An ODE To SLEEP

Come, gentle God of soft Repose, And charm my Soul to Rest; In thy Embraces let me lose The Cares that rack my Breast.

Arise, ye dear Deceits, arise, And drest in Damon's Form, My long-expecting, wishing Eyes With his Resemblance charm.

Those melting Sounds still let me hear, Which did his Flame impart; Which blest with Love my list'ning Ear, And pierc'd my yielding Heart.

Why rove my Thoughts on fancied Bliss Which only Dreams bestow; For oh whene'er the Morn appears, I wake to real Woe.

The envious Light from my sad Eyes, Drives all my Bliss away; With Night the lovely Phantom flies, And leaves me lost in Day.

Since waking then I am distrest, And Pleasure's fled with him; If sleeping I can still be blest, Let Life be all a Dream.