The day fades fast; And backward ebbs the tide of light From the far hills in billows bright,
1. It was too sweet--such dreams do ever fade When Sorrow shakes the sleeper from his rest--
The night is dark, and evermore The thick drops patter on the pane The wind is weary of the rain,
The day is fading from the sky, And softly shines the Star of Even, As watching with a lover's eye
Love took me softly by the hand, Love led me all the country o'er, And show'd me beauty in the land,
Through the calm and silent air Floats the tolling funeral bell, Swooning over hill and dell,
O! well I mind the olden time, The sweet, sweet olden time; When I did long for eve all day,
From the darksome earth-mine lifted, From the clay and from the rock Loosen'd out with many a shock;