Stedman and Hutchinson, comps. A Library of American Literature:
An Anthology in Eleven Volumes. 1891.
Vols. IX–XI: Literature of the Republic, Part IV., 1861–1889
The Autumn Evening
By William Bourne Oliver Peabody (17991847)B
It melts in deepening gloom:
So calmly Christians sink away,
Descending to the tomb.
Scarce whispers from the tree:
So gently flows the parting breath,
When good men cease to be.
The crimson light is shed!
’Tis like the peace the Christian gives
To mourners round his bed.
The sunset beam is cast!
’Tis like the memory left behind
When loved ones breathe their last.
The yellow star appears:
So faith springs in the hearts of those
Whose eyes are bathed in tears.
Its glory shall restore;
And eyelids that are sealed in death
Shall wake to close no more.