WAS IT THY FACE?

Was it thy face I saw when, as a child,

Night after night I watched one quiet star

Shine‘ tween my curtain and the window-bar

Until I slept, and made my sleep more mild?

Was it thy influence outreaching then

To me, o'er untrod years, o'er varying days,

To give me courage, as from phase to phase

Of youth's desires I passed to deeds of men?

Was it because the star was hid awhile,

That I in blindness wandered from my path;

That I wooed Folly with her mumming smile,

And sought for Lethe in a cup of wrath?

Another hand touched mine with sadness there,

And saved me till I saw thy face appear.