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<h2> FLUCTUATIONS, </h2>
<p>
What though the Sun had left my sky;<br/>
To save me from despair<br/>
The blessed Moon arose on high,<br/>
And shone serenely there.<br/>
<br/>
I watched her, with a tearful gaze,<br/>
Rise slowly o'er the hill,<br/>
While through the dim horizon's haze<br/>
Her light gleamed faint and chill.<br/>
<br/>
I thought such wan and lifeless beams<br/>
Could ne'er my heart repay<br/>
For the bright sun's most transient gleams<br/>
That cheered me through the day:<br/>
<br/>
But, as above that mist's control<br/>
She rose, and brighter shone,<br/>
I felt her light upon my soul;<br/>
But now—that light is gone!<br/>
<br/>
Thick vapours snatched her from my sight,<br/>
And I was darkling left,<br/>
All in the cold and gloomy night,<br/>
Of light and hope bereft:<br/>
<br/>
Until, methought, a little star<br/>
Shone forth with trembling ray,<br/>
To cheer me with its light afar—<br/>
But that, too, passed away.<br/>
<br/>
Anon, an earthly meteor blazed<br/>
The gloomy darkness through;<br/>
I smiled, yet trembled while I gazed—<br/>
But that soon vanished too!<br/>
<br/>
And darker, drearier fell the night<br/>
Upon my spirit then;—<br/>
But what is that faint struggling light?<br/>
Is it the Moon again?<br/>
<br/>
Kind Heaven! increase that silvery gleam<br/>
And bid these clouds depart,<br/>
And let her soft celestial beam<br/>
Restore my fainting heart!<br/></p>
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