_Coincidences between Sir Thomas Browne and Bishop Ken._--Sir Thomas Browne
wrote his _Religio Medici_ in 1533-5; and in it suggested some familiar
verses of the "Evening Hymn" of his brother Wykehamist Bishop Ken. The
lines are as follows:
_Sir Thomas Browne._
"Guard me 'gainst those watchful foes,
Whose eyes are open, while mine close;
Let no dreams my head infest,
But such as Jacob's temples blest:
Sleep is a death: oh, make me try,
By sleeping, what it is to die!
And as gently lay my head
On my grave, as now my bed.
Howe'er I rest, great God, let me
Awake again at last with Thee."
_Bishop Ken._
"Let no ill dreams disturb my rest;
No powers of darkness me molest.
Teach me to live, that I may dread
The grave as little as my bed:
Teach me to die, that so I may
Rise glorious at the awful day.
Oh, may my soul on Thee repose,
And with sweet sleep mine eyelids close;
Sleep that may me more vigorous make,
To serve my God when I awake."
I have never seen this curious coincidence noticed by any of the good
bishop's biographers, Hawkins, Bowles, or Mr. Anderdon.