University of Virginia Library


89

THE TWO NIGHTS.

In the gray night we three went forth together,
Waiting the dawn: what time i' th' western skies
The crowded stars yet stretched their weary eyes
Ere streaked morn began i' th' east to feather.
Confident hearts we were, regardless whether
Trivial mishap might cloud our enterprise,
And bent to see the golden sun arise,
Child of the light, and king of cloudless weather;
Companions in a cloudier night we stand,
And contemplate a more eventful morn,—
This life our night, our morn the heavenly strand.
With firm hearts let us press our eastern way,
Winning our welcome to that heavenly land
Where sunshine hath no stint, and brightness no decay.