Orpheus

O hours of the day, And hours of the night, Pause now while ye may In your heavenly flight! Give answer and say, Have I called ye aright? Are the strings of my lyre as fire, the voice of my singing as light? THE Hours Darkness and daylight in divided measure Gather as petals of the sunflower, In many seasons seek the lotus-treasure, Following as dancing maidens, mute for pleasure, The fervent flying footsteps of the Hour. The sun looks over the memorial hills, The trampling of his horses heard as wind ; He leaps and turns, and all his fragrance fills The shade and silence; all the rocks and rills Ring with the triumph of his steeds behind. The bright air winnowed by the plumeless leapers Laughs, and the low light pierces to the bed Where lovers linger, where the smiling sleepers Stir, and the herds unmindful of their keepers Low for pure love of morning’s dewy head. 73