Park Benjamin (1809–1864)

CALM twilight! in thy mild and silent time,

When summer flowers their perfume shed around,

And naught, save the deep, solitary sound

Of some far bell, is heard, with solemn chime

Tolling for vespers, or the evening bird

Pouring sweet music o’er the woodland glade,

As if to viewless sprites and fairies played,

Who join in dances when the strain is heard:

Then thoughts of those beloved and dearest come

Like sweetest hues upon the shadowed wave;

And joys, that blossomed in the bowers of home,

The dews of memory with freshness lave.

O, that my last daybeam of life would shine,

Serenely beautiful, calm hour, as thine!