I’ve reclined amidst this nightly nil
And leaned mine ear into the still;
Shall angels sound, or sirens sing,
What this night shall silence bring?
The silent darkness besets mine ear,
Whence I listen tho’ thus I fear;
O’ from the stillness what may spring,
As I know not what shall silence bring?
Shall I hear the whispering of the dead
Lamenting yet from where they tread?
Shall upon the nil the spirits wing;
O’ what this night shall silence bring?
Shall from the darkness demons breach
Seeking souls as forth they reach?
O’ if should raging come a wicked thing;
Then evil thus shall silence bring!
Within the still I’ve placed mine ear
Awaiting that which I may hear;
Shall hell ascend or trumpets ring,
What this night shall silence bring?