SING lullaby, as women do,   Wherewith they bring their babes to rest; And lullaby can I sing too,   As womanly as can the best. With lullaby they still the child; And if I be not much beguiled, Full many a wanton babe have I, Which must be still'd with lullaby.

First lullaby my youthful years,   It is now time to go to bed: For crooked age and hoary hairs   Have won the haven within my head. With lullaby, then, youth be still; With lullaby content thy will; Since courage quails and comes behind, Go sleep, and so beguile thy mind!

Next lullaby my gazing eyes,   Which wonted were to glance apace; For every glass may now suffice   To show the furrows in thy face. With lullaby then wink awhile; With lullaby your looks beguile; Let no fair face, nor beauty bright, Entice you eft with vain delight.

And lullaby my wanton will;   Let reason's rule now reign thy thought; Since all too late I find by skill   How dear I have thy fancies bought; With lullaby now take thine ease, With lullaby thy doubts appease; For trust to this, if thou be still, My body shall obey thy will.

Thus lullaby my youth, mine eyes,   My will, my ware, and all that was: I can no more delays devise;   But welcome pain, let pleasure pass. With lullaby now take your leave; With lullaby your dreams deceive; And when you rise with waking eye, Remember then this lullaby.