Classic Poem

A MAIDEN in the moonlight
Was sitting all alone;
The shadow of the rose-trees
Across the green bank thrown:
And, graceful as a lover,
The quiet moon had placed
A beam, just like a fond arm,
Around her beauteous waist.

Sometimes with silver finger
It touched her raven hair;
Sometimes it sought her bosom,
As if its heaven were there:
Or glanced from cheek to forehead,
Or mouth and chin caressed;
Or silent sank beside her,
And kissed the ground she pressed.

Some wish they were a fairy,
But no such wish have I;
I'd rather be the moonbeam
My heart's-beloved one nigh!
To chase away the darkness,
To dwell within her sight,
And, whilst I lived, to make the world
To her a world of light!