I see thee better in the Dark — Astronomical Observation

I see thee better－in the Dark－¹
I do not need a Light－
The Love of Thee－a Prism be－
Excelling Violet－

I see thee better for the Years ⁵
That hunch themselves between－
The Miner's Lamp－sufficient be－
To nullify the Mine－

And in the Grave－I see Thee best－⁹
Its little Panels be
Aglow－All ruddy－with the Light
I held so high, for Thee－

What need of Day－¹³
To Those whose Dark－hath so－surpassing Sun－
It deem it be－Continually－
At the Meridian?

(F.442/J.611)

[1, 2] better, Dark, Light:: the best environment to observe stars.
[3] Thee, Prism:: an astronomical telescope.
[5] better, Years:: longer observation knows better the sky.
[7, 8] Lamp, Mine:: a little light in the room will destroy the view.
[9] Grave:: a place like grave, an astronomy observatory.
[11] ruddy:: color of some star in a telescope.

this establishment is known by the name of Cloverden Observatory. This consists of a circular wooden building, with a revolving dome, eighteen feet in diameter, and a small adjoining room for other instruments. ─ Harper's Magazine (1856)

The Albany Observatory.－ Dr. B. A. Gould, who has been appointed astronomer of this new observatory, has concluded a contract for the construction of a new meridian circle for it, and a transit instrument for the use of the United States Coast Survey. The telescope is to be ten feet in length－in short, the entire instrument is to be as large as the largest in the world－the one at Greenwich－and is to have all the most recent improvements, with additional improvements suggested by Dr. Gould's own experience as an observer. ─ The National Magazine (1856)