, by Vapours made,
Canst have no Power to shut his eyes,
Or passage of his Spi'rits to choak,
Whose Flam's so pure, that it sends up no smoak.

2.

Yet how do Tears but from some Vapours rise?
Tears, that bewinter all my Year?
The Fate of AEgypt I sustain,
And never feel the dew of Rain,
From Clouds within the Head appear,
But all my too much Moysture owe,
To overflowings of the Heart below.

3.

Thou, who dost Men (as Nights to Colours doe)
Bring all to an Equality:
Come, thou just God, and equall me
A while to my disdainful She;
In that condition let me ly;
Till Love does the favour shew;
Love equalls all a better way then You.

4.

Then never more shalt thou be 'invoakt by me;
Watchful as Spirits, and Gods I'le prove:
Let her but grant, and then will I,
Thee and thy Kinsman Death defie.
For betwixt Thee and them that love,
Never will an agreement be;
Thou scorn'st th' Unhappy; and the Happy Thee.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net