XLVII.

Thoughts no more mingled! Then came night—th’ intense

Dark blue—the burning stars! I saw thee shine

Once more, in thy serene magnificence,

O Southern Cross![303] as when thy radiant sign

First drew my gaze of youth. No, not as then;

I had been stricken by the darts of men

Since those fresh days; and now thy light divine

Look’d on mine anguish, while within me strove

The still small voice against the might of suffering love.