A night was near, a day was near, br Between a day and night br I heard sweet voices calling clear, br Calling me: br I heard a whirr of wing on wing, br But could not see the sight; br I long to see my birds that sing, br I long to see. br Below the stars, beyond the moon, br Between the night and day br I heard a rising falling tune br Calling me: br I long to see the pipes and strings br Whereon such minstrels play; br I long to see each face that sings, br I long to see. br Today or may be not today, br Tonight or not tonight, br All voices that command or pray br Calling me, br Shall kindle in my soul such fire br And in my eyes such light br That I shall see that heart's desire br I long to see.