书城英文图书美国学生文学读本(第6册)
17042000000047

第47章 TO THE EVENING STAR

BY WILLIAM BLAKE

William Blake (1757-1827): An English painter, engraver, and poet. His poems were written and illustrated in color entirely by his own hand. The volumes entitled "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of Experience" include the most popular of his beautiful imaginative poems.

Thou fair-haired Angel of the Evening,

Now whilst the sun rests on the mountains, light Thy bright torch of love-thy radiant crownPut on, and smile upon our evening bed!

Smile on our loves; and while thou drawest the Blue curtains of the sky, scatter thy silver dew On every flower that shuts its sweet eyesIn timely sleep. Let thy west wind sleep onThe lake; speak silence with thy glimmering eyes And wash the dusk with silver,- soon, full soon, Dost thou withdraw; then the wolf rages wide, And the lion glares through the dun forest.

The fleeces of our flocks are covered with

Thy sacred dew; protect them with thine influence!