As that fair planet in the sky above,
Dost thou retire unto thy rest at night,
—Longfellow.
MERCURY.
First, Mercury, amid full tides of light,
Rolls next the sun, through his small circle bright;
Our earth would blaze beneath so fierce a ray,
And all its marble mountains melt away.
Fair Venus next fulfills her larger round,
With softer beams and milder glory crowned;