Ode to Selene or Diana

LVCE . PVLCHERRIMA.RES . VVLGARES.LVNA . FACIT.NOBILES.

Immortal Moon, in maiden splendour shine.Dispense thy beams, divine Latona's child.Thy silver rays all grosser things refine,And hide harsh Truth in sweet illusion mild.

In thy soft light, the city of unrestThat stands so squalid in thy brother's glareThrows off its habit, and in silence blest,Becomes a vision, sparkling bright, and fair.

The modern world, with all it's care & pain,The smoky streets, the hideous clanging mills,Fade 'neath thy beams, Selene and againWe dream like shepherds on Chaldea's hills.

Take heed, Diana of my humble pleaConvey me where my happiness can lastDraw me against the tide of time's rough seaAnd let my spirit rest amid the past.