Evening.
Landward, in haste, the screaming sea-fowl fly1
Across the waters, for the day is done ;2
And, lonely, in the west, the sinking sun3
With golden fingers grasps the darkening sky.4
Sullen, on rocky shore the wild sea breaks,5
Its white foam gleaming through the gathering night6
With fitful motion in the waning light,7
And in dim caves an answering echo wakes,8
Then, one by one, the golden fingers loose9
Their golden hold upon the darkening west ;10
And half the earth is filled with quiet rest,11
Which shadows deep and slumbers soft induce,12
Save where, beneath the star-beams, silver-bright,13
The sleepless ocean murmurs through the night.14