Softly Sighs the Breath of Evening

Softly sighs the breath of evening,
Stealing through the shadowy grove,
While the stars, in heaven shining,
Keep their silent watch above.

Heav’nly Father, while we’re sleeping,
Send Thy guardian angels bright,
Faithful watch above us keeping,
To protect us through the night.

When the morning, gently breaking,
Tints the sky with golden rays,
May Thy loving children, waking,
Sing their heav’nly Father’s praise.

Author: Unknown

This evening hymn appears in multiple 19th-century American and British hymnals and songbooks (often in the "children's hymns" or "evening" sections) without a credited author. No strong attribution to a specific lyricist (such as Jane Taylor, Ann Taylor, or Mary L. Duncan) has been found; it is treated as anonymous or traditional in most sources.