A HYMN to the MOON

Thou silver Deity of secret night, Direct my footsteps through the woodland shade; Thou conscious witness of unknown delight, The lover's guardian, and the muses aid! By thy pale beams I solitary rove, To thee my tender grief confide; Serenely sweet you gild the silent grove, My friend, my goddess, and my guide. E'en thee, fair queen, from thy amazing height, The charms of young Endymion drew; Veil'd with the mantle of concealing night; With all thy greatness, and thy coldness too.