by Coleridge · Cluster: Stars · Night · Military Camp
Abstract
An apostrophe sonnet hailing the evening star as an emblem of the beloved’s serene beauty and of a hope to join her spirit in its kindred orb.
Connections
Motifs: Stars, Night Themes & Concepts: Romantic Love, Immortality, Beauty Forms & Genres: Sonnet
Testo integrale / Full text
O meek attendant of Sol’s setting blaze,
I hail, sweet star, thy chaste effulgent glow;
On thee full oft with fixéd eye I gaze
Till I, methinks, all spirit seem to grow.
O first and fairest of the starry choir, 5
O loveliest ‘mid the daughters of the night,
Must not the maid I love like thee inspire
Pure joy and calm Delight?
Must she not be, as is thy placid sphere
Serenely brilliant? Whilst to gaze a while 10
Be all my wish ‘mid Fancy’s high career
E’en till she quit this scene of earthly toil;
Then Hope perchance might fondly sigh to join
Her spirit in thy kindred orb, O Star benign!
? 1790.