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Clear seen in that deep solemn light,
Against the dark blue skies,
Like giant spirits of the past,
Yon ancient woods arise:
And on each immemorial tree,
Whose birthtime none can know,
The moonlight quivers brightly now,
As centuries ago.
Against the dark blue skies,
Like giant spirits of the past,
Yon ancient woods arise:
And on each immemorial tree,
Whose birthtime none can know,
The moonlight quivers brightly now,
As centuries ago.
Yes! changeless 'mid a changing world,—
Undimmed where all grows dim,—
Bright as when first from earth arose
Creation's morning hymn:
Beloved alike by youth and age,
The gentle and the brave,—
That radiance gilds man's cradled sleep,
And shines upon his grave!
Undimmed where all grows dim,—
Bright as when first from earth arose
Creation's morning hymn:
Beloved alike by youth and age,
The gentle and the brave,—
That radiance gilds man's cradled sleep,
And shines upon his grave!
Thou pensive Moon! as thus I gaze
Upon thy glistening brow,
Swift wake the dreams of other days,
And scenes far distant now.
Upon my native hills once more
Thou risest, young and fair;
But shall I e'er behold again
Thy silver lustre there?
Upon thy glistening brow,
Swift wake the dreams of other days,
And scenes far distant now.
Upon my native hills once more
Thou risest, young and fair;
But shall I e'er behold again
Thy silver lustre there?
Alas! I know not,—still the thought
Of many a youthful hour
Comes borne upon that gentle ray,
With sad yet soothing power.
Of many a youthful hour
Comes borne upon that gentle ray,
With sad yet soothing power.
