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
O Stars and Dreams and Gentle Night
O 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