Footsteps of day

I saw the maiden morn go forth, and her steps were soft and still, To load her golden pitcher at the sun~fount on the hill; And as she bow’d her meekly down, the bridegroom of the day Stole by, and with his fiery breath kiss’d Night’s dew-tears away.

II.

I saw the maiden yet again, but her looks were proud and high, And scarce earth’s bossy shield could bear the fire-darts of the sky; And the bridegroom lay beside her, his giant limbs outspread, Far in their noontide slumber, on his azure-banner’d bed.

III.

I saw the maiden yet again, but her feet were hurrying on, As ’twere some hooded pilgrim, ere yet his journey's done; Quench’d was the sunlight of her eye, and the dews hung on her breast, While evening flung her purple scarf thwart the shadow’d west.

IV.

I saw the maiden once again, and as she pass’d in flight, The moon with many a sister star came dancing into sight; And sadly soft on spirit wings, as the vision roll’d away, Fell down the night’s dark curtain on the chambers of the day! 2em