The soft salaam of slowly sinking day.

Stars shone, and Atmâ said, "'Tis well to be,

The things of earth are painted pleasantly."

But pleasantness is light and versatile,

And moods must change and tranquil breezes veer,

And o'er this blissful hour there came a chill

And sullen shadows slowly creeping near

In lengthening lines, and murkier dusk took form

Of all things ominous, disastrous, ill,

And as a mid-day gloom portending storm,