History of One Life
Its morning dawned thro’ penury’s narrow pane—
A noon of wealth, with glory’s laurel crown—
Human weakness—one mistake—a felon’s stain—
The evening gloomed with all his fellow’s frown.
Evening
Vermillion and gold
In beauty unfold
On the light, floating clouds of the West;
The low, crooning sound
Of all Nature around
Is lulling the world into rest.
Like a rover of Sin
The zephyr steals in
’Mong roses and carnations rare—
In ecstatic bliss
Gives each one a kiss,
Then scatters their sweets on the air.
In the shadowy hush
The linnet and thrush
Have gone to their nests in the grove;
The blue pimpernell
To the lilly’s wee bell
Is whispering his story of love.
Blest hour of delight
That verges the night,
What beauties and glories are thine,
When the great car of day
With its din rolls away,
And silence seems Presence divine.
Now the sparkle of dew
And the rich violet hue
Of the fast purpling clouds of the West,
Hint of time’s rapid flight
And of life’s coming night
That shall lull into heavenly rest.