[The term Vespers is derived from Vesper, the star that appears toward sunset, the time appointed by ancient usage for the recital of the Evening Song.—Hierugia.]
Evening quiet overspreads the sky:
Vesper rises clear and liquidly.
Star of prayer! whose ray
Brings spirit-whispers,
Brings the saintly hour
Of holy vespers.
Not a bell, perchance, of prayerful cry,
Yet the pious foot comes mindfully!
O'er the flinty street,
Or daisied meadow,
Glides, from near or far,
The Christian shadow!
Evening quiet overspreads the soul:
Restful rites the restless pulse control.
Now the tuneful waves
Of organ tremble;
Now the tuneful prayers
God's choir resemble!
Words of ancient plaint, flung long ago
From a kingly harp's melodious throe;
Words to her, who oped
Of Christ the vision,
Gabriel words—still serve
Their music-mission!
Now the censer's aromatic breath
Wreathes th' abode of One who smiles on death!
Now the portals ope—
Ah! dread appearing!
Christian, veil thy glance,
A God revering!
—Changed to flesh and blood my daily food:
Changed the bread and wine to flesh and blood!
Yet, my God, forgive
If reason falter:
Faith, alone, sustains me
At thine altar!
Richard Storrs Willis.