Victor B . Neuburg . *SERPENS NOCTIS REGINA MUNDI. (Invocation à la Lune . Ballade Argentée .) OH lustrous Lady of the luminous lake, Moving in magic mazes through the trees The sombre , swaying trees — light-lady , take A moment's murmurings ; heart -harmonies That break my breast : I kneel before thy knees , All humbly hesitant ; the silver shoon I crave to kiss make molten melodies To the Slow Nocturne of the Rising Moon . Oh lustrous Lady, for thy shadow 's sake Is slain my slumber, ended all my ease ; I dream at dawn , nor with the wild birds wake To dulcet day ; marred are mine images Of lost low lands , of secret summer seas , Where grave gold Glamour is so subtly strewn , That from that dryad - dream no faerie flees To the Slow Nocturne of the Rising Moon . Oh lustrous Lady of the Silver Snake , Whisper thy worshipper if his pleadings please Thine ear ; oh, merrier music might I make Murmurs of moonlit meads , of light - green leas Where pagan priests muttered thy Mysteries Before the baleful Birth ; in their swaying swoon They prophesied palely in thy curious keys To the Slow Nocturne of the Rising Moon . 155