ly
While I, on light wings come,
And with low murmurs lull the groves,
These all make music which she loves;
All these, when the stirring day doth end,
To give her sweet welcome their voices blend.

6.

Then ceas'd the voice, but all around
Floated a gentle murmuring sound;
While fragrant breath of greeting rose
From flowers sinking to repose,
To welcome evening's peaceful reign,
The while responding to the strain,
Their willing tribute of thanks and praise
My heart and voice at once did raise:

7.

Oh evening, I will sing to thee,
Thou silent mother of thought;
My heart shall breathe the melody,
With glowing rapture fraught;
Yes, I will sing to thee, and tell
How I love thy solemn hour,
How in thy stillness lies a spell
Of soothing holy power.

8.

Thou comest in calm majesty
To thy bowers in the west;
And weary nature blesseth thee,
For she knows thou bringest rest,
She waits thy coming anxiously,
And all the lovely flowers
Droop their leaves in thanks to thee,
For life-renewing showers.

9.

Well may they bless thee, for I trow
When the joyous morn doth wake,
And with its beams their slumbers break,
All fresh and bright their leaves shall glow;
And to the deep feeling heart,
That which can love thee best,
How beautiful thou art!
Cradle of peace and rest.

10.

It loves thy presence, and to thee
By chains of deepest thought is bound.
Such thought as sets the spirit free
Hallowing all around.

11.

Then wakes in man his nature high,
He feels his immortality;
And in the peace at evening given
Bethinks him he is heir of heaven.

CHAPTER XVI

THE FIRST LOSS

"The thought of our past years in me doth breed
Perpetual benediction."--WORDSWORTH.

In August 1861 Bessie was removed to Bognor for the benefit of sea air,
and began to show signs of complete recovery. Some of the sisters were
her constant companions and devoted nurses; she received visits from her
parents, and loving letters from many friends.

She returned to Chichester in the late autumn, restored to her usual
average of health; and in December the Bi