I have been gay tonight. The perfect moon
Is sitting up in heaven, and living stars
Are looking sweetly from the firmament;
All elements that live, and common things
In earth and sea tonight are beautiful;
And there is stillness, fitting for pure thought,
And light for waking dreams, and holiness
Like a plain language written on the front
Of this exceeding temple--and yet I
Have been among the dancers, and have trod
The measures of a merry instrument.
I knew it as I went; for I was met
By a pure reach of moonlight that came down
Between the city walls, and I went back
A moment to regard its silver brow,
And list its gentle lesson; but a sound
Of music and of thrilling voices came
From the half opened window, and the laugh
Of a remembered girl bewilderingly
Came over me, and I forgot the moon
As if I never knew it was in heaven.
’Tis strange--for I am very happy now
While leaning in her light, and I could glide
Most sweetly to the sleep of pleasant dreams
Beneath her stilly influence--but I know
That if a voice I think of were to come
And call me now, my own ungentle name
(Her melting lip!) would seem more beautiful.