At Sunset

To-night the west o'er-brims with warmest dyes;     Its chalice overflows     With pools of purple colouring the skies,     Aflood with gold and rose;     And some hot soul seems throbbing close to mine,     As sinks the sun within that world of wine.     I seem to hear a bar of music float     And swoon into the west;     My ear can scarcely catch the whispered note,     But something in my breast     Blends with that strain, till both accord in one,     As cloud and colour blend at set of sun.     And twilight comes with grey and restful eyes,     As ashes follow flame.     But O! I heard a voice from those rich skies     Call tenderly my name;     It was as if some priestly fingers stole     In benedictions o'er my lonely soul.     I know not why, but all my being longed     And leapt at that sweet call;     My heart outreached its arms, all passion thronged     And beat against Fate's wall,     Crying in utter homesickness to be     Near to a heart that loves and leans to me.