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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SAPPHO AND PHAON: 29. DETERMINES TO FOLLOW PHAON by MARY DARBY ROBINSON

First Line: FAREWELL, YE TOWERING CEDARS, IN WHOSE SHADE
Last Line: WEPT, TO BEHOLD A BRIGHTER GODDESS THERE!

Farewell, ye towering cedars, in whose shade,
Lulled by the nightingale, I sunk to rest,
While spicy breezes hovered o'er my breast
To fan my cheek, in deepening tints arrayed;
While amorous insects, humming round me, played,
Each flower forsook, of prouder sweets in quest;
Of glowing lips, in humid fragrance dressed,
That mocked the sunny Hybla's vaunted aid!
Farewell, ye limpid rivers! Oh! farewell!
No more shall Sappho to your grots repair;
No more your white waves to her bosom swell,
Or your dank weeds, entwine her floating hair;
As erst, when Venus in her sparry cell
Wept, to behold a brighter goddess there!



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