We friendly converse held.

Between me and the star-bespangled sky,

Those aged oaks their crossing branches wave,

And through them looks the pale and placid moon.

How like a crocodile, or winged snake,

Yon sailing cloud bears on its dusky length!

And now transformed by the passing wind,

Methinks it seems a flying Pegasus.

Ay, but a shapeless band of blacker hue

Comes swiftly after.--