John Gould Fletcher - Triumphant Night lyrics

As once I wandered lonely in the night, Upon some grey and grimy street belated, I saw a sad man and a woman white, Clasped in a doorway low, unconsecrated. And they were parting, for their sobs came thick Across the street to where I wandered, deeming That all the world with ugliness was sick, And that life held no moments worth esteeming. Vision of the night, you mocked me then With sudden floods of beauty, power and glory! I saw the paltry, weak desires of men Rise from our hearts, and conquer song and story, And flout the idle Gods who do not love us, And sweep away the swarm of stars above us.