Classic Poem

Now brightly in the soft-eyed southern skies,
Between Aquarius and the Hunter's feet,
Above where earth and heaven in shadow meet,
Mira, the star of ancient mystery, lies.
But while we gaze in eloquent surprise,
Her blaze of transient splendour all too fleet
Fades from our vision and no more we greet
The image of an ever vast surmise.

O Star of Wonder! thine elusive light,
A fitting emblem of all human fame,
Burns with meridian beauty in our sight,
Then fades to dreams of splendour and—a name.
Thus for a day man's glory gleams afar,
Then dims to darkness like the wonder-star.