Silence

With changeful sound life beats upon the ear;

Yet striving for release

The most delighting string's

Sweet jargonings,

The happiest throat's

Most easeful, lovely notes

Fall back into a veiling silentness.

Even 'mid the rumour of a moving host,

Blackening the clear green earth,

Vainly 'gainst that thin wall

The trumpets call,

Or with loud hum

The smoke-bemuffled drum:

From that high quietness no reply comes forth.

When all at peace, two friends at ease alone

Talk out their hearts, -- yet still,

Between the grace-notes of

The voice of love

From each to each

Trembles a rarer speech,

And with its presence every pause doth fill.

Unmoved it broods, this all-encompassing hush

Of one who stooping near,

No smallest stir will make

Our fear to wake;

But yet intent

Upon some mystery bent,

Hearkens the lightest word we say, or hear.