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 A farewell blessing to the earth, And foretold to-morrow's birth, Ere lowlier, on the ocean's breast, He bows in worship, and to rest Sinks beyond our vision's quest. —How calm it is! Earth, sea and air, Hush with, him in silent prayer! So awhile,—then clear and strong A sweet gush of vesper song! All the heart of music throbbing In a bird's ecstatic sobbing, As the purple shadows close Over amber, over rose, And a chime from far away Rings the passing of the day.

—As a lover, tired of roaming, Who returneth in the gloaming; Who returneth home at last, After months and perils past, As with gentle hand he presses Back the loved one's silken tresses, Gazes earnestly a space, On her dear familiar face, Reads it fondly o'er and o'er, And finds it fairer than before. Nature, thus I gaze on thee, Gaze on earth and sky and sea, Gaze and gaze, until my sight Is tear-clouded by delight, To pain united, in the stress Of mystery and loveliness. W. E. Hunter.