Let sunset shed its radiant calm
The summer fields and woods among,
Let evening blessings bring their balm,
While I breathe forth my parting song.
Sink, thou bright sun, and sink, the day
Of this my mortal life, away.
Flow, river, onwards to the sea;
Time's stream, farewell! I drift o'er thee
Unto the longed-for goal where I would be,
Eternity.
Farewell, O brook, whose music sweet,
In low-toned rippling melody.
My listening ear did ofttimes greet,
Blent with the shadowing trees' soft sigh.
Ye dragon-flies with armour blue.
Or clad in green and glittering hue,
Darting about like sunny rays.
Enjoy your few ephemeral days.
But let me hasten where the true sun's blaze
Pierces life's haze.
Sink, sun, nor pause on yon far hill;
To-morrow morning shalt thou rise
And shine on meadow, mount, and rill.
And gladden living hearts and eyes.
To-morrow eve thy parting beam
May ruddy o'er the landscape gleam,
Lingering the leaves and flowers among,
Like echoes of a closed song.
But now no more my life's last day prolong,
Or this my song.
