Distant Time

I know not from what distant time 

thou art ever coming nearer to meet me. 

Thy sun and stars can never keep thee hidden from me for aye. 

In many a morning and eve thy footsteps have been heard 

and thy messenger has come within my heart and called me in secret. 

I know not only why today my life is all astir, 

and a feeling of tremulous joy is passing through my heart. 

It is as if the time were come to wind up my work, 

and I feel in the air a faint smell of thy sweet presence.