Lullaby by Sabine Baring-Gould
The work is a lullaby that conveys a soothing and comforting message to a child. It emphasizes the themes of separation and longing, as the father is away at sea, creating a sense of both distance and protection. Each stanza reassures the child of the father's love and presence, despite his physical absence. The imagery evokes a serene nighttime environment, with references to the moon, owls, glow-worms, and the sounds of nature, which contribute to a calming atmosphere. The repetition of the phrase "Sleep, baby sleep" serves as a gentle command, reinforcing the idea of safety and tranquility. The lullaby also reflects on the father's journey, suggesting that he is engaged in a noble or adventurous task while the child remains at home, waiting for his return. The final stanza introduces a sense of anticipation, as the child is promised gifts upon the father's return, symbolizing love and care. Overall, the work encapsulates the emotional bond between parent and child, highlighting themes of love, reassurance, and the comfort of familial ties amidst physical separation.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Lullaby · 239 words
First lines
H. F. S. [Music]
1. Sleep, baby sleep! / Dad is not nigh, / Tossed on the deep, / Lul-lul-a-by! / Moon shining bright, / Dropping of dew. / Owls hoot all night / To-whit! to-whoo!
2. Sleep, baby sleep! / Dad is away, / Tossed on the deep, / Looking for day. / In the hedge row / Glow-worms alight, / Rivulets flow, / All through the night.
3. Sleep, baby sleep! / Dad is afar, / Tossed on the deep, / Watching a star. / Clock going -- tick, / Tack -- in the dark. / On the hearth-brick, / Dies the last spark.
What this Textopian page supports
Lullaby is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Lullaby, Folk Literature, Music
- Length: 239 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lullaby by Sabine Baring-Gould
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Similar titles
- Sleep Baby Sleep by Alice Meynell
- Home From The Daisied Meadows by Robert Louis Stevenson
- The Owl by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Moon by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Star Talk by Robert Graves
- The Blue Flame by Sabine Baring Gould
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and rhythm typical of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The content is aimed at a young audience, featuring themes of sleep and comfort.
- Lullaby — The text serves as a lullaby, specifically designed to soothe and help children sleep.
- Folk Literature — The themes and style reflect traditional folk elements, often found in oral storytelling.
Tags
lullaby · sleep · baby · night · father · moon · dew · owls · glow-worms · rivulets · stars · clock