Fluctuations

What though the Sun had left my sky;

To save me from

The blessed Moon arose on high,

And shone serenely there.

I watched her, with a tearful gaze,

Rise slowly o'er the hill,

While through the dim horizon's

Her light gleamed faint and chill.

I thought such wan and lifeless

Could ne'er my heart

For the bright sun's most transient

That cheered me through the day:

But, as above that mist's

She rose, and brighter shone,

I felt her light upon my soul;

But now—that light is gone!

Thick vapours snatched her from my sight,

And I was darkling left,

All in the cold and gloomy night,

Of light and hope bereft:

Until, methought, a little

Shone forth with trembling ray,

To cheer me with its light afar—But that, too, passed away.

Anon, an earthly meteor

The gloomy darkness through;

I smiled, yet trembled while I gazed—But that soon vanished too!

And darker, drearier fell the

Upon my spirit then;—But what is that faint struggling light?

Is it the Moon again?

Kind Heaven! increase that silvery

And bid these clouds depart,

And let her soft celestial

Restore my fainting heart!