page 25

After Dark

How lustrous in the west pale gold produced to lilac
In the pure height where eve’s one star prevails,
Keeping her tryst tranquilly, and tranquil the observant
Who from earth’s dusk that silver lantern hails.

Smoulders on northern cloud the garnet glow of sunset,
But soon extinct, above the alps’ long black stockade;
By raven sea, red gleam of verging beacons;
The plain’s deep largeness lies in darkening shade.

A murmur low and faint moves in the vale’s obscurity,
Uneasy city’s plaint, or restless ocean’s swell;
Sleep, sleep, world, sleep, the pomps are consummated;
Turn to thy rest, watcher, all is well.