The Poetry Corner

A Serenade.

By Thomas Hood

"Lullaby, oh, lullaby!" Thus I heard a father cry, "Lullaby, oh, lullaby!" The brat will never shut an eye; Hither come, some power divine! Close his lids, or open mine! "Lullaby, oh, lullaby! What the devil makes him cry? Lullaby, oh, lullaby! Still he stares - I wonder why, Why are not the sons of earth Blind, like puppies, from the birth?" "Lullaby, oh, lullaby!" Thus I heard the father cry; "Lullaby, oh, lullaby! Mary, you must come and try! - Hush, oh, hush, for mercy's sake - The more I sing, the more you wake!" "Lullaby, oh, lullaby! Fie, you little creature, fie! Lullaby, oh, lullaby! Is no poppy-syrup nigh? Give him some, or give him all, I am nodding to his fall!" "Lullaby, oh, lullaby! Two such nights, and I shall die! Lullaby, oh, lullaby! He'll be bruised, and so shall I, - " "How can I from bedposts keep, When I'm walking in my sleep?" "Lullaby, oh, lullaby! Sleep his very looks deny - Lullaby, oh, lullaby; Nature soon will stupefy - My nerves relax, - my eyes grow dim - Who's that fallen - me or him?"