University of Virginia Library

6

[In still midsummer night]

In still midsummer night
When the moon is late
And the stars all watery and white
For her coming wait,
A spirit, whose eyes are possest
By wonder new,
Passeth—her arms upon her breast
Enwrapt from the dew
In a raiment of azure fold
With diaper
Of flower'd embroidery of gold
Bestarr'd with silver.
The daisy folk are awake
Their carpet to spread,
And the thron'd stars gazing on her make
Fresh crowns for her head,
Netted in her floating hair
As she drifteth free
Between the star-blossoming air
And starry lea,
From the silent-shadow'd vale
By the west wind drawn
Aloft to melt into the pale
Moonrise of dawn.
1910.