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

By John WhiteChadwick

771 Starlight

“LOOK up,” she said; and all the heavens blazed

With countless myriads of quiet stars,

Whereon a moment silently he gazed,

And drank that peace no trouble ever mars.

Then looking down into her face upturned,

Two other stars that did outshine the rest

Upward to him with such soft splendor yearned

That all her secret was at once confessed.

Then he with kisses did put out their light,

And said, “O strange, but more, dear love, to me

Are thy pure eyes than all the stars of night

That shine in heaven everlastingly!

Night still is night, with every star aglow;

But light were night didst thou not love me so.”