Beneath the stars and summer moon <br />A pair of wedded lovers walk, <br />Upon the stars and summer moon <br />They turn their happy eyes, and talk. <br /> <br />Edith. <br /> <br />“Those stars, that moon, for me they shine <br />With lovely, but no startling light; <br />My joy is much, but not as thine, <br />A joy that fills the pulse, like fright.” <br /> <br />Alfred. <br /> <br />“My love, a darken'd conscience clothes <br />The world in sackcloth; and, I fear, <br />The stain of life this new heart loathes, <br />Still clouds my sight; but thine is clear. <br /> <br />“True vision is no startling boon <br />To one in whom it always lies; <br />But if true sight of stars and moon <br />Were strange to thee, it would surprise. <br /> <br />“Disease it is and dearth in me <br />Which thou believest genius, wealth; <br />And that imagined want in thee <br />Is riches and abundant health. <br /> <br />“O, little merit I my bride! <br />And therefore will I love her more; <br />Renewing, by her gentle side, <br />Lost worth: let this thy smile restore !” <br /> <br />Edith. <br /> <br />“Ah, love! we both, with longing deep, <br />Love words and actions kind, which are <br />More good for life than bread or sleep, <br />More beautiful than Moon or Star.”<br /><br />Coventry Patmore<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/stars-and-moon/
