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!