I walked among the purple hills As eventide was gathering fast, And watched the pretty, prancing rills Below the hilltops, bubble past. I tarried now and then with flowers, Or listened to the birds' sweet song, Drifting through the forest bowers In melodies that lingered long. I sat me down as nature's guest, To watch an artisan at play -- Start out upon a mysterious quest In sable robes that dared not day. But a shadow came and kissed the light Into a darkness we call night. |