A LOVER'S LULLABY

by: George Gascoigne (1525?-1577)

      ING lullaby, as women do,
      Wherewith they bring their babes to rest;
      And lullaby can I sing too,
      As womanly as can the best.
      With lullaby they still the child;
      And if I be not much beguiled,
      Full many a wanton babe have I,
      Which must be still'd with lullaby.
       
      First lullaby my youthful years,
      It is now time to go to bed:
      For crookèd age and hoary hairs
      Have won the haven within my head.
      With lullaby, then, youth be still;
      With lullaby content thy will;
      Since courage quails and comes behind,
      Go sleep, and so beguile thy mind!
       
      Next lullaby my gazing eyes,
      Which wonted were to glance apace;
      For every glass may now suffice
      To show the furrows in thy face.
      With lullaby then wink awhile;
      With lullaby your looks beguile;
      Let no fair face, nor beauty bright,
      Entice you eft with vain delight.
       
      And lullaby my wanton will;
      Let reason's rule now reign thy thought;
      Since all too late I find by skill
      How dear I have thy fancies bought;
      With lullaby now take thine ease,
      With lullaby thy doubts appease;
      For trust to this, if thou be still,
      My body shall obey thy will.
       
      Thus lullaby my youth, mine eyes,
      My will, my ware, and all that was:
      I can no more delay devise;
      But welcome pain, let pleasure pass.
      With lullaby no take your leave;
      With lullaby your dreams deceive;
      And when you rise with waking eye,
      Remember then this lullaby.

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