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 !
