The Dawn
Streaking the mantle of deep night
The rays of light arise,
Delightful day--shed by the sun--
Breaks forth from eastern skies,
He--in his course o'er oceans vast
And distant lands--returns
Firm to his purpose, true his way,
He nature's tribute earns:
Before him messengers arrive
And sparkle in the sky,
These are the bright and twinkling stars
Which spot the sable canopy.
The cock upon his lofty perch
Has sung the break of day,
The birds within the sheltering trees
Now frolic, chirp and play;
I see all nature is astir
As tho' from sleep restor'd,
Alive with joy and light renew'd
By the Creator's word:
Now every hill and valley low
Appear in full charm,
Beneath the sun's benignant smiles,
Which now creation warm.