midnight
`` Hark , '' said he , `` how the wind moans and the rain beats upon the window ! '' But it was the cry of the passing ghosts and their falling tears as their black sins fought and kept them from heaven . But one who was a singer took his harp and sang , for he understood . Here is his song : _ They say it is the wind in midnight skies , Loud shrieking past the window , that doth make Each casement shudder with its storm of cries , And the barred door with pushing shoulder shake . _ _ Ah no , ah no , it is the souls pass by , Their lot to run from earth to God 's high place , Pursued by each black sin that death let fly From their sad flesh , to break them in the chase . _ _ They say it is the rain from leaf to leaf Doth slip and roll into the thirsting ground , That where the corn is trampled sheaf by sheaf The heavy sorrow of the storm is found . _ _ Ah no , ah no , it is repentant tears , By those let fall who make their direful flight , And drop by drop the anguish of their fears Comes down around us all the awful night .