VII.

Dark

Over all,

Falls the twilight like a pall.

Kindle not the restless flare

Of the midnight torches’ glare;

Let the restful stars look down,

Silent through the clear, cold air,

High and pure as his renown!

Pale against the evening sky

Burns the banner that ye drape

With the heavy folds of crape;

And ye have no need to tie

All its fluttering crimson back

With those heavy folds of black;—

For the very winds to-day

Droop with sadness, nor would care

With their crimson toy to play!