Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton 1803–73

When Stars Are in the Quiet Skies

BulwerLyEG

WHEN stars are in the quiet skies,

Then most I pine for thee;

Bend on me then thy tender eyes,

As stars look on the sea!

For thoughts, like waves that glide by night,

Are stillest when they shine;

Mine earthly love lies hush’d in light

Beneath the heaven of thine.

There is an hour when angels keep

Familiar watch o’er men,

When coarser souls are wrapp’d in sleep—

Sweet spirit, meet me then!

There is an hour when holy dreams

Through slumber fairest glide;

And in that mystic hour it seems

Thou shouldst be by my side.

My thoughts of thee too sacred are

For daylight’s common beam:

I can but know thee as my star,

My angel and my dream;

When stars are in the quiet skies,

Then most I pine for thee;

Bend on me then thy tender eyes,

As stars look on the sea!