To Sleep

Question 1

O soft embalmer

Answer 1

of the still midnight,

Question 2

Shutting,

Answer 2

with careful fingers and benign,

Question 3

Our gloom-pleas’d eyes,

Answer 3

embower’d from the light,

Question 4

Enshaded in

Answer 4

forgetfulness divine:

Question 5

O soothest Sleep! if so it please thee, close

Answer 5

In midst of this thine hymn my willing eyes,

Question 6

Or wait the “Amen,” ere thy poppy throws

Answer 6

Around my bed its lulling charities.

Question 7

Then save me, or the passed day will shine

Answer 7

Upon my pillow, breeding many woes,—

Question 8

Save me from curious Conscience, that still lords

Answer 8

Its strength for darkness, burrowing like a mole;

Question 9

Turn the key deftly in the oiled wards,

Answer 9

And seal the hushed Casket of my Soul.