“IN THE STILL, STAR-LIT NIGHT.”

In the still, star-lit night,

By the full fountain and the willow-tree,

I walked, and not alone —

A spirit walked with me!

A shade fell on the grass;

Upon the water fell a deeper shade:

Something the willow stirred,

For to and fro it swayed.

The grass was in a quiver,

The water trembled, and the willow-tree

Sighed softly; I sighed loud —

The spirit taunted me.

All the night long I walked

By the full fountain, dropping icy tears;

I tore the willow leaves,

I tore the long, green spears!

I clutched the quaking grass,

And beat the rough bark of the willow-tree;

I shook the wreathed boughs,

To make the spirit flee.

It haunted me till dawn,

By the full fountain and the willow-tree;

For with myself I walked —

How could the spirit flee?