Black lie the hills; swiftly doth daylight flee; br And, catching gleams of sunset's dying smile, br Through the dusk land for many a changing mile br The river runneth softly to the sea. br br O happy river, could I follow thee! br O yearning heart, that never can be still! br O wistful eyes, that watch the steadfast hill, br Longing for level line of solemn sea! br br Have patience; here are flowers and songs of birds, br Beauty and fragrance, wealth of sound and sight, br All summer's glory thine from morn till night, br And life too full of joy for uttered words. br br Neither am I ungrateful; but I dream br Deliciously how twilight falls to-night br Over the glimmering water, how the light br Dies blissfully away, until I seem br br To feel the wind, sea-scented, on my cheek, br To catch the sound of dusky flapping sail br And dip of oars, and voices on the gale br Afar off, calling low, -- my name they speak! br br O Earth! Thy summer song of joy may soar br Ringing to heaven in triumph. I but crave br The sad, caressing murmur of the wave br That breaks in tender music on the shore.