University of Virginia Library

The Winter Night

Brief is the day, and soon the hastening sun
Sinks in the west, its narrow circuit run.
How much there is, through the long winter night,
To cheer the mind, instruct us, and delight.
When darkness hides earth's beauty from our eyes,
We still may gaze upon the starry skies;
And own the mighty Maker's hand divine,
In suns and worlds, that with new lustre shine.
The glittering constellations, o'er our head,
Fill the deep musing mind with wonder, dread.
What secrets there have been from man concealed,
To angels' high intelligence revealed!
To sister planets oft our gaze we turn;
From each the thoughtful may some lesson learn.
Each has some different history of its own,
As each by its own color, form, is known.
Now in conjunction Mars and Saturn see,
As if almost one planet they might be;
Then ruddy Mars moves on with swifter pace,
And leaves behind slow Saturn in the race.
But beautiful and bright beyond compare,
Look, where the evening star shines silvery, fair,
The near companion of the crescent moon,
Again to part with her, alas, how soon!
Each onward moving in its diverse way,
While each doth still one heavenly law obey.
How many gaze, with unobservant eyes,
On all this beauty of the winter skies;
On stars and systems, that in glory burn
Yet from the sight no word of wisdom learn!
Seeing they see, and yet not understand
The works, and wonders of the Almighty's hand;
Who launched in space this vast terrestrial ball,
Yet notes the insect's flight, the sparrow's fall;
Who bids unnumbered worlds their courses run,
Yet guides the motes, that glitter in the sun.
The wise, the musing, meditative mind
More wisdom in the night, than day, may find;
Heaven's gifts are not alone to labor given:
E'en, in the hours of sleep, descend from heaven
High thoughts and feelings, visions too sublime,
That link eternity with fleeting time.