Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE IMMORTALITY OF GENIUS, by SEXTUS PROPERTIUS


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THE IMMORTALITY OF GENIUS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Orpheus, 'tis said, the thracian lyre-strings sweeping
Last Line: And round the forehead wreathe the unfading crown.
Subject(s): Genius; Poetry & Poets; Thought; Thinking


Orpheus, 't is said, the Thracian lyre-strings sweeping,
Stayed the swift stream and soothed the savage brute;
Cithaeron's rocks, to Thebes spontaneous leaping,
Rose into walls before Amphion's lute.
With dripping steeds did Galatea follow,
'Neath Aetna's crags, lone Polyphemus's song:
Is 't strange the loved of Bacchus and Apollo
Leads captive with his lay the maiden throng!
Though no Taenarian blocks uphold my dwelling,
Nor ivory panels shine 'tween gilded beams;
No orchards mine Phaeacia's woods excelling,
No chiselled grots where Martian water streams,--
Yet Song is mine; my strain the heart engages;
Faint from the dance sinks the lithe Muse with me:
O happy maid whose name adorns my pages!
Each lay a lasting monument to time!
The pyramids that cleave heaven's jewelled portal;
Elean Jove's star-spangled dome; the tomb
Where rich Mausolus sleeps, -- are not immortal,
Nor shall escape inevitable doom.
Devouring fire and rains will mar their splendor;
The weight of years will drag the marble down:
Genius alone a name can deathless render,
And round the forehead wreathe the unfading crown.




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