Once in the world’s first prime, br When nothing lived or stirred, br Nothing but new-born Time, br Nor was there even a bird – br The Silence spoke to a Star, br But do not dare repeat br What it said to its love afar: br It was too sweet, too sweet. br br But there, in the fair world’s youth, br Ere sorrow had drawn breath, br When nothing was known but Truth, br Nor was there even death, br The Star to Silence wed, br And the Sun was priest that day, br And they made their bridal-bed br High in the Milky Way. br br For the great white star had heard br Her silent lover’s speech; br It needed no passionate word br To pledge them each to each. br O lady fair and far, br Hear, oh, hear, and apply! br Thou the beautiful Star – br The voiceless silence, I.