from the Fifth Villancico
Because my Lord was born to suffer,
let Him stay awake.
Because for me He is awake,
let Him fall asleep.
Let Him stay awake there
is no pain for one who loves
as painlessness would be.
Let Him sleep—
For one who sleeps, in dreaming,
prepares himself to die.
Silence, now He sleeps!
Careful, He's awake!
Do not disturb Him, no!
Yes, He must be waked!
Let Him wake and wake!
Let Him have his sleep!
Structure
16 lines · 16 stanzas