Softly we drown through the gathering whiteness,
 Float we in splendour on ripples of calm:
Gentleness down from the lingering brightness,
 Shadows anoint us with whispering balms.

Softly, oh softly, the angels are singing,
 The starbeams are winging their intricate dance;
And slowly, so slowly, in cadence most holy
 The glistering sparkles envelop, entrance.

Softly, but softly, but softly they graze us,
 Rustles of silk in the cushion-blind pall,
Images strange to entrap and amaze us,
 Shrouds to protect us should ever we fall:

Softly and softly and softly and softly
 We drown through the angels that graze us so deep,
And the dance of the stars that entraps us so roughly
 Propels us with gentleness down into sleep.