Poems (Angier)/The Answer

by Annie Lanman Angier

For works with similar titles, see The Answer.

THE ANSWER.

He giveth sleep—and who is He,
That grants this boon of love to thee?
Speak, Night and Silence—answering tell,
Where doth this Benefactor dwell?

"He fills all space—sun, moon, and star,
All to His laws obedient are;
He reigns, yet deigns thy griefs to share,
Thy daily cross with thee to bear.

Enthroned in light, His smile is seen,
On moss-crowned mountain, meadow green;
O'erarching sky, deep rolling river,
His name proclaim—The Boundless Giver.

A tender heart, a gentle hand,
Is His who waves this potent wand;
Shuts weary eyes long used to weep,
To throbbing lids gives blissful sleep.

When pulses thrill with some new joy,
When Youth's cup, sweet, without alloy,
To rosy, smiling lips is given,
Sleep brings bright dreams of brighter heaven.

To Him who sleeps not, slumbers never,
Let thanks arise, unceasing ever;
He stoops thy wakeful eyes to close,
Thy senses steeps in calm repose.

At length to all, Life's brief day o'er,
He grants one boon, ne'er given before—
That last, long sleep, cool, dreamless, deep;
(While angels, smiling, vigil keep,)
Thou then shalt know who giveth sleep."