And the daughter of Cyprus said to me,
“Child of the earth, 10
Behold, all things are born and attain,
But only as they desire,—
“The sun that is strong, the gods that are wise,
The loving heart,
Deeds and knowledge and beauty and joy,— 15
But before all else was desire.”
XIII
Sleep thou in the bosom
Of the tender comrade,
While the living water
Whispers in the well-run,
And the oleanders 5
Glimmer in the moonlight.
Soon, ah, soon the shy birds
Will be at their fluting,
And the morning planet
Rise above the garden; 10
For there is a measure
Set to all things mortal.
XIV
Hesperus, bringing together
All that the morning star scattered,—
Sheep to be folded in twilight,
Children for mothers to fondle,—
Me too will bring to the dearest, 5
Tenderest breast in all Lesbos.