Classic Poem

Evening Thought among the Alps, An

AMONG THE ALPS .

I MARK'D yon Alp, while morning's ray
 Upon his summit shone
On Earth his mighty shadow lay,
 O'er mead and valley thrown.

But now, that Evening's sober tints
 Bid day's warm radiance fly,
Withdrawing from the world, he prints
 His shadow on the sky.

So fares our mortal pilgrimage:
 While youth's bright morning shines,
Earth and its joys our hearts engage,
 There every wish inclines:

But as that morning wanes to eve,
 Are nobler longings given;
Earth's heartless vanities we leave,
 And fix our hopes in Heaven.English