Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SAPPHO AND PHAON: 33. REACHES SICILY by MARY DARBY ROBINSON

First Line: I WAKE! DELUSIVE PHANTOMS HENCE, AWAY!
Last Line: AH! SORROWS KNOWN TOO SOON! AND FELT TOO LONG!

I wake! delusive phantoms hence, away!
Tempt not the weakness of a lover's breast;
The softest breeze can shake the halcyon's nest,
And lightest clouds o'ercast the dawning ray!
'Twas but a vision! Now, the star of day
Peers, like a gem on Etna's burning crest!
Welcome, ye hills, with golden vintage dressed;
Sicilian forests brown, and valleys gay!
A mournful stranger, from the Lesbian Isle,
Not strange, in loftiest eulogy of song!
She, who could teach the stoic's cheek to smile,
Thaw the cold heart, and chain the wondering throng,
Can find no balm, love's sorrows to beguile;
Ah! Sorrows known too soon! and felt too long!



Home: PoetryExplorer.net