What though the sun had left my sky; br To save me from despair br The blessed moon arose on high, br And shone serenely there. br I watched her, with a tearful gaze, br Rise slowly o'er the hill, br While through the dim horizon's haze br Her light gleamed faint and chill. br br I thought such wan and lifeless beams br Could ne'er my heart repay, br For the bright sun's most transient gleams br That cheered me through the day: br br But as above that mist's control br She rose, and brighter shone, br I felt her light upon my soul; br But now -- that light is gone! br br Thick vapours snatched her from my sight, br And I was darkling left, br All in the cold and gloomy night, br Of light and hope bereft: br br Until, methought, a little star br Shone forth with trembling ray, br To cheer me with its light afar -- br But that, too, passed away.