Page:Poems Holley.djvu/63

But would I could forget those other days
 When if with gayer gleam mine eyes had shone,
Or, shade of sorrow, gentlest eyes would gaze
 With tender questioning into my own.
       Oh, baby, sleep, my baby, sleep.

Thine eyes are brown—thou hast thy father's eyes,
 But those, my darling, those were clear and blue,
Al me! how sorrowfully that sea-bird cries,
 Cries for its mate, oh, tender bird and true;
       My baby, sleep, my baby, sleep.

Oh, of my truest love well worthy he,
 And near was I, ah, nearest to his heart;
But ships are parted on the dreary sea
 Swept by the waves, forever swept apart—
       Oh, baby, sleep, my baby, sleep.

And sometimes sad-eyed women sighing say,
 Sweet love is lost, all that remains is rest,
So in their weakness they are lured to lay
 Their head upon some strong and loving breast.
       Oh, baby, sleep, my baby, sleep.
******
Our cabin stands upon the dreary sands,
 And it is sad to be alone, alone.
But on my bosom thou hast lain thy hands,
 Near to me art thou, near, my precious one—
       My baby, sleep, my baby, sleep.