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Charles I (1600-1649)

Upon a Quiet Conscience


              1Close thine eyes and sleep secure,
              2Thy soul is safe, thy body sure;
              3He that guards thee, he that keeps,
              4Never slumbers, never sleeps.
              5A quiet conscience, in a quiet breast,
              6Has only peace, has only rest:
              7The music and the mirth of kings
              8Are out of tune, unless she sings.
              9Then close thine eyes in peace, and rest secure,
            10No sleep so sweet as thine, no rest so sure.

Notes

1] This poem is attributed to Charles I but its authorship remains uncertain.


Online text copyright © 2009, Ian Lancashire (the Department of English) and the University of Toronto.
Published by the Web Development Group, Information Technology Services, University of Toronto Libraries.

Original text: Miscellanea Sacra: or, Poems on Divine & Moral Subjects, ed. N. Tate, 2nd edn. (London: Henry Playford, 1698): 16. Brett-Smith.d.33 Cambridge University Library
First publication date: 1698
RPO poem editor: Ian Lancashire
RP edition: 2002
Recent editing: 1:2002/12/30*1:2002/12/30

Composition date: 1625 - 1649
Form: couplets


Other poems by Charles I