The night is calm and cloudless, 



And still as still can be, 

 And the stars come forth to listen 



To the music of the sea. 

 They gather, and gatner, and gather* 



Until they crowd the sky, 

 And listen in breathless silence. 



To the solemn litany. 

 It begins in rocky caverns, 



As a voice that chants alone 

 To the pedals of the organ 



In monotonous undertone ; 

 And anon from shelving beaches. 



And shallow sands beyond 

 In snow-white robes uprising. 



The ghostly choirs respond. 

 And sadly and unceasing 



The mournful voice sings on, 



And the snow-white choirs still answer, 



Christe Eleisonl 



Longfellow, 



