TO THE STAR

Pallid star! Despatch a sign
From the heights eternal! —
For the soul’s eye twinkle, shine
Friendly, though supernal! — —
Must thy symbolled message seek
To rouse yearning merely?
Teach me so that I may tweak
Future’s veil, see clearly! —
Sweep misgiving’s cloud forlorn
From a soul that’s ailing,
Let a blest assurance dawn
Through the gloom prevailing! —
Ah, but all too rash, my plea; —
Dare I ask assurance! —
Can a son of earth soar free
From his earthly durance? —
O, what comfort had I known
With faith’s beam to guide me! —
I must feed on hope alone,
Certainty denied me. —
So when heaven’s feeble light
From afar shines palely,
I’ll watch gladly in the night
For my star to hail me. — —