Gentle divinity, how have I merited? <br />Whither, unfortunate wretch, have I strayed, <br />Thus of thy bounty to lie disenherited - <br />I alone whilst every other is paid? <br />Sleeping are cattle and birds without number, <br />Beasts of the wilderness rest in their lair; <br />Even the hills, as if weary, feign slumber, <br />Even the torment sighs soft in the air. <br /> <br />Lulled are the shuttering waves of the ocean, <br />Seas in the lap of the land lie at peace. <br />Only for me in monotonous motion <br />Day follows day, and there comes no release. <br /> <br />Moonlight & starlight & light of the morning <br />Seven times flit o'er my feverish cheek. <br />Once again Dawn's chilly hand offers warning. <br />Whither, oh whither for rest shall I seek? <br /> <br />Had I the eyes of an Argus, nor heeded <br />Ever to keep my whole body awake - <br />Half of the sentries alone being needed - <br />Still I could never my slumber-thirst slake. <br /> <br />Yet - if there's one in the arms of a lover <br />Scornful of sleep and the joy that sleep brings, <br />Come thou to me! I'll not ask thee to cover <br />My eyes with the fullest extant of thy wings <br /> <br />Happier suitors may sue for such blessing, <br />I'll beg a touch, be it ever so slight, <br />Of thy wand, or a whisk of thy garment caressing <br />My eyelids to droop as it crosses the night.<br /><br />Pablius Papinius Statius<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ode-to-sleep/
