Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By George TracyElliot

1184 Winter Twilight

SOFT-SANDALLED twilight, handmaid of the night,

Before her noble lady’s radiant face

Doth slowly come, with gentle, quiet pace,

And draweth rose and azure curtains light

Around the snowy couch, so pure, so white,

Whereon her mistress soon will rest. With grace

Celestial she doth cover every trace

Of toil, and daily soil doth hide from sight.

So would I that before thy face my love

Might gently move, and ever from above

Such tender beauty draw about thy way

That when thou liest down to nightly rest

Earth-thoughts should fade, and there should only stay

The peace of heaven within thy tranquil breast.