Julia Caroline Ripley Dorr - Surprises I lyrics

O Earth, that had so long in darkness lain, Waiting and listening for the Voice that cried, "Let there be light!"--on thy first eventide What woe, what fear, wrung thy dumb soul with pain! In darkling space down dropt the red sun, slain, With all his banners drooping. Far and wide Spread desolation's vast and blackening tide. How couldst thou know that day would dawn again? But the long hours wore on, till lo! pale gleams Of faint, far glory lit the eastern skies, Broadening and reddening till the sun's full beams Broke in clear, golden splendour on thine eyes. Darkness and brooding anguish were but dreams, Lost in a trembling wonder of surprise!