A Sigh In The Night

O sweet darkness, still, and calm, and lonely!

   Spread thy downy pinions round about.

Spare me from thy hidden riches only

   One dream-face; blot all the others out.

Bring him now, for thou hast power to free him,

   From that ugly garb he wears by day;

Bring him now—my darling!—let me see him

   Ere the tender kindness pass away.

O sweet night-winds, wandering in the larches!

   Sigh, and croon, and whisper as you creep;

Sing my songs through green cathedral arches,

   While the weary workers are asleep.

Snarl and fret not of the grief and passion;

   Sing in minor cadence, sweet and low;

Sing of peace and rest, in soft wind-fashion—

   Of the love and faith I used to know!