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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LULLABY by WILLIAM BARNES

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE ROOKS' NESTS DO ROCK ON THE TREE-TOP
Last Line: BLEST BE THY REST.
Subject(s): BIRDS;

The rooks' nests do rock on the tree-top,
Where few foes can stand;
The martin's is high and is deep
In the steep clift of sand;
But thou, love, a-sleeping where footsteps
Might come to thy bed,
Hast father and mother to watch thee
And shelter thy head.
Lullaby, Lilybrow, lie asleep;
Blest be thy rest.

And some birds do keep under roofing
Their young from the storm;
And some wi' nest-broodings o' moss
And o' wool, do lie warm.
And we will look well to the house-roof
That o'er thee might leak,
And the beast that might beat on thy window
Shall not smite thy cheek.
Lullaby, Lilybrow, lie asleep;
Blest be thy rest.



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