Cover of 'He Giveth His Beloved Sleep'

'He Giveth His Beloved Sleep'

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  • 5 min read
  • 2 chapters
  • Reading level: 5th grade

"He Giveth His Beloved Sleep" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a lyrical poem written during the late 19th century. This poetic work reflects on themes of peace, love, and the solace found in divine gifts, particularly focusing on the comfort of sleep as a profound blessing. The poem can be considered part of the broader genre of religious or spiritual poetry, exploring the emotional and psychological states of the human experience. In this poem, Browning meditates on the nature of sleep as a gift from God, contrasting the tranquility it offers against the chaos and sorrow of earthly existence. She portrays sleep as a serene refuge from the struggles and noises of life, urging a deep acceptance of this divine provision. The speaker expresses a desire for a peaceful ending, encouraging loved ones to embrace the comforting notion that God grants eternal rest to His beloved. The imagery throughout evokes a sense of calmness, reinforcing the idea that sleep is both a necessary and cherished aspect of life, offering respite amidst life's challenges.

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  • Poetry

Read the opening

The Sleep

COPYRIGHT, 1880,
By LEE AND SHEPARD.

"He Giveth his Beloved Sleep"

PSALM cxxvii. 2.

OF all the thoughts of God that are
Borne inward unto souls afar,
Along the Psalmist's music deep,
Now tell me if that any is,
For gift or grace, surpassing this—
'He giveth His beloved, sleep'!

What would we give to our beloved?
The hero's heart to be unmoved,
The poet's star-tuned harp, to sweep,
The patriot's voice, to teach and rouse,
The monarch's crown, to light the brows?
'He giveth His beloved sleep.'

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Contents

  1. The Sleep
  2. Hymns and Poems

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About this edition

This free edition of 'He Giveth His Beloved Sleep' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #25643, released 2008-05-30. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Poetry, Religion/Spirituality.

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