Part 1 — CRADLE SONG

Lord Gabriel, wilt thou not rejoice When at last a little boy's Cheek lies heavy as a rose, And his eyelids close?

Gabriel, when that hush may be, This sweet hand all heedfully I'll undo, for thee alone, From his mother's own.

Then the far blue highways paven With the burning stars of heaven, He shall gladden with the sweet Hasting of his feet—

Feet so brightly bare and cool, Leaping, as from pool to pool; From a little laughing boy Splashing rainbow joy!

Gabriel, wilt thou understand How to keep his hovering hand— Never shut, as in a bond, From the bright beyond?—

Nay, but though it cling and close Tightly as a climbing rose, Clasp it only so—aright, Lest his heart take fright.

(Dormi, dormi tu: The dusk is hung with blue.)

Lord Michael, wilt not thou rejoice When at last a little boy's Heart, a shut-in murmuring bee, Turns him unto thee?

Wilt thou heed thine armor well— To take his hand from Gabriel, So his radiant cup of dream May not spill a gleam?

He will take thy heart in thrall, Telling o'er thy breastplate, all Colors, in his bubbling speech, With his hand to each.

(Dormi, dormi tu. Sapphire is the blue: Pearl and beryl, they are called, Chrysoprase and emerald, Sard and amethyst. Numbered so, and kissed.)

Ah, but find some angel word For thy sharp, subduing sword! Yea, Lord Michael, make no doubt He will find it out:

(Dormi, dormi tu! His eyes will look at you.)

Last, a little morning space, Lead him to that leafy place Where Our Lady sits awake, For all mothers' sake.

Bosomed with the Blessed One, He shall mind her of her Son, Once so folded from all harms, In her shrining arms.

(In her veil of blue, Dormi, dormi tu.)

So;—and fare thee well. Softly,—Gabriel... When the first faint red shall come, Bid the Day-star lead him home, For the bright world's sake— To my heart, awake.

Josephine Preston Peabody [1874-1922]