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A Child Asleep Lyrics by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Vol. II

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I.
       &nbspHow he sleepeth, having drunken
       &nbsp       &nbspWeary childhood's mandragore!
       &nbspFrom its pretty eyes have sunken
       &nbsp       &nbspPleasures to make room for more;
Sleeping near the withered nosegay which he pulled the day before.
II.
       &nbspNosegays! leave them for the waking;
       &nbsp       &nbspThrow them earthward where they grew;
       &nbspDim are such beside the breaking
       &nbsp       &nbspAmaranths he looks unto:
Folded eyes see brighter colours than the open ever do.
III.
       &nbspHeaven-flowers, rayed by shadows golden
       &nbsp       &nbspFrom the palms they sprang beneath,
       &nbspNow perhaps divinely holden,
       &nbsp       &nbspSwing against him in a wreath:
We may think so from the quickening of his bloom and of his breath.
IV.
       &nbspVision unto vision calleth
       &nbsp       &nbspWhile the young child dreameth on:
       &nbspFair, O dreamer, thee befalleth
       &nbsp       &nbspWith the glory thou hast won!
Darker wast thou in the garden yestermorn by summer sun.
V.
       &nbspWe should see the spirits ringing
       &nbsp       &nbspRound thee, were the clouds away:
       &nbsp'T is the child-heart draws them, singing
       &nbsp       &nbspIn the silent-seeming clay—
Singing! stars that seem the mutest go in music all the way.
VI.
       &nbspAs the moths around a taper,
       &nbsp       &nbspAs the bees around a rose,
       &nbspAs the gnats around a vapour,
       &nbsp       &nbspSo the spirits group and close
Round about a holy childhood as if drinking its repose.
VII.
       &nbspShapes of brightness overlean thee,
       &nbsp       &nbspFlash their diadems of youth
       &nbspOn the ringlets which half screen thee,
       &nbsp       &nbspWhile thou smilest ... not in sooth
Thy smile, but the overfair one, dropt from some etherial mouth.
VIII.
       &nbspHaply it is angels' duty,
       &nbsp       &nbspDuring slumber, shade by shade
       &nbspTo fine down this childish beauty
       &nbsp       &nbspTo the thing it must be made
Ere the world shall bring it praises, or the tomb shall see it fade.
IX.
       &nbspSoftly, softly! make no noises!
       &nbsp       &nbspNow he lieth dead and dumb;
       &nbspNow he hears the angels' voices
       &nbsp       &nbspFolding silence in the room
Now he muses deep the meaning of the Heaven-words as they come.
X.
       &nbspSpeak not! he is consecrated;
       &nbsp       &nbspBreathe no breath across his eyes:
       &nbspLifted up and separated
       &nbsp       &nbspOn the hand of God he lies
In a sweetness beyond touching, held in cloistral sanctities.
XI.
       &nbspCould ye bless him, father—mother,
       &nbsp       &nbspBless the dimple in his cheek?
       &nbspDare ye look at one another
       &nbsp       &nbspAnd the benediction speak?
Would ye not break out in weeping and confess yourselves too weak?
XII.
       &nbspHe is harmless, ye are sinful;
       &nbsp       &nbspYe are troubled, he at ease;
       &nbspFrom his slumber virtue winful
       &nbsp       &nbspFloweth outward with increase.
Dare not bless him! but be blessèd by his peace, and go in peace.
Credits
Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

About “A Child Asleep” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Read the complete lyrics to "A Child Asleep" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning from the album "The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Vol. II". On Lyrks you can follow along with the full text, explore the artist's discography, and discover related songs. The track is often categorized under Non-Music, Literature.

"A Child Asleep" is performed by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. from the album "The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Vol. II" This page provides the full lyric text for fans who want to sing along, study the songwriting, or compare versions across releases. Lyrks organizes lyrics by artist and song slug so you can bookmark and share a stable URL. Music lyrics help listeners connect with emotion, narrative, and rhythm in a track. Whether you are learning English, researching a favorite chorus, or preparing for karaoke, having accurate line breaks and section labels (verse, chorus, bridge) makes the experience easier. We link to the official artist profile on Lyrks where available, including biography snippets, top songs, and chart placements when we have that data. If you enjoy "A Child Asleep", explore more songs by Elizabeth Barrett Browning using the links below. Chart and trending pages on Lyrks highlight what listeners are searching for this week. For copyright or correction requests, see our DMCA and contact pages.

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Frequently asked questions

"A Child Asleep" is credited to Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Songwriting credits may include additional writers listed on the release; check the credits section on this page for linked collaborators.

"A Child Asleep" appears on "The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Vol. II".

Visit the Elizabeth Barrett Browning artist page at /artist/elizabeth-barrett-browning for biography, popular tracks, and links to more lyric pages.