1 When windows that are black and cold
are lit anew with fires of gold;
When dusk in quiet shall descend
and darkness come once more a friend.

2 When wings pursue their proper flight
and bring not terror but delight;
When clouds are innocent again
and hide no storms of deadly rain;

3 And when the sky is swept of wars
and keeps but gentle moon and stars,
That peaceful sky, harmless air,
how sweet, how sweet, the darkness there.