Villanelle. — (To Hesperus, After Bion.)
O jewel of the deep blue night!
Too soon, to-day, the moon arose,
I pray thee, lend thy lovely light.
Than any other star more bright
An hundred-fold, thy beauty glows,
O jewel of the deep blue night.
Too soon Selene gained the height,
And now no more her glory shows;
I pray thee, lend thy lovely light.
Anon our revel of delight
Towards the shepherd’s dwelling goes,
O jewel of the deep blue night!
And I must lead the dance aright,
Yea—even I—for me they chose:
I pray thee, lend thy lovely light.
No thief am I, nor evil wight,
Nor numbered with the traveller’s foes,
O jewel of the deep blue night!
None would I spoil, nor e’en affright,
Mine are the Lover’s joys and woes;
I pray thee, lend thy lovely light.
For good it is, in all men’s sight
(Thou knowest well) to favour those,
O jewel of the deep blue night!
Thy golden lamp hath turned to white
The silver of the olive-close;
O jewel of the deep blue night!
I pray thee, lend thy lovely light.
Graham R. Tomson.