After dark vapors have oppress'd our plains br For a long dreary season, comes a day br Born of the gentle South, and clears away br From the sick heavens all unseemly stains. br The anxious month, relieved of its pains, br Takes as a long-lost right the feel of May; br The eyelids with the passing coolness play br Like rose leaves with the drip of Summer rains. br The calmest thoughts came round us; as of leaves br Budding -- fruit ripening in stillness -- Autumn suns br Smiling at eve upon the quiet sheaves -- br Sweet Sappho's cheek -- a smiling infant's breath -- br The gradual sand that through an hour-glass runs -- br A woodland rivulet -- a Poet's death.