A Nocturne

Like weary sea-birds spent with flight   And faltering,

The slow hours beat across the night   On leaden wing.

The wild bird knows where rest shall be   Soe'er he roam.

Heart of my heart! apart from thee   I have no home.

Afar from thee, yet not alone,   Heart of my heart!

Like some soft haunting whisper blown   From Heaven thou art.

I hear the magic music roll   Its waves divine;

The subtle fragrance of thy soul   Has passed to mine.

Nor dawn nor Heaven my heart can know   Save that which

In lights and shades that come and go   In thy soft eyes.

Here in the night I dream the day,   By love upborne,

When thy sweet eyes shall shine and say   "It is the morn!"