The beam-repelling mists arise, <br />And evening spreads obscurer skies; <br />The twilight will the night forerun, <br />And night itself be soon begun. <br />Upon thy knees devoutly bow, <br />And pray the Lord of glory now <br />To fill thy breast, or deadly sin <br />May cause a blinder night within. <br />And whether pleasing vapours rise <br />Which gently dim the closing eyes, <br />Which make the weary members bless'd <br />With sweet refreshment in their rest, <br />Or whether spirits in the brain <br />Dispel their soft embrace again, <br />And on my watchful bed I stay, <br />Forsook by sleep and waiting day, <br />Be God for ever in my view <br />And never He forsake me, too; <br />But, still as day concludes in night <br />To break again with new-born light, <br />His wondrous bounty let me find <br />With still a more enlighten'd mind <br />When grace and love in one agree, <br />Grace from God, and love from me, <br />Grace that will from heaven inspire, <br />Love that seals it with desire, <br />Grace and love that mingle beams, <br />And fill me with encreasing flames. <br />Thou that hast Thy palace far <br />Above the moon and every star, <br />Thou that sittest on a throne <br />To which the night was never known, <br />Regard my voice and make me bless'd, <br />By kindly granting its request. <br />If thoughts on Thee my soul employ, <br />My darkness will afford me joy, <br />'Till Thou shalt call, and I shall soar, <br />And part with darkness evermore.<br /><br />Thomas Parnell<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-hymn-for-evening/
