The sun was setting deep and fast
With it cold air blowing
A chill that sank straight to bone
Winter nights are growing

The sun was setting and deep shadows cast
Despair is hard to fight
Walking in the night alone
With no hint or hope of light

Ever into darkened distance vast
Through woods and mountains, field and glen
No gain or goal or promise shown
Nor ev'n the cry of a winter wren

Lost in the tangles of an ancient weald
Was this tribulation ne'r to end?
Do dreams and wishes deaden and dry?
As hands held by a winters wind?

My endurance and strength were nearly spent
My will beginning to bend
But wait! What is this I see through bleary eye!
Surely an angel god did send

A spot of light in a distant field
My resignation renewed
I nearly began to cry
While running, the light I pursued