Shadows off the Coast

The moon was bright, and o'er the tranquil flood
She sped the silver ripples to the shore,
Where in yon sea-side house two lovers stood,
Once more to part, and then to part no more.
The table lamp with its reflected ray
Brought out two human figures on the bay,
Through the closed window, phantom-like and thin
But timing all the gestures from within.
Oh! with what loving laughter did they gaze
On their own forms, and on that mimic blaze!
But, when she left the spot, his eyes grew dim:
She pass'd at once by sea and land from him:
She was no longer at his side, and he
Sat by his lonely lamp on land and sea.