When I Heard the Learned Astronomer

    When I heard the learn'd astronomer¹，

    When the proofs， the figures， were ranged in columns before me，

    When I was shown the charts and diagrams， to add， divide，

    and measure them，

    When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with

    much applause in the lecture-room，

    How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick，

    Till rising and gliding² out I wander'd off by myself，

    In the mystical moist night-air， and from time to time，

    Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars.