The beam of morning trembling

    Stole o'er the mountain brook,

  With timid ray resembling

    Affection's early look.

Thus love begins—sweet morn of love!

  The noon-tide ray ascended,

    And o'er the valley's stream

  Diffused a glow as splendid

    As passion's riper dream.

Thus love expands—warm noon of love!

  But evening came, o'ershading

    The glories of the sky,

  Like faith and fondness fading

    From passion's altered eye.

Thus love declines—cold eve of love!