The Dark Hour

And now, when merry winds do blow, And rain makes trees look fresh, An overpowering staleness holds This mortal flesh. Though well I love to feel the rain, And be by winds well blown -- The mystery of mortal life Doth press me down. And, In this mood, come now what will, Shine Rainbow, Cuckoo call; There is no thing in Heaven or Earth Can lift my soul. I know not where this state comes from -- No cause for grief I know; The Earth around is fresh and green, Flowers near me grow. I sit between two fair rose trees; Red roses on my right, And on my left side roses are A lovely white. The little birds are full of joy, Lambs bleating all the day; The colt runs after the old mare, And children play. And still there comes this dark, dark hour -- Which is not borne of Care; Into my heart it creeps before I am aware.