Classic Poem

You , City, by two rivers made an isle,
To whom the sea a tidal tribute pays,
What is it in you that could so beguile
My heart to leave its love of earlier days
Till now its passion seems a fable far,
Dissolved and faded with life's morning star?

For I am lost and strange unease is mine,
If ever I turn back to that old love:
Great Nature is no more to me benign,
I fear her vacant heavens spread above;
The lonely wind-tides drawing through her trees
Are sad to me as Sophoclean seas.

Your casual glimpses of the stars suffice,
Your chary sunsets are of precious sard;
Your yearning towers bloom agate as they rise,
Where men enskied do work — and Heaven keep guard!
And oftentimes I let my thought take flight
Around those shafts half-veiled in misty light.

City, I do not know what charm you wield
That to my spirit has been subtle balm;
From stabbing memories it oft has healed.
Your very tumults can my tumults calm.
Who speaks of guile, of harm your spells can do?
Enchantress City — I am safe with you!

Yes, I have been your lover many years.
Like any lover I your praise could sing,
For this — for that — which so my heart endears.
And yet, and yet, beyond each several thing,
Like any lover I despair, and say,
" It is your soul I've loved so many a day! "

Your soul of many souls well mingled up!
I sometimes drink it with a giddy joy.
And I here pledge you in a loving-cup
Service and faith that nothing can destroy.
A conscious soul? O City, can it be —
Since I have so loved you — do you love me?