The Star and the Garter

We know him; and Venus sinks, a star in the West; A star in the even, that thinks it shall fall into rest. Let it be so, then! Arise, O moon of the lyrical spears! Huntress, O Artemis wise, be upon him who hears! I have heard thy clear voice in the moon; I have borne it afar; I have tuned it to many a tune; thou hast shewed mea star, And the star thou hast shewed me I follow through uttermost night. I have shaken my spear at Apollo; his ruinous might I have mocked, I have mastered. All hail to the Star of Delight That is tender and fervid and frail, and avails me aright! Hail to thee, symbol of love, assurance and promise of peace|! Stand fast in the skies above, till the skies are abolished and cease| And for me, may I never forget how things came well as they are| It was long I had wandered yet ere my eyes found out the star. Be silent, love, and abide; the wanton strings must go To the vain tumultuous tide of the spirit’s overflow. I sing and sing to the world; then silence soon Be about us clasped and furled in the light of the moon. Forget not, never forget the terrible song I have sung; How the eager fingers fret the lute, and loose the tongue Tinkles delicate things, faint thoughts of a futile past— We are past on eagle wings, and the silence is here at last. The last low wail of the lyre, be it soft with a tear 76