At night, when all is still around

At night, when all is still around,

How sweet to hear the distant sound

Of footstep, coming soft and light!

What pleasure in the anxious beat

With which the bosom flies to meet

That foot that comes so soft at night!

And then, at night, how sweet to say,

"'Tis late, my love!" and chide delay,

Though still the western clouds are bright;

Oh! happy, too, the silent press,

The eloquence of mute caress,

With those we love exchanged at night!