THE MOONSTAR

Lady, I thank thee for thy loveliness,

Because my lady is more lovely still.

Glorying I gaze, and yield with glad goodwill

To thee thy tribute; by whose sweet-spun dress

Of delicate life Love labours to assess

My Lady's absolute queendom; saying,‘ Lo!

How high this beauty is, which yet doth show

But as that beauty's sovereign votaress.’

Lady, I saw thee with her, side by side;

And as, when night's fair fires their queen surround,

An emulous star too near the moon will ride,—

Even so thy rays within her luminous bound

Were traced no more; and by the light so drown'd,

Lady, not thou but she was glorified.