TRIVIA.
BOOK III.
OF WALKING THE STREETS BY NIGHT.
O Trivia! goddess, leave these low abodes,
And traverse o'er the wide ethereal roads.
Celestial queen! put on thy robes of light—
Now Cynthia nam'd, fair regent of the night:
At sight of thee the villain sheathes his sword,5
Nor scales the wall, to steal the wealthy hoard:
O may thy silver lamp, from heav'n's high bow'r,
Direct my footsteps in the midnight hour!
When Night first bids the twinkling stars appear,
Or with her cloudy vest enwraps the air,10
Then swarms the busy street: with caution tread
Where the shop windows falling threat thy head.
Now lab'rers home return, and join their strength
To bear the tott'ring plank, or ladder's length.
