Vesper Hymn

Shades of Evening! ye have cast
     To the earth your woven pall,
And the night is coming fast
     Over wood and waterfall.

Dimmer grows the dying light,
     Though its beauty lingers yet—
Look!—upon the brow of Night,
     Like a gem is Venus set!

Softly in the shadowy pines
     Floats a spirit-winged breeze,
And the star-light dimly shines
     On the tall and ancient tree:

Tones of music linger there,
     Lifted on the willing wind—
Holy as the whispered prayer
     From the soul that never sinned!

Bounteous Benefactor! thou
     Hast preserved us through the day;
Humbly would we thank thee now,
     As we kneel to praise and pray:

While the day of life shall last,
     Guide us, theresoe’er we roam—
When the night of Death is past,
     Take us to thy heavenly home!