Moonrise

The large round moon upbuilds a gilded dome

         Out of the sea, and on the dark-blue main

         Spreads a rich carpet for the bridal train

Of laughing sea-nymphs who in veils of foam

Dance to the nuptials of their Queen, whose home

         Is in that silent orb: the water plain

         Her royal bounty sows with golden grain,

Throbs gladdened at her coming. The gray groom,

Enamored Neptune, on his granite throne,

         Rises to meet her, all his heaving breast,

Swept by his white beard, radiant in the zone

         Of her white arms that clasp him, full of rest!

She, young forever yet forever old,

He, old yet ever young, their bridal revels hold.