Doth the sound of a slow vesper chime.

We have been friends together, this old mill and I,

Yes, friends that are true, tried, and strong;

If over us gather a gray winter sky

We faced it sometimes with a song,

Or braved it in silence, scarce knowing why,

As together we labored along.

I fancy sometimes as I sit here alone

With the calm of the night in my heart,

When from the low roof the pigeons have flown,