HIS VIGIL.

Close the book and dim the light,

I shall read no more to-night.

No — I am not sleepy, dear —

Do not go: sit by me here

In the darkness and the deep

Silence of the watch I keep.

Something in your presence so

Soothes me — as in long ago

I first felt your hand — as now —

In the darkness touch my brow;

I've no other wish than you

Thus should fold mine eyelids to,

Saying nought of sigh or tear —

Just as God were sitting here.