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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SAPPHO AND PHAON: 32. DREAMS OF A RIVAL by MARY DARBY ROBINSON

First Line: BLESSED AS THE GODS! SICILIAN MAID IS HE
Last Line: THE LIGHTNING'S SHAFT, BUT DAZZLES TO DESTROY!

Blessed as the Gods! Sicilian Maid is he,
The youth whose soul thy yielding graces charm;
Who bound, O! thralldom sweet! by beauty's arm,
In idle dalliance fondly sports with thee!
Blessed as the Gods! that ivory throne to see,
Throbbing with transports, tender, timid, warm!
While round thy fragrant lips zephyrs swarm,
As opening buds attract the wandering bee!
Yet, short is youthful passion's fervid hour;
Soon, shall another clasp the beauteous boy;
Soon, shall a rival prove, in that gay bower,
The pleasing torture of excessive joy!
The bee flies sickened from the sweetest flower;
The lightning's shaft, but dazzles to destroy!



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