Poems (Terry, 1861)/Hesper

by Rose Terry Cooke

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 heaven  With thy closing eyes;Yet on me, at lonely even,  Clear as stars they rise.

Though the way be long and dreary  Down 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 splendor O'er the hills shall burn.

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