THE PURPLE EVENING.

IMITATED FROM THE GERMAN.

By the Author of Stray Leaves.'

THOU lovely, smiling, evening ray,
How calm thou sink'st in peace away!

So martyrs smile amid the fire,
So thus in extasy expire!

How glow the hills, so softly bright!
The woods reflect a dewy light;

The day-star smiles on evening's grave

The swan glides o'er the purple wave.

Sun, fair image of our God!

Far onwards, to our last abode,

Thou lov'st to guide the wanderer's course
Till rapt he greet thy golden source,
How brighter then, at thy departing,
Than when o'er hill and valley starting!