NIGHTLY I watch the moon with silvery sheen br Flaking the city house-tops, till I feel br Thy memory, Rosa, like a presence, steal br Down in her light: for ever in her mien br Thy soul’s similitude my soul hath seen! br And as she seemeth now a guardian seal br On Heaven’s far bliss, upon my future weal br Even such thy truth is—radiantly serene! br But long my fancy may not entertain br These bright resemblances—for, lo, a cloud br Blots her away, and in my breast the pain br Of absent love, recurring, pines aloud! br When shall I look in thy sweet eyes again,— br Rosa, when cheer thee with like sadness bowed? br br Wherever in some wildwood bower br There blooms a honey-yielding flower, br There too dwells a bird to sup br Out of its delicious cup, br And sing betimes, lest it should be br O’erfed into satiety: br So wherever Loveliness br Dwells retired—dwells to bless, br Not dazzle: there some destin’d spirit, br Feeding on its luscious merit, br Can at peace with Passion be br Only through sweet Poesy.