O sweet darkness, still, and calm, and lonely! Spread thy downy pinions round about. Spare me from thy hidden riches only One dream-face; blot all the others out.
Bring him now, for thou hast power to free him, From that ugly garb he wears by day; Bring him now—my darling!—let me see him Ere the tender kindness pass away.
O sweet night-winds, wandering in the larches! Sigh, and croon, and whisper as you creep; Sing my songs through green cathedral arches, While the weary workers are asleep.
Snarl and fret not of the grief and passion; Sing in minor cadence, sweet and low; Sing of peace and rest, in soft wind-fashion— Of the love and faith I used to know!