XXVTHE NIGHT BLOSSOM
While the twilight deepens on garden walk and bed,
The flower is slow unfurling its sails of snowy white;
Freighted with odors, lightly moored by a crimson thread,
Swaying and floating on the rising tide of night.
In the twilight's soft glimmer
With a tremulous shimmer
Swinging to and fro, it shines ethereally bright.
The flower is slow unfurling its sails of snowy white;
Freighted with odors, lightly moored by a crimson thread,
Swaying and floating on the rising tide of night.
In the twilight's soft glimmer
With a tremulous shimmer
Swinging to and fro, it shines ethereally bright.
Why then, O , thou sweeter flower, virgin white and fair,
Deep within thy stainless breast dost fold thyself away?
Is it that thy tender soul unveiling cannot bear,
In its pure seclusion feels the sweetness of delay?
In the twilight half hidden
Let me gaze unforbidden;
Shine upon me, lily-heart, by evening's silver ray!
Deep within thy stainless breast dost fold thyself away?
Is it that thy tender soul unveiling cannot bear,
In its pure seclusion feels the sweetness of delay?
In the twilight half hidden
Let me gaze unforbidden;
Shine upon me, lily-heart, by evening's silver ray!
Close those searching eyes, bright stars! Moon more softly shine!
While my vestal flower lets all her sacred sweetness flow,
To my reverent heart unveils her spirit's radiant shrine;
Pure within as fair without, its inmost depths are snow.
Far Heaven of holy brightness!
Conform me to her whiteness,
Lest my soul beside her soul too dark and stained should show.
While my vestal flower lets all her sacred sweetness flow,
To my reverent heart unveils her spirit's radiant shrine;
Pure within as fair without, its inmost depths are snow.
Far Heaven of holy brightness!
Conform me to her whiteness,
Lest my soul beside her soul too dark and stained should show.
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