Lo, by thy charming rod all breathing things
Lie slumbering, with forgetfulness possessed.

_William Drummond of Hawthornden_.




VII.

Come, Sleep, and with thy sweet deceiving
Lock me in delight awhile;
Let some pleasing dreams beguile
All my fancies; that from thence
I may feel an influence,
All my powers of care bereaving!

Though but a shadow, but a sliding
Let me know some little joy!
We that suffer long annoy
Are contented with a thought
Through an idle fancy wrought;
O let my joys have some abiding!

_John Fletcher_.




VIII.