Carmen Saeculare

“ CARMEN SAECULARE.” “ I prophesy, with feet upon a grave, Of death cast out, and life devouring death. * * * * * Of freedom, though all manhood were one slave ; Of truth, though all the world were liar ; of love That time nor hate can raze the witness of.” SWINBURNE, Tiresias. INE voices that raise high the eternal hymn ! Nine faces that ring round the rainbow sky ! Hear me ! The century’s lamp is growing dim ; Saturnian gloom descends and it must die. Fill, fill my spirit to the utter brim With fire and melody ! O nine sweet sisters ! I have heard your song In blue soft waters and in stern gray seas ; I listen for your voices in the throng ; I languish for your deadly melodies ! Yet, when I hear the sound for which I long, My soul is not at ease. N 9