The Invitation to the Gondola

Come forth; for Night is falling, The moon hangs round and red On the verge of the violet waters, Fronting the daylight dead.

Come forth; the liquid spaces Of sea and sky are as one, Where outspread angel flame-wings Brood o’er the buried sun.

Bells call to bells from the islands, And far-off mountains rear Their shadowy crests in the crystal Of cloudless atmosphere.

A breeze from the sea is wafted; Lamp-litten Venice gleams With her towers and domes uplifted Like a city seen in dreams.

Her waterways are atremble With melody far and wide, Borne from the phantom galleys That o’er the darkness glide.

There are stars in heaven, and starry Are the wandering lights below: Come forth! for the Night is calling, Sea, city, and sky are aglow!