The Star in the West

82 THE STAR IN THE WEST Her brows divine ; One kiss , a starbeam faint With love of a sweet saint, Stolen like a sacrament In the night's shrine ! One kiss , like moonlight cold Lighting with floral gold The lake's low tune ; One kiss , one flower to fold , On its own calyx rolled At night , in June ! One kiss , like dewfall , drawn A veil o'er leaf and lawn Mix night , and noon , and dawn , Dew , flower , and moon !? That Alice was charmed , that the above was a love philtre , the thirteenth day discloses — the birthday of their first kiss : Breasts met and arms enclosed , and all the spring Grew into summer with the first long kiss .? They are henceforth lovers , passionate and ardent ; and not till now do they discover that man - made honour is but as winter snow . All is hence Alice , as is shown in that sweet and simple song which bears her name : The stars are hidden in dark and mist , The moon and sun are dead , Because my love has caught and kissed My body in her bed . No light may shine this happy night , Unless my Alice be the light . This night shall never be withdrawn Unless my Alice be the dawn.3 1 Alice , an Adultery , vol . ii, p . 69 . 2 Ibid . vol . ii, p . 70 . 3 Ibid . vol . ii, p . 71 .