The Moonlight.
How like the moonlight o’er the sea1
Is to your love o’er life for me !2
An hour ago the waters lay3
Beneath the twilight, dull and gray ;4
Neither in comfort nor distress,5
Calm with an utter listlessness ;6
Sick, as it seemed, of ebb and flow,7
Tired of the way they had to go.8
But, faint at first, beyond the haze9
The moon appeared with softened gaze.10
And shyly o’er the waters shone11
And laid her fingers white thereon,12
Until the weary wilderness13
Was thrilled and throve at her caress ;14
And glorified, despite the mist,15
The sea attained to joy, and kissed16
With eager lips the hands of her,17
Telling the very sands of her.18
Can you remember, dear, my night ?19
Can life and I forget your light ?20
How like the moonlight o’er the sea21
Is to your love o’er life for me !22