Moonlight upon the hills! there is a spell
Like witchery o’er us: as we gaze around,
A tender light illuminies hill and dell,
Falling in golden checkers on the ground.
Now perfume steals from out the forest shades;
All fragant things and fair their incense bring;
And hark! amid the dim wood’s tangled glades,
I hear the gushing waters laugh and sing.
Among the clustering leaves of yonder oak
A ring-dove’s nest is hid, - list her soft moan:
Love never to Night’s ear in language spoke,
Calling with deeper fondness on its own.
World! if to thee, sin-stained, such lavish charms are given,
How can a human thought conceive the spirit joys of heaven!
Like witchery o’er us: as we gaze around,
A tender light illuminies hill and dell,
Falling in golden checkers on the ground.
Now perfume steals from out the forest shades;
All fragant things and fair their incense bring;
And hark! amid the dim wood’s tangled glades,
I hear the gushing waters laugh and sing.
Among the clustering leaves of yonder oak
A ring-dove’s nest is hid, - list her soft moan:
Love never to Night’s ear in language spoke,
Calling with deeper fondness on its own.
World! if to thee, sin-stained, such lavish charms are given,
How can a human thought conceive the spirit joys of heaven!