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 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, blazing, 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 worlds 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.

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 reign,

 And only wake with you !