When We Cannot Sleep (George Wither)

What ails my heart, that in my breast
It thus unquiet lies;
And that it now of needful rest
Deprives my tired eyes?

Let not vain hopes, griefs, doubts, or fears,
Distemper so my mind;
But cast on God thy thoughtful cares,
And comfort thou shalt find.

In vain that soul attempteth ought,
And spends her thoughts in vain,
Who by or in herself hath sought
Desired peace to gain.

On thee, O Lord, on thee therefore,
My musings now I place;
Thy free remission I implore,
And thy refreshing grace.

Forgive thou me, that when my mind
Oppressed began to be,
I sought elsewhere my peace to find,
Before I came to thee.

And, gracious God, vouche to grant,
Unworthy though I am,
The needful rest which now I want,
That I may praise thy name.

George Wither (1588-1667) was an English satirist, poet, and hymnist. He was imprisoned for a time under King James I and supported Parliament during the English Civil War.

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