As I must mount to feed those doves of ours,

Perhaps you too will spend nocturnal hours

Upon your roof

So high aloof

That from its terraced bowers

We catch at clouds and draw a bath from showers.

Before the moon has made all pale the night,

Let’s meet with flute and viol, and supper light:

A yew lamb, minted sauce, a raisined bun,

A melon riper than the melting sun–

A flask of Xeres, that we’ve scarce begun–

We’ll try the « lunar waltz » while floats afar

Upon the liquid night–night’s nenuphar.

Or else, with senses tuned alike perchance,

Reclining love will make the heavens dance;

And if the enemy from aerial cars

Drops death, we’ll share it vibrant with the stars!

Today’s poem is in the public domain.