MOONLIGHT. 39 



with love and gratitude to the Great Creator, 

 who, amongst his other blessings, has placed 

 the moon as " an ornament in the high places 

 of the Lord." Nor can we forget at such a mo- 

 ment, Pope's beautiful description of this luminary 

 in his translation of Homer. 



As when the moon, refulgent lamp of night, 

 O'er heaven's clear azure spreads her sacred light ; 

 When not a breath disturbs the deep serene, 

 And not a cloud o'ercasts the solemn scene ; 

 Around her throne the vivid planets roll, 

 And stars unnumber'd gild the glowing pole ; 

 O'er the dark trees a yellower verdure shed, 

 And tip with silver ev'ry mountain's head ; 

 Then shine the vales, the rocks in prospect rise ; 

 A flood of glory bursts from all the skies ; 

 The conscious swains, rejoicing in the sight, 

 Eye the blue vault, and bless the useful light. 



