Duganne's Poetical Works :: :: University of Virginia Library

IN the lone and silent midnight—
When the stars, from darkness creeping,
One by one, like blesséd beacons,
Sentinel our sleeping,—
Then I feel within my spirit
Breathings of a purer life—
Voices of an inward music,
Calming outward strife.

Light breaks in upon my slumber—
Light of more than earthly gladness;
Low and sweet come many whispers,
Soft with heavenly sadness;
And around me, mute and saint-like,
Forms, in love and wisdom bright,
Move through air with shadowy footsteps,
Smile with eyes of light.

Each hath sorrow in its features,
Yet a high and holy meekness—
Each hath soul within its glances,
Conquering mortal weakness;
Each fair form, that followeth slowly,
Fairer seems than that before—
Less of dull and earthly seeming,
And of heaven more.

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And as each one toward me turneth,
In its mystic features trembling
Shines a blesséd soul transfigured,
My own soul resembling;
And, with tearful reverence viewing
That of which my soul is part,
Listening to the eternal future,
Bends my earthly heart.