Classic Poem

THE LAST WATCH .

I.

The stars shine down through the shivering boughs,
And the moonset sparkles against the spire
There is not a light in a neighbor's house,
Save one that burneth low,
And seemeth almost spent!
With shadowy forms in dark attire
Flickering in it to and fro,
As if in Pain and Doubt —
And heads bowed down in tears!
Hark!
Was there not Lament? —
Behold, behold the Light burns out!
The Picture disappears!

II.

Ye who with such sleepless sleight,
In the chamber out of sight,
Whispering low,
To and fro,
Your swift needles secretly
At the dead of night do ply, —
What is it that ye sew!

III.

" Hark! Hark!
Heard ye not the sounds aloof,
As of winds or wings that swept the roof?
Band of heavenly voices blending,
Choir of seraphim ascending?
Hark! Hark! "

IV.

" Away! Away!
Behold, behold it is the day!
Bear her softly out of the door;
And upward, upward, upward soar! "