Classic Poem

Oh Night, most beautiful and rare!
Thou giv'st the heavens their holiest hue,
And through the azure fields of air
Bring'st down the gentle dew.

Most glorious occupant of heaven,
And fairest of the earth and sea,
The wonders of the sky are given,
Imperial Night, to thee!

For thou, with angel music blest,
Didst stand in that dim age afar,
And hold upon thy trembling breast
Messiah's herald star!

In Olivet thou heard'st Him pray,
And wept thy dews in softer light,
And kissed his sacred tears away,
Thrice blessed, loving Night!

And thou didst overweigh with sleep
The watchers at the sepulchre;
And heard'st the asking Mary weep
Till Jesus answered her.

For this I love thy hallowed reign;
For more than this thrice blest thou art;
Thou gain'st the unbeliever's brain
By entering at the heart!

Oh Night, whose loving smile divine
Thus lifts the spirit from the dust,
God's best and brightest gifts are thine—
All thine and it is just.