Now that it's time to sleep,
sleep, son, and don't cry;
for the time will come soon enough
when crying is needed.
O my dearest, my heart:
lullaby and sleep now
Close those divine eyes
as other babies do;
for soon a dark veil
will deprive the sky of light
O my dearest, my heart . .
lullaby and sleep now
Or take this milk
from my immaculate breasts
for a cruel magistrate
is preparing vinegar and gall for you.
O my dearest, my heart . .
lullaby and sleep now
My love, let this breast
be now a soft bed for you,
before, with a loud voice, you give
your soul to the Father, on the cross.
O my dearest, my heart . .
lullaby and sleep now
Rest now your beautiful small limbs,
so charming and delicate
for later, irons and chains
will cause them bitter pains.
O my dearest, my heart . .
lullaby and sleep now
These hands and feet,
which now you behold with zest and joy-
alas, in how many ways
will sharp nails pierce them!
This graceful face,
ruddier than a rose
spitting and slaps will defile it
with torture and great suffering
Ah, with how much pain for you
O only hope of my heart
this head and this brow
will be pierced by sharp thorns
For in this divine breast
O my sweet and delightful love
an impious traitorous spear
will make a mortal wound.
Sleep, therefore, my son
sleep then, my Savior
for later with joyful faces
we'll see each other in Paradise
Now that you are sleeping, O my life
O complete joy of my heart
let all be quiet with pure zeal
even the earth and the heavens
Meanwhile, what shall I do?
I will watch my dear,
not letting my head bow
as long as my baby sleeps.
(English Translation: Lawrence Rosenwald)