Poems :: :: University of Virginia Library

The day is departed, and round from the cloud
The Moon in her beauty appears;
The voice of the Nightingale warbles aloud
The music of love in our ears:
Maria, appear! now the season so sweet
With the beat of the heart is in tune;
The time is so tender for lovers to meet
Alone by the light of the Moon.

I cannot when present unfold what I feel,
I sigh—Can a lover do more?
Her name to the shepherds I never reveal,
Yet I think of her all the day o'er.
Maria, my love! do you long for the grove?
Do you sigh for an interview soon?
Does e'er a kind thought run on me as you rove
Alone by the light of the Moon?

Your name from the shepherds whenever I hear
My Bosom is all in a glow;
Your voice when it vibrates so sweet thro' mine ear,
My heart thrills—my eyes overflow.
Ye Powers of the Sky, will your bounty divine
Indulge a fond lover his boon?
Shall heart spring to heart, and Maria be mine,
Alone by the light of the Moon?