Soi nux me pherei ton aoidon, anax

Synesius, 4th Century

When darkness falls, and night is here,

My hymns of praise in silence rise, --

This knows the moon, whose silver sphere

Shines in the star bespangled skies.

When morning breaks, and glorious day

Shines in the dawn and noontide fair, --

This knows the sun -- a grateful lay

Springs from my heart in fervent prayer,

When fails the light at sunset grey,

And twilight listens for my song, --

This know the stars, -- in bright array,

My praises mingle with their throng.