To the Evening Star

Hail, golden Star! of Ray serene,
Thou Fav'rite of the Cyprian Queen,
O Helper! Glory of the Night,
Diffusing through the Gloom Delight;
Whole Beams of all other Stars outshine,
As much as silver Cynthia thine;
O! guide me, speeding o'er the Plain,
To him I love, my Shepherd-swain;
He keeps the mirthful Feast, and soon
Dark Shades will cloud the splendid Moon.
Of Lambs I never robb'd the Fold,
Nor the lone Traveller of Gold:
Love is my Crime: O lend thy Ray
To guide a Lover on her Way!
May the bright Star of Venus prove
The gentle Harbinger of Love!