The shadows lengthen; the twilight is falling:
The labours and cares of the day are ended:
A peace settles over the city's brawling,
Like the mirrored glow of the sunset splendid.
And sparrow and robin and skylark and throstle
Are silent now in leafy recesses, —
Calmly and warmly and safely they nestle
In the shadowy bliss of soft caresses.

On the skirts of the city my nest is waiting,
Warm with a glow that is grateful and tender;
And the world, with its striving and sinning and hating,
Melts in the light of its sacred splendour.
What though my dovecot be poor and lowly?
Love's kingly sway makes the dwelling royal!
Peace, like a cherubim pure and holy,
Fills every heart with a faith-life loyal!

Cosy warm nest! every bounty and blessing
Linger about thee as years o'er thee gather;
Joys bide within thee, and mercies unceasing
Rain from the bountiful hand of the Father!
Hope's budding promises break without number
Rich 'mong thy leaflets, and burst into blossom:
Sweet be thy glad waking hours, and thy slumber
Calm as the sleep of a babe on the bosom!