The Oxford Book of Canadian Verse
The End of the DayDuncan Campbell Scott (18621947)
I
Peal slowly one by one,
Near and far off they break and glide,
Across the stream float faintly beautiful
The antiphonal bells of Hull;
The day is done, done, done,
The day is done.
Like tears from some unconscious deep,
The swallows whirl around the towers,
And light runs out beyond the long cloud bars,
And leaves the single stars;
’Tis time for sleep, sleep, sleep,
’Tis time for sleep.
Timorous eremite,
That song of risen tears and pain,
As if the one he loved was far away;
‘Alas! another day—’
‘And now Good-night, Good-Night,’
‘Good-Night.’