When stars are in the quiet skies

When stars are in the quiet skies,

Then most I pine for thee;

Bend on me then thy tender eyes

As stars look on the sea.

For thoughts, like waves that glide by night,

Are stillest when they shine;

Mine earthly love lies hush'd in light

Beneath the heaven of thine.

There is an hour when angels

Keep familiar watch o'er men,

When coarser souls are wrapp'd in sleep --

Sweet spirit, meet me then!

[There is an hour when holy dreams

Through slumber fairest glide;

And in that mystic hour it seems

Thou shouldst be by my side.]

My thoughts of thee too sacred are

For daylight's common beam:

I can but know thee as my star,

My angel and my dream;

[When stars are in the quiet skies,

Then most I pine for thee;

Bend on me then thy tender eyes,

As stars look on the sea!]