On Silver Nights

On silver nights I cannot sleep;-- The ancient moon from far above, Bids me arise, and run and keep A rendezvous with one I love.

And in my heart a little song Swings to and fro its clear refrain, While down the stairs I haste along As though the past were mine again.

Then is my spirit so beguiled By all the night's white witchery, That I am kin to all things wild, And part of all things that are free!--

Then he comes back,--who long ago Left these green paths his steps had trod; Yes--he comes back,--I know!--I know!-- Light-footed from the fields of God.

So through the garden and the lane, And where the lovely grass is deep, We two go walking once again,-- On silver nights, that banish sleep.