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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A SERENADE by THOMAS HOOD

Poet Analysis

First Line: LULLABY, O, LULLABY!'
Last Line: "WHO'S THAT FALLEN--ME OR HIM?"

"Lullaby, O, lullaby!"
Thus I heard a father cry.
"Lullaby, O, lullaby!
The brat will never shut an eye;
Hither come, some power divine!
Close his lids, or open mine!"

"Lullaby, O, lullaby!
What the devil makes him cry?
Lullaby, O, lullaby!
Still he stares--I wonder why,
Why are not the sons of earth
Blind, like puppies, from their birth?"

"Lullaby, O, lullaby!"
Thus I heard the father cry;
"Lullaby, O, lullaby!
Mary, you must come and try!--
Hush, oh, hush, for mercy's sake--
The more I sing, the more you wake!"

"Lullaby, O, lullaby!
Fie, you little creature, fie!
Lullaby, O, lullaby!
Is no poppy-syrup nigh?
Give him more, or give him all,
I am nodding to his fall!"

"Lullaby, O, lullaby!
Two such nights and I shall die!
Lullaby, O, lullaby!
He'll be bruised, and so shall I--
How can I from bedposts keep,
When I'm walking in my sleep?"

"Lullaby, O, lullaby!
Sleep his very looks deny--
Lullaby, O, lullaby!
Nature soon will stupefy--
My nerves relax--my eyes grow dim--
Who's that fallen--me or him?"



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