We've wandered all about the upland fallows,
We've watched the rabbits at their play;
But now, good-night, good-bye to soaring swallows,
Now good-night, good-bye, dear day.
Poppy heads are closing fast, pigeons circle home at last;
Sleep, Liebchen, sleep, the bats are calling.
Pansies never miss the light, but sweet babes must sleep at night;
Sleep, Liebchen, sleep, the dew is falling.
Even the wind among the quiet willows
Rests, and the sea is silent too.
See soft white linen, cool, such cool white pillows,
Wait in the darkling room for you.
All the little lambs are still now the moon peeps down the hill;
Sleep, Liebchen, sleep, the owls are hooting.
Ships have hung their lanthorns out, little mice dare creep about;
Sleep, Liebchen, sleep, the stars are shooting.
I am busy working to bring Ford Madox Hueffer's "Lullaby" to life through some unique musical arrangements and will have a full analysis of the poem here for you later.
In the meantime, I invite you to explore the poem's themes, structure, and meaning. You can also check out the gallery for other musical arrangements or learn more about Ford Madox Hueffer's life and contributions to literature.
Check back soon to experience how "Lullaby" transforms when verse meets melody—a unique journey that makes poetry accessible, engaging, and profoundly moving in new ways.