Night after night as I lie down to sleep, I find myself counting a great many sheep I try and I try, but sleep will not come The fence-hoppers grow 'til my brain becomes numb I lie there in stillness, watching my ceiling, As layers of brainskin fall off, just keep peeling Exhausted and tired, commands leave my tongue "Sleep now!" I cry, "Or you shall be hung!" My sleepsoul ignores me, he scoffs in my face "Why should I let you -- 'twould be a disgrace!" The ignoble struggle continues near dawn His cunning and wit against my burly brawn At last I defeat him; subdued to my will, He gives me the pow'r of a strong sleeping pill The curtain falls o'er me, I drift off to sleep Forgetting those light-footed, bleating white sheep.