Classic Poem

I KNOW a star, whose gently beams
Shine with a pure and constant ray,
Inspire me with delicious dreams,
And cheer me on my lonely way:
I gaze upon its tender light,
And to it bow the adoring knee;
But, oh! how dreary were my night
Were it to shine no more for me!

I know a flower of beauteous form,
Whose sweetness is beyond compare;
I fain would shield it from the storm,
And keep it ever young and fair:
It glads my eyes, it soothes my heart,
It is a daily charm to see;
But, oh! how bitter were my smart,
Were it to bloom no more for me!

Thou art the star—thou art the flower,
My precious, peerless maiden, mine!
And from our first fond meeting-hour,
My love, my life, were wholly thine:
But wert thou called beyond the spheres,
How joyless would the wide world be!
How sad my sighs, how true my tears,
Wert thou to live no more for me!