Looking Out Into the Night

Looking out into the night I behold in space afar Yonder beaming, blazing star; And I marvel at the might Of the Giver of the rays, And I worship as I gaze, Looking out into the night.

Looking out into the night, I espy two lovers near, And their happy words I hear, While their solemn troth they plight; And I bless the loving twain, Half in pleasure, half in pain,— Looking out into the night.

Looking out into the night, Lo! a woman passing by, Glancing round with anxious eye, Tearful, fearful of the light; And I think what might have been But for treachery and sin,— Looking out into the night.

Looking out into the night, I behold a distant sail Roughly beaten by the gale Till it vanishes from sight; And I ponder on the strife Of our fleeting human life, Looking out into the night.

Looking out into the night, I bethink me of the rest And the rapture of the blest In the land where all is light; Sitting on the heavenly shore, Weeping never,—nevermore Looking out into the night!