4648376Poems — A Night SongFrances M. Sharpless
A NIGHT SONG [FROM THE GERMAN OF PAUL GEROK] He who keepeth Israel, slumbers not nor sleeps.—Psalm 121:4
Half rousing from my pillow,
The rushing brook I hear;
Only its murmurs break the peace
That broodeth everywhere.

And to me it softly singeth,
"Rest thou, oh rest in peace!
For God's water brooks of comfort
In flowing never cease."

Now the weary world is sleeping
Beneath night's sombre pall;
On field, on wood, and meadow
Refreshing night-dews fall.

And through my window peeping
I see a bright star gleam;
A tiny star,—my neighbor's roof
Catches its glinting beam.

Small comforter! thou bringest
A tender thought to me;—
"Sleep thou in peace!" it seems to say,
"God watches over thee.

"See, sparkling through the midnight
His serried armies stand;
With golden arms they hold their charge
O'er all the quiet land."

Soothed by the brook's soft whisper
And by the star's clear shine,
I rest in trusting peace on Him
Who holds this soul of mine.