University of Virginia Library


687

MOONLIGHT MAID.

I saw the picture of a moonlight maid,
And, lo, it stirred strange memories of thee,
A marvel woven out of shine and shade,
And in a mystic robe of stars arrayed;
It mixed the rippling of a summer sea,
With odours wafted from a flowery lea,
Till in a moment every strife was stayed,
And all my fettered hours waxed fair and free.
I dreamed a vision of a flashing form,
That fled for ever through a night of storm,
While round its feet the radiant clouds were roll'd;
And then I thought of places pinched and cold,
That drew from thee a glory rich and warm,
I smelled the roses rising from the mould.