1 When night falls on the earth, the sea br 2 From east to west lies twinkling bright br 3 With shining beams from beacons high br 4 Which flash afar a friendly light. br br 5 The sailor's eyes, like eyes in prayer, br 6 Turn unto them for guiding ray: br 7 If storms obscure their radiance, br 8 The great ships helpless grope their way. br br 9 When night falls on the earth, the sky br 10 Looks like a wide, a boundless main. br 11 Who knows what voyagers sail there? br 12 Who names the ports they seek and gain? br br 13 Are not the stars like beacons set br 14 To guide the argosies that go br 15 From universe to universe, br 16 Our little world above, below?-- br br 17 On their great errands solemn bent, br 18 In their vast journeys unaware br 19 Of our small planet's name or place br 20 Revolving in the lower air. br br 21 O thought too vast! O thought too glad! br 22 An awe most rapturous it stirs.