O HOW beautiful is Morning! br How the sunbeams strike the daisies, br And the kingcups fill the meadow br Like a golden-shielded army br Marching to the uplands fair;-- br I am going forth to battle, br And life's uplands rise before me, br And my golden shield is ready, br And I pause a moment, timing br My heart's pæan to the waters, br As with cheerful song incessant br Onwards runs the little stream; br Singing ever, onward ever, br Boldly runs the merry stream. br br O how glorious is Noon-day! br With the cool large shadows lying br Underneath the giant forest, br The far hill-tops towering dimly br O'er the conquered plains below;-- br I am conquering--I shall conquer br In life's battle-field impetuous: br And I lie and listen dreamy br To a double-voiced, low music,-- br Tender beech-trees sheeny shiver br Mingled with the diapason br Of the strong, deep, joyful stream, br Like a man's love and a woman's; br So it runs--the happy stream! br br O how grandly cometh Even, br Sitting on the mountain summit, br Purple-vestured, grave, and silent, br Watching o'er the dewy valleys, br Like a good king near his end:-- br I have labored, I have governed; br Now I feel the gathering shadows br Of the night that closes all things: br And the fair earth fades before me, br And the stars leap out in heaven, br While into the infinite darkness br Solemn runs the steadfast stream-- br Onward, onward, ceaseless, fearless, br Singing runs the eternal stream.