Etchings in Verse (Underhill)/Night Musings
NIGHT MUSINGS.
WHEN the moon is beaming brightly, And the stars bedeck the skies;When the silent dew falls lightly, And the mists of evening rise;When the zephyrs, sadly sighing, Softly breathe their low complaint;When the owlet's voice, replying, Soundeth far away, and faint;When the odor of each flower Swoons upon the balmy air;When the softness of the hour Steals away each mortal care:Then—oh, then! my soul's sad yearnings Love to linger on thy name;Then—oh, then! my heart's low burnings Are kindled into flame: Then—oh, then I love to wander In bright fancy's mystic flight—On thy graces rare to ponder Mid the fleeting hours of night.