The Inn of Dreams/The Autumn Day
For other versions of this work, see The Autumn Day (Custance).
The Autumn Day
How delicately steps the autumn day In azure cloak and gown of ashen grey Over the level country that I love!
With glittering veils of light about her head And skirts of wide horizons round her spread White as the white wing-feathers of a dove.
Her feet, a flash of silver on the sea, Chase silver sails that fly untiringly Towards the enchanted Islands of the West.
Beautiful Islands, gardens of delight! That flower at dawn with roses red and white . . . And flame at sunset gold and amethyst . . .
How delicately steps the autumn day In azure cloak and gown of ashen grey Over the level country that I love . . .
And how my heart that all sweet things beguile Goes laughing with her for a little while . . . And then turns homeward like a weary dove.