An Application of the Waxing Moon

O fair full moon, that did'st embay the dark
With slender horns, when first my vow was made;
I saw thee grow, half-trustful, half-afraid,
But still prest onward to my goal and mark;
Hard task was mine! the true prayer to be pray'd —
The bidding back of all my coward fears —
The ointment to be bought, the homage paid —
The feet of Jesus to be kiss'd with tears.
Yet soon the creeping shade will come again,
And drown thy snowy forelands night by night;
For thy sole function is to wax and wane:
But faith must keep her victories of light,
Else were it better far to see thee shine,
With comfortable eyes of sheep and kine.