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Song of an Autumn Night

The clock, as I look up, is only at eleven,
And I rejoice in these long autumn evenings.
Laying down my pen, my heart quickens
To think that the time is mine.

Rising I take a book from the shelf.

To browse in a book late at night
Is to me more precious
Than for a reaper, halting his scythe,
To look up awhile into the sky.

Gently I cut the first page.

The book I commence tonight
Is my journey to an unknown world;
At first ’tis well the author and I
Should walk a little apart.

Reverently I cut the next page.

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