Classic Poem

“Shepherd, thou say'st the star that rules
 Our fate in Heaven is bright.”
“Yes, but 'tis there, my son, concealed
 Within the veil of night.”
“The secrets of that azure calm
 'Tis said thou canst explore—
Shepherd, what is yon star that shoots,
 Shoots, and is seen no more?”

“My son, a mortal has expired;
 His star that moment fell:
He quaffed the circling cup, and sang,
 The tide of mirth to swell.
Now sleeps he sound, beside the bowl
 He chanted heretofore”…
“Shepherd, again a star that shoots,
 Shoots, and is seen no more?”

“A charming creature's star was that,
 So pure, so bright, my son;
A maiden's, joyous, fond, and true,
 By fondest lover won
The altar ready stood—her brow
 The bridal garland bore.”…
“Again, again, a star that shoots,
 Shoots, and is seen no more?”

“That rapid star, my son, bespeaks
 A babe of lordly line:
On his rich cradle, empty now,
 The gold and purple shine.
Their poisonous draughts, as 'twere his food,
 Would rival flatterers pour.”…
“Shepherd, another star that shoots,
 Shoots, and is seen no more?”

“A favorite's star fell then, my son,
 With such portentous glare:
He deemed it statesmanlike to jest
 At all our load of care
But now their god of clay they spurn,
 Who once his portrait wore”…
“Again, another star that shoots,
 Shoots, and is seen no more?”

“A rich man's patronage we lose,
 And needs, my son, must weep;
The hungry, who with others gleaned,
 With him were free to reap
This very night, assured of aid,
 The houseless sought his door”
‘Look, look, another star that shoots,
 Shoots, and is seen no more?”

“That? 'tis a mighty king's—but go,
 Thy purity alone
Hold fast, my son; nor be thy star
 By size or splendor known!
If without profit thou shouldst shine—
 Of thee, when all is o'er,
They'll say, ‘'tis but a star that shoots,
 Shoots, and is seen no more.’”