  I arise sometimes in the night-time, And go out ’neath the stars alone, In the dim silence of night-time, When the skies are tender of tone. In the holy silence of nature I calm my anxious soul, Sometimes by the hard day grown weary, And beyond my will to control. And I go where the waves’ low murmur Soundeth ever along the dim shore, And I’m soothed by the voice of the waters, And peace cometh unto me once more When the winds are caressing the roses, And there stealeth an answering sigh From the dew-bespangled foliage To the wanderer passing by. I stand on the bridge of the streamlet, Where we met in the long ago; Where we met, and where we two parted In the twilight’s silvery glow. I listen again for her coming, Though ’tis only an empty dream; All I hear is the night wind sighing, And the rippling of the stream. Then I pass where the vale is sleeping, O’er the emerald moonlit hill, And gain the awesome shadows Of the forest deep and still. I hear the faint, far-off call Of elfin and strange phantom voices— On my ear they dreamily fall. O holy silence of nature! I am calmed with a pure delight. Hush! for man’s voice would but mar The harmony of the night. All sinless the planets are glowing, Penetrating the vast, far voids Of the mystery of creation Beyond the lone asteroids. Subdued, and again submissive To whatever’s in store for me, I strive to be uncomplaining, Though beset with adversity. And thus, when the spirit is weary, My strength kindly nature restores; Through her vast illimitable chamber My calm soul in ecstasy soars. |
|
