A Cradle Song

By William Blake

William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter, and visionary, whose work combines profound spiritual themes with intense, often mystical imagery. Blake’s unique style blends poetry and visual art, making him a pioneer in Romantic literature and art. His work, though underappreciated in his lifetime, is now celebrated for its originality and depth. The poem is first published in William Blake’s collection of poems “Songs of Innocence” in 1789. It possesses the feel of a sweet childhood lullaby. Just like his other poems in “Songs of Innocence” the poet is trying to glorify the natural world, within which we live, in the face of a more subjective heaven, where God reside. It expresses the deep affection and spiritual connection between a mother and her child.

Text of the Poem.

Sweet dreams form a shade,
O’er my lovely infant’s head.
Sweet dreams of pleasant streams,
By happy silent moony beams.

Sweet sleep with soft down.
Weave thy brows an infant crown.
Sweet sleep Angel mild,
Hover o’er my happy child.

Sweet smiles in the night,
Hover over my delight.
Sweet smiles Mothers smiles,
All the livelong night beguiles.

Sweet moans, dovelike sighs,
Chase not slumber from thy eyes,
Sweet moans, sweeter smiles,
All the dovelike moans beguiles.

Sleep, sleep, happy child,
All creation slept and smil’d.
Sleep, sleep, happy sleep.
While o’er thee thy mother weep

Sweet babe in thy face,
Holy image I can trace.
Sweet babe once like thee.
Thy maker lay and wept for me

Wept for me for thee for all,
When he was an infant small.
Thou his image ever see.
Heavenly face that smiles on thee,

Smiles on thee on me on all,
Who became an infant small,
Infant smiles are His own smiles,
Heaven & earth to peace beguiles.

First Stanza

In the first stanza, the mother wishes her baby sweet dreams. She imagines these dreams forming a protective, comforting shade over the child’s head. The dreams are filled with pleasant images of serene streams and the gentle light of the moon, creating a peaceful and happy atmosphere for the child to rest in.

Second Stanza

The mother addresses Sleep itself, asking it to come softly and gently, like a downy feather, and crown the child with its presence. She envisions Sleep as the mild and gentle angel that hovers protectively over her happy, contented baby, ensuring a restful slumber.

Third Stanza

The mother now focuses on sweet smiles, hoping that they will surround her child during the night. These smiles, including the mother’s own, bring joy and comfort. They make the long night pleasant and beguiling, transforming it into a time of happiness and love.

Fourth Stanza

In this stanza, the mother acknowledges the inevitable sweet moan and sight of her baby. She hoes these gentle sounds, reminiscent of a dove’s cooing, would not disturb the child’s sleep. The mother’s own smiles and comforting presence will soothe any distress, ensuring that the baby remains in a peaceful slumber.

Fifth Stanza

The mother encourages her happy child to sleep, emphasizing that sleep is a natural and universal state, as all of creation sleeps and smiles. She wishes for the child to enjoy a happy, restful sleep, while she watches over him with tears of joy and tenderness.

Sixth Stanza

She sees a holy image in her baby’s face, perhaps reflecting her belief in the innocence and purity of her child. She draws a parallel between her baby and the infant Jesus, who was once a sweet, innocent baby like hers. This connection brings a spiritual dimension to her love and care.

Seventh Stanza

The mother reflects on the idea that Jesus, as a baby, wept for all humanity, including her and her child. She believes that her baby carries the image of the divine, and she envisions a heavenly face smiling down on her child, offering protection and blessing.

Eighth Stanza

In the final stanza, the mother concludes that the smiles on her child, herself, and everyone are reflections of the divine smiles. She believes that Jesus, who once became a small infant, shares his divine smiles through innocence of babies. These smiles bring peace to both heaven and earth, reinforcing the sacred bond between mother and child.