University of Virginia Library


546

LULLABY.

So tired on this bright day of summer,
So faint with the fragrance of flowers,
Her tongue than the green grass is dumber,
Her senses the heat overpowers;
And what, now all these overcome her,
Shall we do for this darling of ours?
A mantle of velvet we give her,
And jewels that star-like shall gleam,
And a crown of red poppies to quiver
And nod as she crosses the stream—
As she crosses the still Slumber River,
And enters the broad land of Dream.
In that land let her wander at pleasure,
And visit the people of Sleep,
Who are lavish of glittering treasure
They rather would give her than keep,
And share in their joy beyond measure,
Till her heart in an ecstasy leap.
No black, frightful vision pursue her,
No trouble her senses affright;
But bright shapes and beautiful woo her,
Each clad in a vesture of light;
And exquisite pleasure thrill through her
The whole of the sweet summer night.
And if of her bliss she should weary,
As weary she possibly may,

547

Let the soul of our golden-haired dearie
Come back to its dwelling of clay,
To make our existence less dreary,
And add a new light to the day.