Sonnet--to Night

Mysterious Night! when (iret our parent knew Thee from report divine and heard thy name, Did he not tremble for this lovely frame, This glorious canopy of light and bluei' Yet 'neatn a curtaiu of translucent dew, Bathed ín the raya of the great setting flame, Hesperus with the host of heaven came: And lol oreatiou wiilened in man'B view! Who could liave tUouglit such darkness lay concealed Witliia thy lieams, ü Sun, or who could find, Wliile fiy and leaf aud insect stood revealed, That to such countless orbs thou uiadst us blind? Wliy do we, then, shuu Death with anxious strife? if Light can thus deceive, wherefore not Life?