  I. The moon peeped out on a cloudy night, And shone on an old stone wall; It lit up the face of the dial bright That stood to the view of all. II. A traveller blessed its silvery beams That guided him on his way, And called with laughter, Faith, it seems You’re worth all the light of day! III. His eye detected the sundial’s rhyme, And he read the writing clear: I work for the sun alone through time, For his light rules only here. IV. Continue your work, the traveller said; But, still, I would have you know That working for moon when sun has fled A greater power would show. V. He who made your dial and penned yon verse Could never to sea have been, Or felt the force of a sailor’s curse When no star or moon were seen. VI. He could not have heard the blessings given On a sky as bright as day, Or known beside sun’s light in heaven The value of moonshine ray. VII. Doubtless he was not able to plan A dial to do for two; But surely the most untutored man A better verse could do. T. G. W. H.
|
|
