Classic Poem

I.

The shadow of the midnight hours
Falls like a mantle round my form;
And all the stars, like autumn flowers,
Are banished by the whirling storm.
The demon-clouds throughout the sky
Are dancing in their strange delight,
While winds unwearied play; — but I
Am weary of the night.
Then rise, sweet maiden mine, arise,
And dawn upon me with thine eyes.

II.

The linden, like a lover, stands
And taps against thy window pane; —
The willow with its slender hands
Is harping on the silver rain.
I've watched thy gleaming taper die,
And hope departed with the light —
The winds unwearied play; — but I
Am weary of the night.
Then rise, sweet maiden mine, arise,
And dawn upon me with thine eyes.

III.

The gentle morning comes apace,
And smiling bids the night depart;
Rise, maiden, with thy orient face,
And smile the shadow from my heart!
The clouds of night affrighted fly —
Yet darkness seals my longing sight —
All nature gladly sings — while I
Am weary of the night.
Then rise, sweet maiden mine, arise,
And dawn upon me with thine eyes.