96
LIVINGSTONE IN AFRICA.
CANTO V.
Solemnly purple night reigns over me,
With all the solemn glory of her stars.
Sublime star-worlds, who never have disdain'd
To be my friends, consolers, counsellors,
Guiding faint footfalls of a mortal man!
How often, when the moon among your lights
Glided, with her wan face beholding day;
A slim canoe, carven from tender pearl,
Confused to many crescents as I gaze;
Noting the very punctual moment, I
Besought my faithful sextant to reveal
What interval of cavernous clear gloom
Lay now between her orb and one of you!
I found how high above your brilliant
Image in my small pool of mercury
