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purple night reigns over me, With all the solemn glory of her stars. Sublime star-worlds, who never have disdain'd To be my friends, consolers, counsellors, Guiding faint footfalls of a mortal man! How often, when the moon among your lights Glided, with her wan face beholding day; A slim canoe, carven from tender pearl, Confused to many crescents as I gaze; Noting the very punctual moment, I Besought my faithful sextant to reveal What interval of cavernous clear gloom Lay now between her orb and one of you! I found how high above your brilliant Image in my small pool of mercury