Sleep at last has fled these eyes, <br />Nor do I regret his flight, <br />More alert my spirits rise, <br />And my heart is free and light. <br /> <br />Nature silent all around, <br />Not a single witness near; <br />God as soon as sought is found; <br />And the flame of love burns clear. <br /> <br />Interruption, all day long, <br />Checks the current of my joys; <br />Creatures press me with a throng, <br />And perplex me with their noise. <br /> <br />Undisturbed I muse all night, <br />On the first Eternal Fair; <br />Nothing there obstructs delight, <br />Love is renovated there. <br /> <br />Life, with its perpetual stir, <br />Proves a foe to love and me; <br />Fresh entanglements occur-- <br />Comes the night, and sets me free. <br /> <br />Never more, sweet sleep, suspend <br />My enjoyments, always new: <br />Leave me to possess my friend; <br />Other eyes and hearts subdue. <br /> <br />Hush the world, that I may wake <br />To the taste of pure delights; <br />Oh the pleasures I partake-- <br />God, the partner of my nights! <br /> <br />David, for the selfsame cause, <br />Night preferred to busy day; <br />Hearts whom heavenly beauty draws, <br />Wish the glaring sun away. <br /> <br />Sleep, self–lovers, is for you-- <br />Souls that love celestial know <br />Fairer scenes by night can view <br />Than the sun could ever show.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/watching-unto-god-in-the-night-season/
