The Wind and the Moon

The wind drove the moon
To a cloud-built cave,
And shut her in
As it were her grave;

The cave threw wide
A silver portal--
And forth she came,
Serene, immortal!

He piled great clouds
With angry might,
Till lost in gloom
Was all her light;

The clouds a moment
Held her under,
Then, glorified,
They burst asunder!

The wind that night
Bemoaned and whistled
Till all the forest
Groaned and bristled,--

While moonbeams stole
To tear-wet pillows,
And chased the gloom
From graveyard willows.