Selections from the American Poets/The Autumn Evening
THE AUTUMN EVENING.
Behold the western evening light! It melts in deepening gloom:So calmly Christians sink away, Descending to the tomb.
The wind breathes low; the withering leaf Scarce whispers from the tree;So gently flows the parting breath, When good men cease to be.
How beautiful on all the hills The crimson light is shed!'Tis like the peace the Christian gives To mourners round his bed.
How mildly on the wandering cloud The sunset beam is cast!'Tis like the memory left behind When loved ones breathe their last.
And now, above the dews of night, The yellow star appears;So faith springs in the heart of those Whose eyes are bathed in tears.
But soon the morning's happier light Its glory shall restore,And eyelids that are seal'd in death Shall wake to close no more.