When latest autumn spreads her evening veil,	
And the gray mists from these dim waves arise,	
I love to listen to the hollow sighs	
Through the half leafless wood that breathes the gale.	
For at such hours the shadowy phantom pale,	        
Oft seems to fleet before the poet's eyes;	
Strange sounds are heard, and mournful melodies	
As of night-wanderers who their woes bewail.	
Here by his native stream, at such an hour,	
Pity's own Otway I methinks could meet	        
And hear his deep sighs swell the saddened wind!	
O Melancholy, such thy magic power	
That to the soul these dreams are often sweet	
And soothe the pensive visionary mind.