LXXXIV: To Sleep

The FUMIGATION from a Poppy. SLEEP, king of Gods, and men of mortal birth, Sov'reign of all sustain'd by mother Earth; p. 223 For thy dominion is supreme alone, O'er all extended, and by all things known. 'Tis thine all bodies with benignant mind 5 In other bands than those of brass to bind: Tamer of cares, to weary toil repose, From whom sweet solace in affliction flows. Thy pleasing, gentle chains preserve the soul, And e'en the dreadful cares of death controul; 10 For death and Lethe with oblivious stream, Mankind thy genuine brothers justly deem. With fav'ring aspect to my pray'r incline, And save thy mystics in their works divine.