Night

Over the drowsy earth still night prevails;
Calm sleep the mountain tops and
shady vales,
The rugged cliffs and hollow glens,
The cattle on the hill. Deep in the sea
The countless finny race and monster
brood
Tranquil repose. Even the busy bee
Forgets her daily toil. The silent wood,
No more with noisy hum of insects,
rings;
And all the feathered tribes, by gentle
sleep subdued,
Roost in the glade, and hang their
drooping wings.

— Alcman, circa 650 B.C.