Soft, rosy, sweet, on nature's wings there steals the dawn;
Each songbird waking, almost whispering sings, See, comes
the morn!
A soft breeze o'er earth's fields with reverence blows,
Fearful lest aught too rough should bid each flower unclose.
In wondrous mystery of color-dreams the dawn-light grows,
And almost breathless nature seems in golden hues;
Till with one shout of life earth's grateful throng
Welcomes with pulsing joy the risen sun!
'Tis past, and twilight comes with saddening ray.
Despite the sunshine men have cried, How cold earth's day!
Despairing, sinful, sad, in matter's tomb,
Lone wanderers seeking God in godless gloom.
