Alfred Lord Tennyson

Sweet and low

FROM THE PRINCESS

Sweet and low - meaning Summary

Lullaby of Longing

This short lyric functions as a lullaby in which a mother soothes a sleeping child while calling on the "wind of the western sea" to bring the absent father home. The language is gentle and repetitive, evoking rocking, moonlight and silver sails. Themes are maternal comfort, yearning for reunion, and the sea as a carrier between separation and return. The tone balances reassurance with quiet longing.

Read Complete Analyses

Sweet and low, sweet and low, Wind of the western sea, Low, low, breathe and blow, Wind of the western sea! Over the rolling waters go, Come from the dying moon, and blow, Blow him again to me; While my little one, while my pretty one, sleeps. Sleep and rest, sleep and rest, Father will come to thee soon; Rest, rest, on mother's breast, Father will come to thee soon; Father will come to his babe in the nest, Silver sails all out of the west Under the silver moon: Sleep, my little one, sleep, my pretty one, sleep.

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