Fear in the Night.

By Edward Shanks

I am afraid to-night,

We are too glad, too gay,

Our life too sweet, too bright

To last another day.

What hap, what chance can fall,

What sorrow come, what schism,

What loss, what cataclysm

To part us two at all?

The stars with ageless fire

In skies serene the same

Observe our young desire

And watch our loves aflame.

A whisper soft, a sound

Unfollowed, unattended,

Shakes all the branches round:

They sleep and it is ended.

You sleep and I alone

Torment myself with fear

For new joys coming near

And gracious actions done.

I am afraid to-night,

We are too glad, too gay,

Our life too sweet, too bright

To last another day.