Orpheus

As tide-stricken sea-cliffs to tremble Thy strings, as the wind-shaken pine! Let these and their fruits and the soul of their being be mine, very mine! EPODE CALLIOPE As the tides invisible of ocean, Sweeping under the dark star-gemmed sea ; As the frail Caduceus’ serpent-motion Moves the deep waves of eternity; As the star-space lingers and moves on ; As the comet flashes and is gone; As the light, the music, and the thunder Of moving worlds retire; As the hoarse sounds of the heaven wonder When Zeus flings forth his fire; As the clang of swords in battle; As the low of home-driven cattle; As the wail of mothers children-losing; As the clamorous cries of darkening death ; As the joy-gasp of love’s chosen choosing; As the babe’s first voluntary breath ; As the storm and tempest fallen at even; As the crack and hissing of the levin; As the soft sough of tree-boughs wind-shaken ; As the fearful cry of souls in hell, When past death and blinder life they waken, Seeing Styx before their vision swell, 29