In alternating voices, written for the Feast of the Nativity in Puebla,1689.
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!
(Sister Juana Inés de Asbaje y Ramírez de Santillana, better known as Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1648 -1695) was a Mexican writer, philosopher, composer, poet, and Discalced Carmelite nun.)
