Stars

All through the night, your glorious eyes

Were gazing down in mine,

And, with a full heart's thankful sighs,

I blessed that watch divine.

I was at peace, and drank your beams

As they were life to me;

And revelled in my changeful dreams,

Like petrel on the sea.

Thought followed thought, star followed star

Through boundless regions on;

While one sweet influence, near and far,

Thrilled through, and proved us one!

Why did the morning dawn to break

So great, so pure a spell;

And scorch with fire the tranquil cheek,

Where your cool radiance fell?

Blood-red, he rose, and arrow-straight,

His fierce beams struck my brow;

The soul of nature sprang, elate,

But mine sank sad and low.

My lids closed down, yet through their veil

I saw him, blazinig, still,

And steep in gold the misty dale,

And flash upon the hill.

I turned me to the pillow, then,

To call back night, and see

Your words of solemn light, again,

Throb with my heart, and me!

It would not do - the pillow glowed,

And glowed both roof and floor;

And birds sang loudly in the wood,

And fresh winds shook the door;

The curtains waved, the wakened flies

Were murmuring round my room,

Imprisoned there, till I should rise,

And give them leave to roam.

O stars, and dreams, and gentle night;

O night and stars, return!

And hide me from the hostile light

That does not warm, but burn;

That drains the blood of suffering men;

Drinks tears, instead of dew;

Let me sleep through his blinding reign,

And only wake with you!