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Its sable shade across the landscape spread;
And while they sunk in rest and slumbers meek,
I wander' d forth my simple meal to seek;
The juicy wild fig, and the chrystal tide,
My strength renew'd, and nature's wants supply'd.
And then, when evening slowly drew her shade,
And on the dewy lawn my flocks were laid,
Wrapt in my mantle from the chilling wind,
I gave to holy thoughts my wakeful mind:
The stars that in their mystic circles move,
The sparkling blue of the high arch above,
The pomp of night, her slow majestic power,
The solemn silence of her midnight hour,
The gentle softness of the unveil'd moon,
All seem'd to speak of Him, the Everlasting One.
From solemn musing, heavenly visions stole,
With sleep's soft footstep on my thoughtful soul,
Till in the purpled east, the morning star
Departing, wak'd me to my daily care.
Once as I rose from slumbers soft and sweet,
And found my lambs reposing at my feet,
And saw the morning light the hills invest,
Gleam o'er the forests, gild the mountain's breast,
Dart on the sparkling streams, and shoot its way
Through the dark vales where slumb'ring vapors lay,
It seem'd within my breast a light there shone,
