Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/559

 XCVI.

Thought! with good cause thou likest so well the night! Since kind or chance gives both one livery: Both sadly black, both blackly darkened be; Night barred from sun; thou, from thine own sunlight.

Silence in both displays his sullen might; Slow heaviness in both holds one degree; That full of doubts; thou, of perplexity: Thy tears express night's native moisture right.

In both a mazeful solitariness. In night, of sprites the ghastly powers do stir; In thee, or sprites or sprited ghastliness:

But, but, alas, night's side the odds hath far: For that, at length, yet doth invite some rest; Thou, though still tired, yet still dost it detest!

XCVII.

Dian, that fain would cheer her friend the NIGHT, Shows her oft at the full her fairest face: Bringing with her those starry nymphs, whose chase From heavenly standing, hits each mortal wight.

But, ah, poor NIGHT! in love with PHOEBUS' light, And endlessly despairing of his grace; Herself (to show no other joy hath place) Silent and sad in mourning weeds doth dight.

Even so, alas, a lady, DIAN'S peer! With choice delights and rarest company, Would fain drive clouds from out my heavy cheer:

But woe is me! though JOY itself were she; She could not show my blind brain ways of joy; While I despair my sun's sight to enjoy.