Night

Down in the silent valley
The sombre shadows creep,
As day's last legions dally
Before the gates of Sleep.

The distant downland dwindles,
A late lark twitters low,
Out of the darkness kindles
A golden window's glow.

The stars keep, silver streaming,
The path since time-dawn trod;
The whole world falls to dreaming
Beneath the eyes of God.

But valley streams are weeping,
The mist moves spectre-white
Around your window creeping.

* * * * *

God keep you safe to-night.