Night-Piece

Portrait of Siegfried Sassoon
Siegfried Sassoon 1886–1967

Ye hooded witches, baleful shapes that moan, Quench your fantastic lanterns and be still; For now the moon through heaven sails alone, Shedding her peaceful rays from hill to hill. The faun from out his dim and secret place Draws nigh the darkling pool and from his dream Half-wakens, seeing there his sylvan face Reflected, and the wistful eyes that gleam.

To his cold lips he sets the pipe to blow Some drowsy note that charms the listening air: The dryads from their trees come down and creep Near to his side; monotonous and low, He plays and plays till at the woodside there Stirs to the voice of everlasting sleep.

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