The Minstrel’s Song

Lyrics

Now welcome night! thou night so long expected That long day's labour dost at last defray And all my cares, which cruel love collected Hast summed in one, and cancellèd for aye: Spread thy broad wing over my love and me That no man may us see And in thy sable mantle us enwrap From fear of peril and foul horror free But let still Silence true night watches keep That sacred peace may in assurance reign And timely sleep, when it is time to sleep May pour his limbs forth on your pleasant plain