NIGHTLY I watch the moon with silvery sheen
Flaking the city house-tops, till I feel
Thy memory, Rosa, like a presence, steal
Down in her light: for ever in her mien
Thy souls similitude my soul hath seen!
And as she seemeth now a guardian seal
On Heavens far bliss, upon my future weal
Even such thy truth isradiantly serene!
But long my fancy may not entertain
These bright resemblancesfor, lo, a cloud
Blots her away, and in my breast the pain
Of absent love, recurring, pines aloud!
When shall I look in thy sweet eyes again,
Rosa, when cheer thee with like sadness bowed?
Wherever in some wildwood bower
There blooms a honey-yielding flower,
There too dwells a bird to sup
Out of its delicious cup,
And sing betimes, lest it should be
Oerfed into satiety:
So wherever Loveliness
Dwells retireddwells to bless,
Not dazzle: there some destind spirit,
Feeding on its luscious merit,
Can at peace with Passion be
Only through sweet Poesy.
