Edward Rowland Sill (1841–1887)

BE still and sleep, my soul!

Now gentle-footed Night

In softly shadowed stole

Holds all the day from sight.

Why shouldst thou lie and stare

Against the dark, and toss,

And live again thy care,

Thine agony and loss?

’T was given thee to live,

And thou hast lived it all;

Let that suffice, nor give

One thought what may befall.

Thou hast no need to wake,

Thou art no sentinel;

Love all the care will take,

And Wisdom watcheth well.

Weep not, think not, but rest!

The stars in silence roll;

On the world’s mother-breast,

Be still and sleep, my soul!