The poem begins with a wide view of summer moonlight at midnight—soft, still, fair—then slowly draws us into a sheltered grove where a lovely form lies among grass and dew-wet flowers. The speaker’s tone is hushed and tender, full of gentle attention to the way trees lift and bow their boughs as if protecting the sleeper. There’s a feeling of reverence, as if we’ve been led to a secret, sacred spot. The mood is deeply calm but edged with a subtle, quiet sadness; the figure might be merely sleeping, but the stillness and the careful description of the natural surroundings suggest a farewell or a vigil. Everything moves lightly—breezes, boughs, flowers—yet the lovely form is motionless, holding the poem in a moment of suspended, moonlit peace.
'Tis moonlight, summer moonlight — Summary
'Tis moonlight, summer moonlight, All soft and still and fair; The solemn hour of midnight Breathes sweet thoughts everywhere,
But most where trees are sending Their breezy boughs on high, Or stooping low are lending A shelter from the sky.
And there in those wild bowers A lovely form is laid; Green grass and dew-steeped flowers Wave gently round her head.