Classic Poem

Sweet face, uplifted to the star-lit sky,
So still, so white upon the dusky air,
Why cam'st thou here? And eyes of Italy,
What are the thoughts that in your depths ye bear?

Sweet face, so like the dream-love we have known,
So like the visioned Juliet of our hearts,
Thou seem'st to shine for each of us, alone,
From each to ask that trust which never parts.

We leave the glare of gas, the crowd, the talk;
We fly back through the years,—beyond the sea;
Led by the moon where gentle breezes walk
Across this southern land how daintily!

And Romeos are we all. O lady fair,
On this one night 'tis we who leap the wall,
Spy thy white presence, like a saint in air,
And hear thy voice, which is our passion's call!