Classic Poem

Le pigeon messager

Sparkled my wine; my youthful mistress' song
Hymned gods of old, in Greece forgotten long:
'Twixt Greece and France a parallel we drew,
When to our feet a pigeon drooping flew.
Beneath his wing a note my Naeris found,
With which to haunts long-cherished he was bound:
Drink of my cup; then, safely sleeping, rest,
O faithful messenger, on Naeris' breast!

He falls, exhausted by a flight too long;
Again we'll free him when he's fresh and strong
Is he on some commercial errand bent?
With words of love to distant beauty sent?
Or bears he to the nest, that lures him home,
The latest vows of those who exiled roam?
Drink of my cup; then, safely sleeping, rest,
O faithful messenger, on Naeris' breast!

But hold! these few words show me that he seeks
Our land of France, with tidings for the Greeks:
They come from Athens! glorious must they be;
Let's read — the right of relatives have we
Athens is free! O friends, what glad surprise!
What laurels from the dust shall flowering rise!
Drink of my cup; then, safely sleeping, rest,
O faithful messenger, on Naeris' breast!

Athens is free! to Greece fill, fill the cup;
Naeris, behold, new demi-gods spring up!
In vain would Europe, trembling in her age,
Spoil these great elders of their heritage:
They conquer still; to Athens, ever fair,
To worship ruins none shall now repair.
Drink of my cup; then, safely sleeping, rest,
O faithful messenger, on Naeris' breast!

Athens is free! Pindaric Muse, again
With lyre and voice assert thine ancient reign!
Athens is free — in spite of barbarous foes;
Athens is free — in vain our kings oppose
Aye to her lessons is the world inclined —
An Athens yet in Paris may it find!
Drink of my cup; then, safely sleeping, rest,
O faithful messenger, on Naeris' breast!

Yes, beauteous traveller to Hellas' shore,
Repose awhile, then seek thy mate once more:
Away! and soon, to Athens carried back,
Vulture and tyrant brave upon thy track;
And hastening thence, to many a trembling king
On tottering throne, fresh shouts of Freedom bring!
Drink of my cup; then, safely sleeping, rest,
O faithful messenger, on Naeris' breast!