midnight
The breeze of Eve moans low , her smile is o'er , Dim steals her twilight down the crimson 'd west , He climbs the top-most mast , to seek once more The far-seen coast , where all his wishes rest . He views its dark line on the distant sky , And Fancy leads him to his little home , He sees his weeping love , he hears her sigh , He sooths her griefs , and tells of joys to come . Eve yields to night , the breeze to wintry gales , In one vast shade the seas and shores repose ; He turns his aching eyes , -- his spirit fails , The chill tear falls ; -- sad to the deck he goes ! The storm of midnight swells , the sails are furl 'd , Deep sounds the lead , but finds no friendly shore , Fast o'er the waves the wretched bark is hurl 'd , `` O Ellen , Ellen ! we must meet no more ! '' Lightnings , that show the vast and foamy deep , The rending thunders , as they onward roll , The loud , loud winds , that o'er the billows sweep -- Shake the firm nerve , appall the bravest soul ! Ah !