Oh, 'tis a night, — on such a night as this
Methinks the earth itself must feel such bliss,
Such deep and quiet-breathing joy as we:
Loved one, come near, and look! nay, not on me,
Look upward — and yet turn not, love, — one kiss!
For nature for our love more beauteous is:
The heavens are all tremulous like a sea; —
Mark yon slow cloud that moves voluptuously
Across the moon and lags upon its face,
And drinks its light; — even as that vapor base
And born of earth, is made all silver-white,
So low and earth-born sense in love's pure light,
Turns to love's essence, and from thoughts of blame
Is innocent made, and purified from shame.