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!"