midnight
With what solicitude she awaits his return ! Sleep fails to perform its office -- she weeps while the nocturnal shades of the night triumph in the stillness . Bending over some favorite book , whilst the author throws before her mind the most beautiful imagery , she startles at every sound . The midnight silence is broken by the solemn announcement of the return of another morning . He is still absent ; she listens for that voice which has so often been greeted by the melodies of her own ; but , alas ! stern silence is all that she receives for her vigilance . Mark her unwearied watchfulness , as the night passes away .