Skip to content
1770–1850

TO SLEEP

William Wordsworth

O gentle sleep! do they belong to thee, These twinklings of oblivion? Thou dost love To sit in meekness, like the brooding Dove, A captive never wishing to be free.

This tiresome night, O Sleep! thou art to me A Fly, that up and down himself doth shove Upon a fretful rivulet, now above Now on the water vexed with mockery.

I have no pain that calls for patience, no; Hence am Icross and peevish as a child: Ampleased by fits to have thee for my foe, Yet ever willing to be reconciled:

O gentle Creature! do not use me so, But once and deeply let me be beguiled.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
TO SLEEP · William Wordsworth · Poetry Cove