Classic Poem

The Gardens of the Hesperides,
Beyond the ocean stream,
Were rich with rare and radiant trees
And flowers whereof men dream.

There, in the midst, a tree of gold
With golden fruit gleamed bright,
Round which a dragon, fold on fold,
Kept guard both day and night.

GreaTherakles slew that dragon-guard
And robbed the golden boughs,
And full of joy and fortune-starred
Returned to home and spouse.

He gave to man the royal fruit
That grows in sunny climes;
Its fragrant blossoms we salute
In epithalamial rimes.

Around the bride's unclouded brow
The orange-wreath we twine
And drink her health, as low we bow,
In sacramental wine.

So for the love of heart and soul
Held pure mid smiles and tears,
While suns their checkered cycles roll
Through five and twenty years,

The silver tokens shining bright
Regale the nuptial feast
Like marriage-torches kept alight
By Hymen's faithful priest.