Tasso and Leonora

A glorious vision hovers o'er his soul,
Gilding the prison and the weary bed, --
Though hard the pillow placed beneath his head,
Though brackish be the water in the bowl
Beside him; he can see the planets roll
In glowing adoration, without dread;
Knowing how, by unerring wisdom led,
They struggle not against the strong control.
When suddenly a star shoots from the skies,
Than all the other stars more purely bright,
Replete with heavenly loves and harmonies;
He starts: -- what meets his full awakening sight?
Lo! Leonora, with large humid eyes,
Gazing upon him in the misty light.