European Elegies/Summer/Her legacy
82.HER LEGACY
Sleep, little sons, my heart's delight!Close little blue eyes to the night!Silence broods on the churchyard hill;Softly sleep, I'm beside you still.
Angels of God, whose lovelinessIs fair as yours, draw near to bless;Gladly their gracious vigils keep,Lulling your sorrows into sleep.
Life is all beauty to your eyes.Sleep, little sons! too soon it flies,Bringing the fate of human years,Pillows that know not sleep but tears.
Hush, little sons, my heart's delight!Love watches by you all the night.While through the dark the clock's hand creeps,My heart, that loves you, never sleeps.
From the Lithuanian of Rútû Lapelei.