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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO HEALTH by ANONYMOUS

First Line: ELDEST BORN OF POWERS DIVINE!
Last Line: "WITHOUT WHOM WE MAY POSSESS / MUCH, BUT NEVER HAPPINESS"

ELDEST born of powers divine!
Blessed Hygeia! be it mine
To enjoy what thou canst give,
And henceforth with thee to live:
For in power if pleasure be,
Wealth or numerous progeny,
Or in amorous embrace,
Where no spy infests the place;
Or in aught that Heaven bestows
To alleviate human woes,
When the wearied heart despairs
Of a respite from its cares;
These and every true delight
Flourish only in thy sight;
And the sister Graces three
Owe, themselves, their youth to thee,
Without whom we may possess
Much, but never happiness.



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