Classic Poem

Sleep , my little one, sleep.
A cradle of pure gold I have made,
Of Ophir gold,
Shaped as was shaped the ark of old
Where Moses was laid:
Set with pearls and rubies aflame,
And precious stones of every name.
It is fashioned out of my heart's true love,
The yearning and burning and learning of love
Sleep, my little one, sleep.

Sleep, my little one, sleep.
I have fitted with softest down thy bed:
An angel's wing
Yielded for thee this offering,
For thy dear head.
Lay thee down,—may thy dreams be sweet.
God Himself guard thee from head to feet.
Thy bed is within thy mother's breast.
At rest and all blest in thy mother's breast,
Sleep, my little one, sleep.

Sleep, my little one, sleep.
I have woven a dainty gown for thee,
Dainty and white.
It is made of the morning's light
And is fair to see:
In every thread is wrought a charm
To hold thee safe from evil and harm.
It is fashioned out of my evening prayer,
My care that goes forth in an eager prayer.
Sleep, my little one, sleep.

Sleep, my little one, sleep.
I wrap thee round in a coverlet,
Finest of silk,
Red as the rose and white as the milk;
And on it is set,
The story tapestried all fair,
Of angels descending the golden stair.
It is fashioned out of my heart's true love,
The bliss and the kiss of my true love.
Sleep, my little one, sleep.