Poems (Welby)/When Soft Stars

by Amelia Welby

WHEN SOFT STARS.

When soft stars are peeping
 Through the pure azure sky
And southern gales sweeping
 Their warm breathings by,
Like sweet music pealing
 Far o'er the blue sea
There comes o'er me stealing
 Sweet memories of thee.

The bright rose when faded
 Flings forth o'er its tomb
Its velvet leaves laded
 With silent perfume:
Thus round me will hover
 In grief, or in glee,
Till Life's dream be over,
 Sweet memories of thee.

As a sweet lute, that lingers
 In silence alone,
Unswept by light finger,
 Scarce murmurs a tone,
My young heart resembled
 That lute light and free,
Till o'er its chords trembled
 Those memories of thee.