Evening Prayer

Now the soft warm gleam uncertain
In the httle chamber stays,
On the spotless falling curiain,
By the bedside where she prays ;
From the shadow round her kneeling
Slender hands are raised appealing.

Down below the shadow resteth,
O'er blush-alabaster feet,
Simple robe of white investeth
Up to where bows, childlike sweet,
Gentle head in hands half hidden.
Whence the shadow falls forbidden.

From our dusk her hands are lifting,
And the light, in answer bland,
Down her sleek brown tresses drifting.
Seems to smooth them with a hand —
Solemn hand from forth the splendour,
Where this child hath tho.se that tend her !

These love-tears may cloud my vision ;
Yet about this humble room
Do not faces dim, Elysian,
Yearn down o'er her through the gloom ?
Even the shades are glory colder,
Warming softer as they fold her !

So bathe her feet our earth's chill sorrow,
Never cling more dark than this ;
From her gentle spirit borrow
Even the hues and warmth of bliss,
While her soul inhales the heaven.
Praying thus at morn and even !

Her, life's darling pilgrim haileth ;
Mountain forest, haunted nook,
As on high serene she saileth,
Smile beneath her sainted look !
Only worldlings, foul irk feeling,
Curse the childlike light reveaUng.

Spirit m.usic, souls of flowers,
Here luxuriate to shape.
Charming far the baleful powers :
Blessed moment, wherefore 'scape r
Hold her young, so gricftess praying,
Hold these trancW eyes from straying !