Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Craven LangstrothBetts

1118 To the Moonflower

PALE, climbing disk, who dost lone vigil keep

When all the flower-heads droop in drowsy swoon;

When lily bells fold to the zephyr’s tune,

And wearied bees are lapped in sugared sleep;

What secret hope is thine? What purpose deep?

Art thou enamored of the siren moon

That thus thy white face from the god of noon

Thou coverest, while his chariot rounds the steep?

Poor, frail Endymion! know her lustre’s line

Is but the cold, reflected majesty

That clothes the great sun’s regent-borrowed shine

Of him who yields restricted ministry,

Thy bright creator; he did ne’er design

The proud, false queen should fealty take of thee!