Be still

Be still, be still. Vex not the night with a sound

The moon has laid her finger on the lake

And the shadows of the wood profound

There lies a peace we would profane to break.

Upon the lonely avenue of trees

As pearls upon an airy silverstring

Are caught the threaded echoes of the breeze

That sets the ruffled leaves amurmuring.

Be still, dear heart, as tho' 'twere death to speak.

Love waits you lily like, with leaves unfurled

While on the breast of day night lays her cheek

The silence speaks the secret of the world.