Selections from the American Poets/The Light of Stars
For other versions of this work, see The Light of Stars.
THE LIGHT OF STARS.
The night is come, but not too soon; And sinking silently,All silently, the little moon Drops down behind the sky.
There is no light in earth or heaven But the cold light of stars;And the first watch of night is given To the red planet Mars.
Is it the tender star of love? The star of love and dreams?Oh no! from that blue tent above, A hero's armour gleams.
And earnest thoughts within me rise, When I behold afar,Suspended in the evening skies, The shield of that red star.
Oh star of strength! I see thee stand And smile upon my pain;Thou beckonest with thy mailed hand, And I am strong again.
Within my breast there is no light But the cold light of stars:I give the first watch of the night To the red planet Mars.
The star of the unconquer'd will, He rises in my breast,Serene, and resolute, and still, And calm, and self-possess'd.
And thou, too, whosoe'er thou art, That readest this brief psalm,As one by one thy hopes depart, Be resolute and calm.
Oh, fear not in a world like this, And thou shalt know ere long,Know how sublime a thing it is To suffer and be strong.