midnight
Midnight Scenes Or , Pictures of Human Life . Picture No . I . The midnight moon shone drear and cold , Upon a stately tow ` r ; Whose ramparts high and turrets bold Bespoke a lordly pow ` r . The dancing waters flash 'd and gleam 'd Beneath her silver ray ; And gently fell her placid beam , On tower and turret gray . And softly came the silent dew , And fell with gentle pow ` r , Sparkling like gems , or diamonds fair , On trembling leaf and flow ` r. Fair night hung out her golden lamps , In her blue chambers high ; And earth , all gemmed , in their pure light , Lay lovely to the eye . But look within those costly halls , Where waxen tapers gleam , And crimson curtains ' silken folds Exclude the moon 's bright beams .