| Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900. |
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| Aubrey De Vere. 1814–1902 |
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| 732. Serenade |
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| SOFTLY, O midnight Hours! | |
| Move softly o'er the bowers | |
| Where lies in happy sleep a girl so fair! | |
| For ye have power, men say, | |
| Our hearts in sleep to sway, | 5 |
| And cage cold fancies in a moonlight snare. | |
| Round ivory neck and arm | |
| Enclasp a separate charm; | |
| Hang o'er her poised, but breathe nor sigh nor prayer: | |
| Silently ye may smile, | 10 |
| But hold your breath the while, | |
| And let the wind sweep back your cloudy hair! | |
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| Bend down your glittering urns, | |
| Ere yet the dawn returns, | |
| And star with dew the lawn her feet shall tread; | 15 |
| Upon the air rain balm, | |
| Bid all the woods be calm, | |
| Ambrosial dreams with healthful slumbers wed; | |
| That so the Maiden may | |
| With smiles your care repay, | 20 |
| When from her couch she lifts her golden head; | |
| Waking with earliest birds, | |
| Ere yet the misty herds | |
| Leave warm 'mid the gray grass their dusky bed. | |
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