MOONLIGHT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1951, 11 April 1889, Page 29

MOONLIGHT.

It was past the hour of twilight, I entered a lonely room, No taper with feeble glimmer, Nor lamp illumined the gloom; The gloom— but, oh ! not the dwkness, Thro' the windows jasmine screen Came radiant beams from a full orftfd moon*, Creating a fairy scene. Silvering the delicate curtains, Fretted over by swinging leaves ; Crossing the picture with shafts of llgpt— Of the "reapers," among their Bhewea*, Then pouring a flood o'er the carpet, They danced as on lowland streams, Which the golden rods of the sallow Wave over in fitful gleams. They circled the dial with brightness, Ticking under its shade of glass, A tiny one chasing the minute hand, Or hiding to let it pass. Then glinting on vase and lustre, Made planets and shooting stars ; Or alid in perpetual motion Down the steel of the fender bars. And tasteful groups of blossoms fair, Which lose their colours at night ; Were touched beyond Art— their petals rare> Shone lovely diaphonous white. Oh ! the charming, charming moonlight ; The power of its magic spell, Ib fine as poetio Fancy's woof, And as indestructible. As I stood in a quiet corner, With downcast, reverent mien, Fend memories passed before me, Of season's that once had been. And thoughts came in long procession, Of gardens where moonlight threw A marvellouß fascination, Which years could always renew. Of the graceful gambols with wind and shade,... Which it plays amid autumn corn ; i Or elfish tricks upon Labour's host, Whom it wakens before the morn. Of the sea in its desolation, Where the moon by her steady light, As the lamp of an anxious watcher, Sustains hope in the pilgrim night. How we paused at the central aiab. Of a bridge not so long ago, Always to see the moon and stars Deep down in the current belowAnd missing the loved companion. Who was evermore by my side, I could never stay to behold again. Her calm face in those waters wide.When vanish'd the long-drawn reverie, I raised by eyes, and then In warning token a ray I saw On the hand of the clock at ten. Yes ; one more day had flitted, And the hour of rest drew nigh, Bringing other dreams less beautiful To adorn Life's history. — A.D.. April 6. wmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm