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-winged dreams in flight.