Classic Poem

In the blue, cloudless heaven
A single star,
Lone torch and lamp of even,
Burning afar;

Not with the radiance tender
Of other stars,
But with insistent splendor, —
Celestial Mars!

Above the summits hoary
Of ancient hills,
It yet pours out a glory
On lakes and rills,

As when Selene passes
Across the night
And her fair image glasses,
Leaving its light.

Strange planet! Thou dost awe me,
As by a spell;
Thou dost uplift and draw me
Where thou dost dwell!

Thy mysteries to capture
Let others guess;
Mine — mine to feel with rapture
Thy beauteousness!