A MIDSUMMER MADRIGAL
AT the postern gate of Day
Stands Apollo, clad in light,
Trilling forth a summons gay
To the wrinkled warder Night:
"Ho! old laggard, what has kept?
Dost not hear this challenge mine?
Well I wot thy beard has dipt
In the wassail's ruddy wine.
Song and story, gibe and jest,
With thy boon companions all;
To the donjon of the West
Now betake thee, Seneschal.
Ward and watch, and vigil keen,
Still thy beacon fires confest,
Blazing in the blue serene;
Hie thee, warrior, to thy rest!"
And in armor silver-dight,
As becomes a knight to win,
At the postern held by Night
Crowned Apollo enters in.