Night Comes Creeping

Night comes creeping slowly o'er me, Like a vapor cold and gray; Dim the track that lies before me, Lost the lingering smile of day. As a river, nearing ocean, Drops the brooklet's merry bell, I forget hope's wild emotion; Love and life, farewell, farewell! Eyes above me raining sorrow, Lips too tender to be true, In the sunshine of tomorrow Glow and sweetness shall renew. I have trod a weary measure, Fairy-tales no more I tell. False is pain, and fleeting pleasure; Love and life, farewell, farewell! Softly through the darkened heaven, Like a vision in the night, Float the purple wings of even; No more laughter, no more light. Close mine eyes, worn out with weeping, Weary pulses rest as well! In the dust and silence sleeping, Love and life, farewell, farewell!