AN ECLIPSE AMONG THE ALPS.

Far along the frozen glaciers Where the milky waters leap, Through the fresh and quiet valleys, Down the gorges wild and deep.

Creeps the night: The stars are shining In the twilight and the gloom: Drifting through the Alpine heavens, Gently shines the rising moon.

Now she’s climbing upward; shadows Dropping from the summit’s crest, Wrap the valleys in the darkness, Slumber on the mountain’s breast.

But the earth has trailed her shadow Far out into empty space; And the moon walks through the shadow With earth’s image on her face.

Oh, how often has that journey By a human soul been made; Passing through this world of trouble, Into sunshine—out of shade!

Long I watch her evening journey Far above the mountain’s reach: Her sad face is almost human, With an eloquence of speech.

For my soul is ever climbing, Through an Alpine world of thought; Giant Blancs to be surmounted Icy battles to be fought.

—Dubuque Herald.