Sonnet.
O noble maid ! When daylight sinks to sleep,1
And weary waiting bids me close my eyes,2
I fear lest gloomy visions may arise,3
And drag me down to that unhappy deep4
Where Love despairs, and Hopes and Longings weep ;5
But, ere they come, I reach a land of sighs,6
Where sights and sounds are clad in quaintest guise,7
And where I hear soft strains of music sweep8
Among the shadows to my open ears,9
When, out of loving lips I cannot see,10
Float tender harmonies to dry my tears11
With wondrous melody which comforts me,12
Destroying all the ruins of my fears,13
And lulling me to happy dreams of thee.14