Hesperus

Hesperus shines Low on the eastern wave, Off toward the Asian shore;

Over faint lines Whose grays and purples pave Where seas night-calmed adore.

Fair vesper fire, Fairest of stars, the light Benign of secret bliss;

Star of desire, Bringing to me with night Dreams and my Phaon’s kiss.

DAWN

Just now the golden-sandalled Dawn Peered through the lattice of my room; Why must thou fare so soon, my Phaon?

Last night I met thee at the shore, A thousand hues were in the sky; The breeze from Cyprus blew, my Phaon!

I drew, to lave thy heated brow, My kerchief dripping from the sea; Why hadst thou sailed so far, my Phaon?

Far up the narrow mountain paths We heard the shepherds fluting home; Like some white God thou seemed, my Phaon!

And through the olive trees we saw The twinkle of my vesper lamp; Wilt kiss me now as then, my Phaon?

Nay, loosen not with gentle force The clasp of my restraining arms; I will not let thee go, my Phaon!

See, deftly in my trailing robe I spring and draw the lattice close; Is it not night again, my Phaon?