When I Sleep
Lyrics Based on Shakespeare Sonnet 43
Music by Charles Wolff
Shakespeare's Text
When most I wink, then do mine eyes best see,
For all the day they view things unrespected;
But when I sleep, in dreams they look on thee,
And darkly bright are bright in dark directed.
Then thou, whose shadow shadows doth make bright,
How would thy shadow's form form happy show
To the clear day with thy much clearer light,
When to unseeing eyes thy shade shines so!
How would, I say, mine eyes be blessed made
By looking on thee in the living day,
When in dead night thy fair imperfect shade
Through heavy sleep on sightless eyes doth stay!
All days are nights to see till I see thee,
And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me.
Research Notes
My Interpretation
Musical Style Considerations
Lyrical Adaptation
Iambic Pentameter Musical Setting
Adapted Song Lyric
When I Sleep
adaptation and music Copyright 1998 Charles Wolff
When eyes are closed, then do these eyes best see.
When eyes are closed, then do these eyes best see.
For when I sleep, in dreams they look on thee.
Your shadow's form, it forms a happy show.
Your shadow's form, it forms a happy show.
When in my sleep your shadows come and go.
All days be dark until your face I see.
All days be dark until your face I see.
And nights like day when dreams show you to me.
Though heavy sleep upon my eyes doth stay,
Though heavy sleep upon my eyes doth stay,
I yet will see you in the living day.
Maintained by: Charles Wolff
Last Updated: 4/9/98