The sun was hid all day by clouds.

The rain fell softly down,

A cold gray mist hung o'er the earth.

And veiled the silent town

Behind the clouds a sunbeam crept

With restless wings of gold:

The skies above were bright and warm.

The earth below was cold.

It glanced along the heavy clouds,

Then sought to glide between;

But ah! they gathered closer still,

With fierce and angry mien.

The dancing ray grew strangely still.

Just like some weary bird.

That droops upon a lonely shore.

And sings its song unheard.

For on the earth the drooping flowers

Were longing for the light;

And children with their watching eyes

Could trace no sunbeam's flight.

At last an angel, wand'ring by.

With snowy wings outspread.

Beheld the sunbeam sad at heart.

And passing by she said:

'Why wait you here above the clouds.

The earth has need of you;

Spread out your wings, speed quickly on

And pierce the vapor through.'

But stilt the sunbeam mournfully

Gazed on the gloom below:

Then looked up in the spirit's face

With softened, anxious glow.

The angel smiled. the clouds gave way

And drifted far apart;

And lo! the glory of that smile

Fell on each earthly heart.

Then quickly through the widening rift

The sunbeam drifted down;

A ray of gold fell through the mist

Upon the silent town.