THE CLOUDS HAVE LEFT THE SKY

The clouds have left the sky,

The wind hath left the sea,

The half-moon up on high

Shrinketh her face of dree.

She lightens on the comb

Of leaden waves, that roar

And thrust their hurried foam

Up on the dusky shore.

Behind the western bars

The shrouded day retreats,

And unperceived the stars

Steal to their sovran seats.

And whiter grows the foam,

The small moon lightens more;

And as I turn me home,

My shadow walks before.

Robert Bridges