A Similitude

FAIR as the night—when all the astral fires Of heaven are burning in the clear expanse, My love is; and her eyes like star-depths glance Lustrous with glowing thoughts and pure desires, And that mysterious pathos which inspires All moods divine in mortal passion’s trance— All that its earthly music doth enhance As with the rapture of seraphic lyres! I gaze upon her till the atmosphere Sweetens intensely, and to my charmed sight All fair associated forms appear Swimming in joy, as swim yon orbs in light— And all sweet sounds, though common to mine ear, Chime up like silver-wingèd dreams in flight.