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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SAPPHO AND PHAON: 30. BIDS FAREWELL TO LESBOS by MARY DARBY ROBINSON

First Line: O'ER THE TALL CLIFF THAT BOUNDS THE BILLOWY MAIN
Last Line: I FLY, TO SEEK MY LOVER, OR MY GRAVE!

O'er the tall cliff that bounds the billowy main
Shadowing the surge that sweeps the lonely strand,
While the thin vapors break along the sand,
Day's harbinger unfolds the liquid plain.
The rude sea murmurs, mournful as the strain
That love-lorn minstrels strike with trembling hand,
While from their green beds rise the Siren band
With tongues aerial to repeat my pain!
The vessel rocks beside the pebbly shore,
The foamy curls its gaudy trappings lave;
Oh! Bark propitious! bear me gently o'er,
Breathe soft, ye winds; rise slow, O! swelling wave!
Lesbos; these eyes shall meet thy sands no more:
I fly, to seek my lover, or my grave!



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