Then, even of fellowship, O Moon, tell me, Do they above love to be lov'd, and yet INVOCATION TO SLEEP. BY SIR PHILIP SIDNEY. COME, Sleep, O Sleep, the certain knot of peace, I will good tribute pay, if thou do so. [From BYRD's songs, &c. about the year 1588. Little is known of this writer.] My mind to me a kingdom is, Such perfect joy therein I find, That it excels all other bliss That God or nature hath assign'd: Though much I want that most would have, Yet still my mind forbids to crave. No princely port, nor wealthy store, Nor force to win a victory; No wily wit to salve a sore, No shape to win a loving eye; I see that plenty surfeits oft, And hasty climbers soonest fall; I see that such as are aloft, Mishap doth threaten most of all; These get with toil, and keep with fear: Such cares my mind can never bear. I press to bear no haughty sway; I wish no more than may suffice; I do no more than well I may, Look what I want, my mind supplies; Lo, thus I triumph like a king, My mind's content with anything. I laugh not at another's loss, Nor grudge not at another's gain; My wealth is health and perfect ease, I never seek by bribes to please, Nor by desert to give offence; Thus do I live, thus will I die e; Would all do so as well as I! K |