Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SAPPHO AND PHAON: 2. THE TEMPLE OF CHASTITY, by MARY DARBY ROBINSON



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SAPPHO AND PHAON: 2. THE TEMPLE OF CHASTITY, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: High on a rock, coeval with the skies
Last Line: While love, his arrows broke, retires forlorn.
Subject(s): Affliction; Frost; Ice; Love; Temples; Mosques


High on a rock, coeval with the skies,
A Temple stands, reared by immortal powers
To Chastity divine! ambrosial flowers
Twining round icicles, in columns rise,
Mingling with pendent gems of orient dyes!
Piercing the air, a golden crescent towers,
Veiled by transparent clouds; while smiling hours
Shake from their varying wings -- celestial joys!
The steps of spotless marble, scattered o'er
With deathless roses armed with many a thorn,
Lead to the altar. On the frozen floor,
Studded with tear-drops petrified by scorn,
Pale vestals kneel the Goddess to adore,
While Love, his arrows broke, retires forlorn.





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