FRAGMENT XXVI.
SLEEP.
I
Come, Sleep, thou transient, but thou sure relief,
Shed o'er my aching eyes thy soothing pow'r,
And mingle with their ceaseless tear of grief
One drop, extracted from thy opiate flow'r.
II
Shroud oh! sweet Sleep! in thy oblivious veil,
Each woe that would repel thy balmy reign,
And o'er each wearied sense as softly steal
The welcome bondage of thy unfelt chain.
III
Sooth to forgetfulness my care-worn mind,
Dispel awhile each sad prophetic fear,
And mem'ry in thy gentle thraldom bind,
And steal this sigh, and chase this starting tear;
IV
And call the mimic Fancy to thy aid,
With all her frolic, illusory train;
With rosy visions cheer thy vot'rist maid,
With welcome treach'ry steal her bosom's pain.
V
Each fond affection in her heart revive,
By waking apathy long lull'd to rest;
Once to each thrilling tone of joy alive,
Though dormant now within her joyless breast.
VI
Thus come, delightful and delusive Sleep,
Thus o'er my wither'd spirits claim thy pow'r;
In thy sweet balm each anguish'd feeling steep;
For days of suff'ring give one blissful hour.
