Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Charles Tennyson Turner 1808–79

Orion

HOW oft I ’ve watch’d thee from the garden croft,

In silence, when the busy day was done,

Shining with wondrous brilliancy aloft,

And flickering like a casement ’gainst the sun!

I ’ve seen thee soar from out some snowy cloud,

Which held the frozen breath of land and sea,

Yet broke and sever’d as the wind grew loud—

But earth-bound winds could not dismember thee,

Nor shake thy frame of jewels; I have guess’d

At thy strange shape and function, haply felt

The charm of that old myth about thy belt

And sword; but, most, my spirit was possess’d

By His great Presence, Who is never far

From his light-bearers, whether man or star.