till the true night falls

close not thy comely eyes, nor weep, my love

at the passing of the day, its shadow

pleas’d to spy the moon winging like a dove

in the night before kissing of thy brow.

anon its light wanes, bewitch'd by thy mien,

Still I lie, desireth of thy soft gaze

thy breath a compact that thou yet remain

till the matin's soft glow sets thee ablaze.

morning light, caress my love with thy touch

with splendor's might her renew'd visage shine

for she I love more than this fleshly crutch

and vow'd to death with her I wouldst entwine

till the true night falls and bids her follow,

part'd when no time remains to borrow.