Hesper

Sunset on the mountains hoary,Deepens into night;Day hath lost its crown of glory,Life hath lost its light.

In mine eyes the tears are springing,For thy face I see;In my heart its dreams are singing,Mournful songs of thee.

All the sunshine fled from heavenWith thy closing eyes;Yet on me, at lonely even,Clear as stars they rise.

Though the way be long and drearyDown the mountain's side,I no more can call it weary,Thou art there my bride!

I behold thy garments flowing,Snow-like, in the moon;See thy parted lips are glowing,Red as flowers in June.

Underneath the daisies lying,Lost in dreamless sleep;Thou hast heard my nightly crying,Thou hast left my sleep.

All the night in visions tender,Love and life return;Until morning's cloudy splendorO'er the hills shall burn.

Day glides slowly o'er the meadow,Love and life to steal;But the first star's trembling shadowBrings a bridal peal.