Sarah Williams (poet)

Sarah Williams (December 1837[a] – 25 April 1868) was an English poet and novelist, most famous as the author of the poem "The Old Astronomer".

She published short works and one collection of poetry during her lifetime under the pseudonyms Sadie and S.A.D.I., the former of which she considered her name rather than a nom de plume.

The second half of the fourth stanza is the best known:[10][5] Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too truly[b] to be fearful of the night.

The poem is written from the perspective of an aged astronomer on his deathbed bidding his student to continue his humble research.

[5][11] Ian Rankin titled his Inspector Rebus novel Set in Darkness after The Old Astronomer and quoted the lines in the introduction.