STARS

    Ah！ why, because the dazzling sun Restored our Earth to joy, Have you departed, every one, And left a desert sky？

    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 revelled¹ in my changeful dreams, Like petrel on the sea.

    Thought followed thought, star followed star, Through boundless² 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 scorch³ with fire the tranquil⁴ 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, blazing, still, And steep in gold the misty⁵ dale, And flash upon the hill.

    I turned me to the pillow, then, To call back night, and see Your worlds of solemn light, again, Throb⁶ 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, Imprisoned⁷ there, till I should rise, And give them leave to roam.

    Oh, stars, and dreams, and gentle night； Oh, 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 reign⁸, And only wake with you！