University of Virginia Library


273

THE HOUR OF LOVE.

The stars are climbing up the hill,
Like footsteps of the night;
And, like a child, the little rill
Runs whimpering out of sight.
It is an hour when love hath birth—
When hands and hearts are given;
An hour when stars are nearer earth,
And lovers nearer heaven!
When visions of the future glow,
Despite the world's control;
And whispers musical and low
Steal softly o'er the soul!
An hour, all other moments worth,
That life hath ever given;
When heaven's own stars are nearer earth,
And lovers nearer heaven!