To Sleep

Slumber, blest balm for all the cares that tease Sad spirits weary and o'ertoiled, oh deign To bring, in kind compassion of my pain, A little interval of rest and ease! My nights are such, that when I most should seize On soft repose, then most I have to weep That it disdains to lull my pangs asleep, Deaf to my murmured prayers and earnest pleas. Come thou who calm'st all agony and woe, Come now, calm mine, and conquer him whose power Oppresses all beside, fierce Cupid,—so Happy be thy desires in bed and bower; And wreaths of breathed ambrosia without end, Thy beauteous Pasithea's steps attend!