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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SAPPHO AND PHAON: 12. PREVIOUS TO HER INTERVIEW WITH PHAON by MARY DARBY ROBINSON

First Line: NOW, O'ER THE TESSELLATED PAVEMENT STREW
Last Line: AND ALL HIS FONDEST WISHES, BLEND WITH MINE.

Now, o'er the tessellated pavement strew
Fresh saffron, steeped in essence of the rose,
While down yon agate column gently flows
A glittering streamlet of ambrosial dew!
My Phaon smiles! the rich carnation's hue,
On his flushed cheek in conscious luster glows,
While o'er his breast enamored Venus throws
Her starry mantle of celestial blue!
Breathe soft, ye dulcet flutes, among the trees
Where clustering boughs with golden citron twine;
While slow vibrations, dying on the breeze,
Shall soothe his soul with harmony divine!
Then let my form his yielding fancy seize,
And all his fondest wishes, blend with mine.



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