SING lullaby, as women do, <br /> Wherewith they bring their babes to rest; <br />And lullaby can I sing too, <br /> As womanly as can the best. <br />With lullaby they still the child; <br />And if I be not much beguiled, <br />Full many a wanton babe have I, <br />Which must be still'd with lullaby. <br /> <br />First lullaby my youthful years, <br /> It is now time to go to bed: <br />For crooked age and hoary hairs <br /> Have won the haven within my head. <br />With lullaby, then, youth be still; <br />With lullaby content thy will; <br />Since courage quails and comes behind, <br />Go sleep, and so beguile thy mind! <br /> <br />Next lullaby my gazing eyes, <br /> Which wonted were to glance apace; <br />For every glass may now suffice <br /> To show the furrows in thy face. <br />With lullaby then wink awhile; <br />With lullaby your looks beguile; <br />Let no fair face, nor beauty bright, <br />Entice you eft with vain delight. <br /> <br />And lullaby my wanton will; <br /> Let reason's rule now reign thy thought; <br />Since all too late I find by skill <br /> How dear I have thy fancies bought; <br />With lullaby now take thine ease, <br />With lullaby thy doubts appease; <br />For trust to this, if thou be still, <br />My body shall obey thy will. <br /> <br />Thus lullaby my youth, mine eyes, <br /> My will, my ware, and all that was: <br />I can no more delays devise; <br /> But welcome pain, let pleasure pass. <br />With lullaby now take your leave; <br />With lullaby your dreams deceive; <br />And when you rise with waking eye, <br />Remember then this lullaby.<br /><br />George Gascoigne<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-lover-s-lullaby/
