Joanna Baillie - On A Sleeping Boy lyrics

SLEEP --and while slumber weighs thine eyelids down, May no foul phantom o'er thy pillow frown; But brightest visions deck thy tranquil bed, And angels wings o'ercanopy thy head. Sleep on, sweet boy! may no dark dream arise To mar thy rosy rest--thou babe of Paradise! See where the glowing hands are closely prest, As when from pray'r he softly sunk to rest; Mark how with half-clos'd lips and cherub smile, He looks, as still he pray'd, and slept the while; Yet, yet they seem as if they whisper'd praise For all the blessings of his halcyon days. Bid, Oh, Almighty Father, God and Friend! Religion's glories on his steps attend; To shine through all the dreary storms of life, A splendid beacon in this world of strife; And when to Thee recall'd, he sinks in d**h, May pray'r and praise still bless his parting breath!