From the Latin by Dr. James Cranstoun ORPHEUS, ’t is said, the Thracian lyre-strings sweeping, Stayed the swift stream and soothed the savage brute; Cithæron’s rocks, to Thebes spontaneous leaping, Rose into walls before Amphion’s lute. With dripping steeds did Galatea follow, ’Neath Ætna’s crags, lone Polyphemus’s song: Is ’t strange the loved of Bacchus and Apollo Leads captive with his lay the maiden throng? Though no Tænarian blocks uphold my dwelling, Nor ivory panels shine ’tween gilded beams; No orchards mine Phæcia’s woods excelling, No chiselled grots where Marcian water streams,— Yet Song is mine; my strain the heart engages; Faint from the dance sinks the lithe Muse with me: O happy maid whose name adorns my pages! Each lay a lasting monument to thee! The pyramids that cleave heaven’s jewelled portal; Elean Jove’s star-spangled dome; the tomb Where rich Mausolus sleeps,—are not immortal, Nor shall escape inevitable doom. Devouring fire and rains will mar their splendor; The weight of years will drag the marble down: Genius alone a name can deathless render, And round the forehead wreathe the unfading crown.
The Immortality of Genius
Collection:
70
Sub Title:
Poems of Sentiment: IV. Thought: Poetry: Books
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From the Latin by Dr. James Cranstoun ORPHEUS, ’t is said, the Thracian lyre-strings sweeping, Stayed the swift stream and soothed the savage brute; Cithæron’s rocks, to Thebes spontaneous leaping, Rose into walls before Amphion’s lute. With dripping steeds did Galatea follow, ’Neath Ætna’... |
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