Classic Poem

Fondly , fondly returneth the daylight
To the old hill's grey peak ere the dawn has begun;
Slowly, slowly recedeth the daylight
From the old hill's grey peak when the long day is done.

Softly, softly returneth the ripple
To its rest on the sand of yon green-margined bay,
Sadly, sadly recedeth the ripple
To mingle again with the sea's drifting spray.

Gladly, gladly the dew of the twilight
Floats up to the rainbow at blush of the dawn,
Slowly, slowly the dew of the twilight,
Seeks the dark sod again when the sun is withdrawn.

It is thus, even thus, that the sunlight of heaven,
Returns and retires with the morn and the even;
Thus slowly retiring as sleep seals the eye,
Returning at day-spring with joy from on high.
Night's last gleam and truest, my God's gracious love,
Morn's first beam and fondest, his joy from above.

Yet, 'tis not night alone that comes between
My God and me, to mar the peaceful scene;
But the world's blazing day, hour after hour,
Beats on my head, and with its scorching power
Dries up my dew and sap, nay dims my eye
With its bewildering blaze of vanity.
Then comes the quiet and the cool of night,
To give me back the calm, of which the light
Of this gay world had sought me to bereave.
O gentle shadows of the tranquil eve!
Eve with thy stillness and soul-soothing balm,
What do I owe thee for thy solemn calm!
Thou comest down like some peace-bringing dove,
To soothe and cheer me with thy silent love.