While there is life within me I will praise The gods who, giving life, have made it sweet. Paeans of adoration will I raise, And pour libations at their sacred feet. Music surpassing either lute or lyre, Incense more fragrant than they ever knew Shall be my gifts, in this my one desire To offer sacrifice because of you. What claim had I on Heaven that she make An earthly replica of love's own form; Or give me her celestial wine to slake A thirst induced by lips mobile and warm? By what rare destiny came these to bless My body with such radiant happiness? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FRAGMENTS INTENDED FOR DEATH'S JEST-BOOK: A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES THE PRIESTHOOD by GEORGE HERBERT THE FAIRIES OF THE CALDON LOW; A MIDSUMMER LEGEND by MARY HOWITT A NICE CORRESPONDENT by FREDERICK LOCKER-LAMPSON THREE FRIENDS OF MINE: 5; SONNET by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW LOST AND FOUND by GEORGE MACDONALD FIRELIGHT by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON OVERTURE TO A DANCE OF LOCOMOTIVES by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS |