The Secret Key and Other Verses/A Nocturne
A NOCTURNE
Like weary sea-birds spent with flight And faltering, The slow hours beat across the night On leaden wing. The wild bird knows where rest shall be Soe'er he roam, Heart of my heart! apart from thee I have no home.
Afar from thee, yet not alone, Heart of my heart! Like some soft haunting whisper blown From Heaven thou art. I hear the magic music roll Its waves divine; The subtle fragrance of thy soul Has passed to mine.
Nor dawn, nor Heaven my heart can know Save that which lies In lights and shades that come and go In thy soft eyes. Here in the night I dream the day, By love upborne. When thy sweet eyes shall shine and say, "It is the morn!"