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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IN PRAISE OF NIGHT by LEWIS MORRIS (1833-1907)

First Line: NO BREATH OF MORNING WAKES
Last Line: ALAS! 'TIS DAY.
Subject(s): NIGHT; BEDTIME;

No breath of morning wakes
The languid dreaming night;
Nor through the thick leaves breaks
A gleam of light.

But on the brooding calm,
And ghostly silence deep,
Is shed a dreamy balm
Of Rest and Sleep.

Then sudden, thro' the trees,
Listening, unstirred around,
Flutters a fairy breeze
With whispering sound.

And straightway from the throat
Of some half-waking bird,
One hestitating note,
Dawn's earliest word.

And then the tranquil night,
Faints in the garish ray. -
Loud song, and broader light,
Alas! 'tis Day.



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