280. The Watcher on the Tower by Madison Julius Cawein. Nicholson & Lee, eds. 1917. The Oxford Book of English Mystical Verse

Nicholson & Lee, eds. The Oxford Book of English Mystical Verse. 1917.

280. The Watcher on the Tower

By Madison Julius Cawein (1865–1914)

I The Voice of a Man WHAT of the Night, O Watcher?

The Voice of a Woman Yea, what of it?

The Watcher A star has risen; and a wind blows strong.

Voice of the Man The Night is dark.

The Watcher But God is there above it.	5

Voice of the Woman The Night is dark; the Night is dark and long.

II Voice of the Man What of the Night, O Watcher?

Voice of the Woman Night of sorrow!

The Watcher Out of the East there comes a sound, like song.

Voice of the Man The Night is dark.	10

The Watcher Have courage! There’s To-morrow!

Voice of the Woman The Night is dark; the Night is dark and long.

III Voice of the Man What of the Night, O Watcher?

Voice of the Woman Is it other?

The Watcher I see a gleam; a thorn of light; a thong.	15

Voice of the Man The Night is dark.

The Watcher The Morning comes, my Brother.

Voice of the Woman The Night is dark; the Night is dark and long.

IV Voice of the Man What now, what now, O Watcher?

The Watcher Red as slaughter	20
The Darkness dies. The Light comes swift and strong.

Voice of the Man The Night was long.—What sayest thou, my Daughter?

Voice of the Woman The Night was dark; the Night was dark and long.