I was sitting by the quayside, on a rocky harbour wall
The midnight hour had come and gone, as far as I recall.
I watched a star descending in the clear, crystal night
Deep into the far horizon, like a jewel, spangled bright.

As it slowly kissed the skyline, I perceived its brightness dim
In its mellow, calm surrender to the planetary rim.
She was one of many millions that presided o’er the deep
To survey her abdication from the nightfall’s starry keep...

‘Twas a thing of stunning beauty, as I pondered on her fate
So unto her dying glory I was prompted to relate.
She had reigned in perfect dignity for her appointed span
As, in all of his achievements, is the duty of a man.

Ah! his power, glory, riches, rise as but a fleeting thing
Like the passing of the shadow from a seagull on the wing.
Then his years become as nothing, for his fragile deeds are slight
When compared with this enchantress... shining diamond of the night!

She will rise again tomorrow, in the firmament above
And, beneath her, men will testify their everlasting love.
And I... when I at last fulfil the number of my days
Shall watch her cross the skies once more, and bid her tranquil rays...

To shine upon my resting place, that in its gentle lee
My soul beholds the vision of an iridescent sea.
Where the mighty ocean witnesses the astral rise and fall
Let my spirit gaze in wonder... from a rocky harbour wall.