Classic Poem

While sways the restless sea
Beyond the shore,
And the waves sing listlessly
Their secret lore,
And the soft fragrant air
From off the deep
Scarce stirs thine outspread hair,—
Sleep!

Far up in purple skies
Great lamps hang out,
White flames that fall and rise
In motley rout;
While fall their silver rays
O'er crag and steep,
Woodlands and meadow-ways,—
Sleep!

While the moon's amber gleams
Gild rock and flower,
Let no untimely dreams
Possess the hour:
Let no vague fears the heart
'Mid slumber keep,
In dreams love hath no smart,—