SILENCE.

So silent is the world to-night

The lamp gives silence out like light,

The latticed windows open wide

Show silence, like the night, outside:

The nightingale's faint song draws near

Like musical silence to mine ear.

The empty house calls not to me,

“Here, but for fate, were thou and she —”

Its gibe for once is checked. To-night

Silence is queen in grief's despite,

And even the longing of my soul

Is silent‘ neath this hour's control.