Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE GIFT OF APOLLO, by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE GIFT OF APOLLO, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: When orpheus' limbs, by thracian madness torn
Last Line: The men, whose pious rites appeas'd his favourite's shade.
Subject(s): Apollo; Mythology - Classical


A legend of ancient mythology relates, that the inhabitants of
Methymnia, on the island of Lesbos, received from Apollo a genius
for music and poetry, as a mark of his gratitude for having extended
the rights of burial to the sever'd head of Orpheus.

WHEN Orpheus' limbs, by Thracian madness torn,
Down the cold Hebrus' sounding floods were borne,
The blood-stain'd lips in tuneful measures sigh'd,
And murmur'd music charm'd the listening tide.

Thus roam'd the head, complaining and distrest,
Till Lesbian bands beheld the approaching guest,
And with indignant sorrow, shuddering bore
The mangled victim to their verdant shore,
With fragrant streams the quivering temples lave,
And cleanse the tresses from the briny wave,
Spread a soft pillow in the earth's green breast,
And with low dirges lull its woes to rest.

Then from the tossing surge, his lyre they gain,
A treasur'd trophy for Apollo's fane,
Round its fair frame funereal garlands bind,
And mourn its lord, to silent dust consign'd.

But when its chords the gales of evening sweep,
Soft tones awake, and mystic voices weep.
"Eurydice!" in trembling love they sigh.
"Eurydice!" the long-drawn aisles reply,
And through the temple steals, in echoes low,
The mournful sweetness of remember'd woe.

Methymnia's sons, with new-felt warmth inspir'd,
By all Apollo's soul of song were fir'd,
Pour'd their rich offerings round his golden shrine,
Caught the rapt spirit, and the strain divine,
While he with smiles and priceless gifts repaid
The men, whose pious rites appeas'd his favourite's shade.





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