What horrid Crime did gentle Sleep displease?
That he refuses me the common Ease
Of Bird and Beast. Nay, every bending Tree
Seems but to nod with Sleep to waking me.
Fierce Rivers softly glide, Seas faintly roar,
And roll themselves asleep upon the Shore.
Seven times the Moon has measur'd out the Night,
Seven times my Eyes outwatch'd her borrow'd Light.
The shining Stars, as in their Orbs they move,
As oft have seen me waking from above.
Still my Complaints reviv'd Aurora hears,
And mov'd with Pity, baths me in her Tears.
How will my Strength to bear my Grief suffice?
Like Argus I have not a thousand Eyes,
That may alternately their Watching take,
His Body never was all o're awake.
If any amorous youth kind Sleep denies
To lodge, at present, in his wanton Eyes
Clasping with longing Arms the yielding Dame,
And quits his Rest to ease a restless Flame;
Let the ill-treated God take wing to me,
Who have so long beg'd for his Company.
I will not ask him a whole Night to stay;
A happier man must for that Blessing pray;
Let him but call upon me in his way.