by W. H. (Wystan Hugh) Auden (1907 - 1973)

Night covers up the rigid land
 (Sung text for setting by B. Britten)
 Matches base text
Language: English 
Night covers up the rigid land
     and ocean's quaking moor,
and shadows with a tolerant hand
     the ugly and the poor.
The wounded pride for which I weep
     you cannot staunch, nor I
control the moments of your sleep,
     nor hear the name you cry,
Whose life is lucky in your eyes,
     and precious is the bed
as to his utter fancy lies
     the dark caressive head.
For each love to its aim is true,
     and all kinds seek their own;
you love your life and I love you,
     so I must lie alone.

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Researcher for this page: Guy Laffaille [Guest Editor]

This text was added to the website: 2011-06-22
Line count: 16
Word count: 94