O Death Rock Me Asleep

"O Death Rock Me Asleep" is a Tudor-era poem, traditionally attributed to Anne Boleyn.

The poem is generally attributed to Anne Boleyn,[1] and is assumed to have been composed whilst she was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

In it, she observes that her end cannot be avoided, and that it will at least give her peace and an escape from her present sufferings.

At the end of each major stanza, there is a refrain, varying slightly, about the nearing of death and how it is inevitable.

rocke me asleep; Bringe me to quiet reste; let pass my weary, guiltles ghost out of my carefull brest.

rock me asleep, Bring me the quiet rest; Let pass my weary guiltless ghost Out of my careful breast.

Toll on, thou passing bell, Ring out my doleful knell, Let thy sound my death tell, For I must die; There is no remedy.

Alone in prison strong, I wait my destiny, Woe worth this cruel hap that I Should taste this misery?