When day departs, dying amid his glory,
His wealth of gold, his crimson flags and shields;
When his last smile illumines woods and fields
And mountains purple with the after-story;
Before the memory of his strength is gone;
While all the heavens are glowing, tremulous
Rises the evening star, fair Hesperus,
Daughter of Day, heir of his world and throne.
Behind a cloud she hides her presence bright,
As if still mourning Day's departed grace;
While tears of dew fall down the deeps of night,
Bathing each flower's prayerful, upturned face.
Nature in silence mourns the god of light,--
That princely offspring of immortal race.
