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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LAMENT FOR BION by ANONYMOUS

First Line: "AY ME, AY ME, THE MALLOW IN THE MEAD"
Last Line: A SLEEP THAT WINS NO WAKING EVERMORE
Subject(s): BION (2ND CENTURY B.C.);

AY me, ay me, the mallow in the mead,
The parsley green, the anise-tendril's ring,
Fade all and die, but in due season freed
Grow yet again and greet another spring:

But we, we men, the mighty and the strong,
Wise-witted men, when our one life is o'er,
Low laid in earth sleep silently and long
A sleep that wins no waking evermore.



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