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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO HELEN, ON HER - TH BIRTHDAY by JAMES JEFFREY ROCHE

First Line: THE BOUNTEOUS GODS AT HELEN'S BIRTH
Last Line: TIME NEVER HAS COME NEAR HER.
Subject(s): HELEN OF TROY; MYTHOLOGY; MYTHOLOGY - CLASSICAL;

["Tantaeme Animis Coelestibus Irae?"]

The bounteous gods at Helen's birth
With gifts divine came laden;
Said Venus, "She of all the earth
Shall be the fairest maiden."

Jove graced her with a royal mien
To win each mortal's duty;
Athena's gift was all unseen --
A mind to match her beauty.

Each brought a boon, save one, alas!
Who had not been invited;
I know not how it came to pass,
But Father Time was slighted.

His vengeance for the sad neglect,
I own, might be severer;
Fair Helen gets the cut direct --
Time never has come near her.



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