Twilight

Over one-half of earth the coming Night
     Hath cast its shadow—yet the glowing west,
     Covetous of the sunbeams, in its breast
Gathers the latest lingerers, briefly bright,
Exulting in their glory. Fades the light
     Slowly along the heavens—and see! a star
     Timidly gazing from its home afar,
With a kind look, as not forsaken quite
Of angel-visitants were this terrene sphere.
     Glad voices on the wind are borne along—
     And thrills the dewy air with tremulous song,
Gushing from harps aerial! Let thine ear
Drink in the melody—while the twilight dim
Fades into deeper night—it is Earth’s vesper-hymn!