The Dawning of the Day

In winter's gloom and dreary blast I must retract my flight
Through mountain roads, through snow and frost, all alone in the dark of night
Thought or news, no time to lose, I cannot long delay --
I must be there each morning fair, by the dawning of the day

In drearer hours than e'er have passed I must have tramped my way
Where the screaming owl and the scampering fox stray lurking for their prey
More lonely than the wild wood lark that in the forest stray
I must be there each morning fair, by the dawning of the day

How low diffused in morning dew spreads o'er each silent lawn
Birds in trees by the murmuring breeze aroused by morning's dawn
The rising sun through the winding groves sends forth his beams of light
Through shady bowers to awake the flowers that slumber there all night

Oh sweet Dereen, oh lovely vale, oh noblest seat on earth
Green be thy fields and the sparkling flowers and the vale that gave thee birth
The silvery streams from the mountains glide to meet the briney sea --
'Twould cheer your heart when night depart by the dawning of the day