Boyhood Fancies

In days gone by the moon appeared to my still boyish eyes
Some bright jade plate or mirror from the palace of the skies.
I used to see the Old Man's legs and Cassias fair as gods can make them,
I saw the White Hare pounding drugs, and wondered who was there to take them.
Ah, how I watched the eclipsing Toad, and marked the ravages it made,
And longed for him who slew the suns and all the angels' fears allayed.
Then when the days of waning came, and scarce a silver streak remained,
I wept to lose my favourite thus, and cruel grief my eyelids stained.