Stephanie Florentino - The Old Astronomer (lyrics by Sarah Williams)

Stephanie Florentino - The Old Astronomer

lyrics from "The Old Astronomer (To His Pupil)" by Sarah Williams

 

Reach me down my Tycho Brahé–I would know him when we meet,

When I share my later science, sitting humbly at his feet;

He may know the law of all things, yet be ignorant of how

We are working to completion, working on from then to now.

 

But, my pupil, as my pupil you have learned the worth of scorn,

You have laughed with me at pity, we have joyed to be forlorn,

What for us are all distractions of men’s fellowship and wiles;

What for us the Goddess Pleasure with her meretricious smiles.

 

You may tell that German College that their honor comes too late,

But they must not waste repentance on the grizzly savant’s fate.

Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light;

I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.

 

Well then, kiss me–since my mother left her blessing on my brow,

There has been a something wanting in my nature until now;

I can dimly comprehend it–that I might have been more kind,

Might have cherished you more wisely, as the one I leave behind.

 

I must say Good-bye, my pupil, for I cannot longer speak;

Draw the curtain back for Venus, ere my vision grows too weak:

It is strange the pearly planet should look red as fiery Mars–

God will mercifully guide me on my way amongst the stars.