Through the half-curtained window stole
An Autumn sunset's glow,
As languid on my couch I lay
With pulses weak and low.
And then methought a presence stood,
With shining feet and fair,
Amid the waves of golden light
That rippled through the air,
And laid upon my heaving breast,
With earnest glance and true,
A babe, whose fair and gentle brow
No shade of sorrow knew.
A solemn joy was in my heart,—
Immortal life was given
To Earth, upon her battle-field
To discipline for Heaven.
Soft music thrilled the quiet room,—
An unseen host were nigh,
Who left the infant pilgrim at
The threshold of our sky.
A new, strange love woke in my heart,
Defying all control,
As on the soft air rose and fell
That birth-hymn for a soul!
And now again the Autumn skies,
As on that evening, shine,
When, from a trance of agony,
I woke to joy divine.
That boundless love is in my heart,
That birth-hymn on the air;
I clasp in mine, with grateful faith,
A tiny hand in prayer.
And bless the God who guides my way,
That, mid this world so wide,
I day by day am walking with
An angel by my side.