The shades of eve are falling
On sunset's rosy air,
The convent bell is calling
To pensive thought and prayer;
The dew drops gem-like glisten,
The stars burn bright above,
Then listen--lady, listen,
The tale of thy true love. The breath of Even whispers,
Its tale through leafy bough,
Love's vigil and love's vespers
Are held and hallow'd now;
For now all scene is sweetest,
Beneath, around, above,
And now the moment's meetest,
To list the lay of love!