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Poems

Chapter 44: SLEEP, MINSTREL, SLEEP!
By Cora C. Bass
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Poetry

About This Book

A compact collection of short lyrics and occasional longer pieces that pair devotional reflection with sentimental and patriotic themes. Poems move between nature scenes, seascapes, and seasonal detail to explore faith, hope, duty, and the consolations of memory. Language tends toward clear, hymnlike phrasing and moral admonition, with moments of celebratory exhortation and public commemoration interspersed among intimate domestic and pastoral sketches.

SLEEP, MINSTREL, SLEEP!

Celia Thaxter.

Sleep, minstrel, sleep!
The island home is lonely, dear, to-day,
And moaning billows ceaseless vigil keep.
Sleep, minstrel, sleep!
Sleep, minstrel, sleep!
A hallowed light illuminates the bay,
Where thy sweet spirit loved to hymn the deep.
Sleep, minstrel, sleep!
Sleep, minstrel, sleep!
Though generations rise and pass away,
Thy songs sublime shall still the silence sweep.
Sleep, minstrel, sleep!
Sleep, minstrel, sleep!
Beside thy couch eternal fountains play
And angels hover near thee:—yet, we weep.
Sleep, minstrel, sleep!