Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CASTOR AND POLYDEUCES by ALCAEUS OF MYTILENE

First Line: COME, SONS OF ZEUS, FROM PELOP'S ISLE
Last Line: IN THE DESPAIRING NIGHT.
COME, sons of Zeus, from Pelops' isle,
Leda's children valorous, --
Castor and Polydeuces, smile
With gentle hearts on us.

O'er earth's broad lands and every sea
Your racing horses' reins you hold,
And men you rescue easily
From death in freezing cold,

When on trim ships astern you spring
And climb the thwarts, a far-seen light:
A lantern to black ships you bring
In the despairing night.



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