University of Virginia Library

Stars and Moon.

BENEATH the stars and summer moon
A pair of wedded lovers walk,
Upon the stars and summer moon
They turn their happy eyes, and talk.
EDITH.
" Those stars, that moon, for me they shine
With lovely, but no startling light ;
My joy is much, but not as thine,
A joy that fills the pulse, like fright."

ALFRED.
" My love, a darken'd conscience clothes
The world in sackcloth ; and, I fear,
The stain of life this new heart loathes,
Still clouds my sight ; but thine is clear.
" True vision is no startling boon
To one in whom it always lies ;
But if true sight of stars and moon
Were strange to thee, it would surprise.
" Disease it is and dearth in me
Which thou believest genius, wealth ;
And that imagined want in thee
Is riches and abundant health.
" O, little merit I my bride !
And therefore will I love her more ;
Renewing, by her gentle side,
Lost worth : let this thy smile restore !"

EDITH.
" Ah, love ! we both, with longing deep,
Love words and actions kind, which are
More good for life than bread or sleep,
More beautiful than Moon or Star."