He Giveth His Beloved Sleep
"He Giveth His Beloved Sleep" by Andrew Barton Paterson is a poem that explores the themes of love, sacrifice, and mortality. The speaker of the poem reflects on the act of giving one's beloved sleep, suggesting that it is a symbol of the ultimate gift of love and devotion. Through the use of imagery and metaphor, Paterson creates a sense of longing and melancholy, emphasizing the transience of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with those we love.
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1908 · Genre: Poetry, Classic Literature, Australian Literature · 222 words
First lines
The long day passes with its load of sorrow: / In slumber deep / I lay me down to rest until to-morrow -- / Thank God for sleep.
Thank God for all respite from weary toiling, / From cares that creep / Across our lives like evil shadows, spoiling / God's kindly sleep.
We plough and sow, and, as the hours grow later, / We strive to reap, / And build our barns, and hope to build them greater / Before we sleep.
We toil and strain and strive with one another / In hopes to heap / Some greater share of profit than our brother / Before we sleep.
Similar titles
- Endymion by John Keats
- Poetry by William Shakespeare
- Children Of Dream by Bliss Carman
- Lancelot And Elaine by Alfred Tennyson
- The Princess by Alfred Tennyson
- Sea Dreams by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The book is a collection of poetry written by Andrew Barton Paterson.
- Classic Literature — The book is a piece of classic literature by a renowned Australian author, which also reflects its themes and linguistic style from the turn of the 20th century.
- Australian Literature — Given the author's distinctively Australian perspective and influences, this book falls under the genre of Australian Literature.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Sleep · Dreams · Fantasy · Mythology · Symbolism · Metaphor · Allegory · Fable · Tales
What this Textopian page supports
He Giveth His Beloved Sleep is listed on Textopian as a poem by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Andrew Barton Paterson
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Classic Literature, Australian Literature
- Length: 222 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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