50 THE MOON. [Lesson Xf. 



The effect of moonlight in diversifying the 

 scenery of nature, and the changes which that 

 luminary herself undergoes, have furnished the 

 poets with some of their most beautiful and touch- 

 ing images. The following describes, with great 

 felicity, the separation of the spirit from the body 

 of a pious young female : 



But she was waning to the tomb ; 



The worm of death was in her bloom : 



Yet as the mortal frame declin'd, 



Strong through the ruins rose the mind 



As the dim Moon, when night ascends, 



Slow in the east the darkness rends, 



Through melting clouds, by gradual gleams, 



Pours the mild splendour of her beams, 



Then bursts in triumph o'er the pole, 



Free as a disembodied soul! 



Thus while the veil of flesh decay'd, 



Her beauties brighten'd through the shade ; 



Charms which her lowly heart conceal'd ; 



In Nature's weakness were reveal'd ! 



And still the unrobing spirit cast 



Diviner glories to the last ; 



Dissolv'd its bonds, and clear'd its flight, 



Emerging into perfect light. MONTGOMERY. 



LESSON 



