A Similitude

FAIR as the night—when all the astral fires  
 Of heaven are burning in the clear expanse,  
 My love is; and her eyes like star-depths glance  
Lustrous with glowing thoughts and pure desires,  
And that mysterious pathos which inspires  
 All moods divine in mortal passion’s trance—  
 All that its earthly music doth enhance  
As with the rapture of seraphic lyres!  
I gaze upon her till the atmosphere  
 Sweetens intensely, and to my charmed sight  
All fair associated forms appear  
 Swimming in joy, as swim yon orbs in light—  
And all sweet sounds, though common to mine ear,  
 Chime up like silver-wingèd dreams in flight.