Before Sunrise

I rose in that hushed hour before the dawn Unveils its wonder old yet ever-new, When still the night lies languidly upon The earth, though stars are growing faint and few. Up the long path I went, nor paused to rest Along the cool, dark way, till on the hill I stood, where dawn's first breeze my brow caressed With mingled odorous breath and mountain chill. To west hung heavily the drowsy night, Weighted with fog, low-clinging, grey and dim, Adown each valley and about each height, Thro' which the sinking stars appeared to swim. I turned, and lo! how pale the eastland's face, As if it mourned the starlit night's decline, Ere youthful Day, coming with eager pace, With kisses should that cheek incarnadine.