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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ASTARTE SYRIACA by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI

Poet Analysis

First Line: MYSTERY: LO! BETWIXT THE SUN AND MOON
Last Line: BETWIXT THE SUN AND MOON A MYSTERY.
Subject(s): MYTHOLOGY - CLASSICAL; PAINTINGS AND PAINTERS; VENUS (GODDESS);

(FOR A PICTURE)

MYSTERY: lo! betwixt the sun and moon
Astarte of the Syrians: Venus Queen
Ere Aphrodite was. In silver sheen
Her twofold girdle clasps the infinite boon
Of bliss whereof the heaven and earth commune:
And from her neck's inclining flower-stem lean
Love-freighted lips and absolute eyes that wean
The pulse of hearts to the spheres' dominant tune.

Torch-bearing, her sweet ministers compel
All thrones of light beyond the sky and sea
The witnesses of Beauty's face to be:
That face, of Love's all-penetrative spell
Amulet, talisman, and oracle,--
Betwixt the sun and moon a mystery.



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