Part 2 — THE SLEEPING BEAUTY
Reading edition
Sleep on, and dream of Heaven awhile— Though shut so close thy laughing eyes, Thy rosy lips still wear a smile And move, and breathe delicious sighs!
Ah, now soft blushes tinge her cheeks And mantle o'er her neck of snow: Ah, now she murmurs, now she speaks What most I wish—and fear to know!
She starts, she trembles, and she weeps! Her fair hands folded on her breast: —And now, how like a saint she sleeps! A seraph in the realms of rest!
Sleep on secure! Above control Thy thoughts belong to Heaven and thee: And may the secret of thy soul Remain within its sanctuary!
Samuel Rogers [1763-1855]