It does at first appear that an astronomer rapt in abstraction, while he gazes on a star, must feel more exquisite than a farmer who in conducting his team. - Isaac D'Israeli,

And God made two great lights, great for their use To man, the greater to have rule by day, The less by night, altern.

At night astronomers agree.

My lord, they say five moons were seen to-night-- Four fixed, and the fifth did whirl about The other four in wondrous motion.

These earthly godfathers of heaven's light, That give a name to every fixed star, Have no more profit of their shining nights Than those that walk and wot not what they are.

When thou cam'st first, Thou strok'st me and made much of me; wouldst give me Water with berries in't; and teach me how To name the bigger light, and how the less, That burn by day and night; and then I loved thee And showed thee all the qualities o' th' isle, The fresh springs, brine-pits, barren place and fertile.

There's some ill planet reigns. I must be patient till the heavens look With an aspect more favorable.

O how loud It calls devotion! genuine growth of night! Devotion! daughter of Astronomy! As undevout Astronomer is mad.