Sweet Orb of Night

Sweet orb of night! I saw thee rise

In cloudless lustre o'er the plain;

I saw thee climb the azure skies,

With radiant splendours in thy train:

I marked thy mildly pensive beam

At midnight's still and hallowed hour;

I watched the fitful, lonely gleam

That played on yonder ivied tower.



Sweet orb of night! I often love

When day with all its cares is o'er,

To wander in the silent grove,

And there the Source of Light adore:

O then, how false all else appears,

While wrapt in awe thy course I view,

And see thee mount the starry spheres,

And tread the fields of heavenly blue!

--William B. Tappan