Sacred Texts  Sagas and Legends  Celtic  Index  Previous  Next 

A MOONLIGHT SCENE

CONCEIVED AND COMMENCED WHEN PASSING OVEN PUTNEY BRIDGE ON A FINE MOONLIGHT NIGHT IN SUMMER.

THE moonbeams on the lake are glancing,
The nimble bark is now advancing,
That for this grove is bound.
Ye gentle clouds, ah! hear a lover,
And hasten not the moon to cover
And darkness pour around.

Doth fancy sport, or do I hear her,
As nearer still she comes and nearer,
Cutting the billows bright? -.
How still! scarce even a light breeze flying!
Earth, water, air, at peace are lying
Beneath the calm moonlight.

My heart beats high, my soul rejoices,
Methinks I hear their merry voices--
She soon will reach the shore.--
Ah me! my hopes, my hopes are failing,
Yon sable cloud is onwards sailing--
The moon it covers o'er.

Now o'er the lake they dubious wander,
And on some part remote may strand her,
Unless they aid obtain--
I'll wave a signal from the summit
Of you high bank, and haply from it
Some guidance they may gain.

The cloud moves on, the moonlight beameth
And o'er the lovely lady streameth,
Upon her lofty stand.
With joyful shout the boatmen greet her,
Her anxious lover hastes to meet her,
And eager springs to land.