10 . ‘A Similitude’

FAIR as the night—when all the astral fires

Of heaven are burning in the clear expanse,

My love is; and her eyes like star-depths glance

Lustrous with glowing thoughts and pure desires,

And that mysterious pathos which inspires

All moods divine in mortal passion’s trance—

All that its earthly music doth enhance

As with the rapture of seraphic lyres!

I gaze upon her till the atmosphere

Sweetens intensely, and to my charmed sight

All fair associated forms appear

Swimming in joy, as swim yon orbs in light—

And all sweet sounds, though common to mine ear,

Chime up like silver-wingèd dreams in flight.