TO THE MOON. RONSARD
HIDE this one night thy crescent, kindly1 Moon; So shall Endymion faithful prove, and rest Loving and unawakened on thy breast; So shall no foul2 enchanter importune3 Thy quiet course; for now the night is boon4, And through the friendly night unseen I fare, Who dread5 the face of foemen unaware6, And watch of hostile spies in the bright noon. Thou knowest, Moon, the bitter power of Love; 'Tis told how shepherd Pan found ways to move, For little price, thy heart; and of your grace, Sweet stars, be kind to this not alien fire, Because on earth ye did not scorn desire, Bethink ye, now ye hold your heavenly place.