A darker shade of black
Has settled on this night
And curséd me and thee,
My Love; as if it were not light
In thy face, eyes and lips.

Thus, whilst all men young
And old and wise and bold
Seek their beds and wives;
With dimméd voices duly
Pray their prayers and
Bid the day farewell

I live forth in the ardent garden
Of thy smile. Now discourses
Sweet and soft and kind
Will embrace us till the Morn
Doth rouse thee from thy bed,
My Love: and thou wilt know
The sweeter rest was thine.

Contents