University of Virginia Library

CHOICE OF HOURS.

FATHER.
I love to walk at twilight
When sunset nobly dies,
And see the parting splendour
That lightens up the skies,
And call up old remembrances
Deep, dim as evening gloom,
Or look to heaven's promises
Like star-light on a tomb.

LAURA.
I love the hour of darkness
When I give myself to sleep,
And I think that holy angels
Their watch around me keep.
My dreams are light and happy
As I innocently lie,
For my mother's kiss is on my cheek,
And my father's step is nigh.

MARY.
I love the social afternoon,
When lessons all are said,
Geography is laid aside
And grammar put to bed;
Then a walk upon the Battery
With a friend is very sweet,
And some money for an ice-cream
To give that friend a treat.

MOTHER.
I love the Sabbath evening
When my lov'd ones sit around,
And tell of all their feelings
By hope and fancy crowned;
And though some plants are missing
In that sweetly thoughtful hour,
I will not call them back again
To earth's decaying bower.