Classic Poem

XXXI.

" And thou with better wisdom learn
The ancient lore to scan,
Which tells that first in Ocean's breast
My rule o'er all began;
And know that not in breathless noon
Upon the glassy main
The power was born that taught the world
To hail her endless reign.

XXXII.

" The winds were loud, the waves were high,
In drear eclipse the sun
Was crouched within the caves of heaven,
And light had scarce begun.
The Earth's green front lay drowned below,
And Death and Chaos fought
O'er all the tumult vast of things
Not yet to severance brought.

XXXIII.

" 'Twas then that spoke the fateful voice,
And 'mid the huge uproar,
Above the dark I sprang to life,
A good unhoped before.
My tresses waved along the sky,
And stars leapt out around,
And Earth beneath my feet arose,
And hid the pale profound.

XXXIV.

" A lamp amid the night, a feast
That ends the strife of war;
To wearied mariners a port,
To fainting limbs a car;
To exiled men the friendly roof,
To mourning hearts the lay;
To him who long has roamed by night
The sudden dawn of day.

XXXV.

" All these are mine, and mine the bliss
That visits breasts in wo,
And fills with wine the cup that once
With tears was made to flow.
Nor question thou the help that comes
From Aphrodite's hand;
For madness dogs the bard who doubts
Whate'er the gods command. "