Poems (Stoddard)/"In the still, star-lit night"
"IN THE STILL, STAR-LIT NIGHT."
IN the still, star-lit night,By the full fountain and the willow-tree, I walked, and not alone—A spirit walked with me!
A shade fell on the grass;Upon the water fell a deeper shade: Something the willow stirred,For to and fro it swayed.
The grass was in a quiver,The, water trembled, and the willow-tree Sighed softly; I sighed loud—The spirit taunted me.
All the night long I walkedBy the full fountain, dropping icy tears; I tore the willow leaves,I tore the long, green spears!
I clutched the quaking grass,And beat the rough bark of the willow-tree; I shook the wreathed boughs,To make the spirit flee.
It haunted me till dawn,By the full fountain and the willow-tree; For with myself I walked—How could the spirit flee?