’Twas coming night,—the eve of that sad day
When all the starry gods would come to pay
Their last respects unto the lifeless clod,
In form of man, now lying upon the sod,—
“And Daphne!” said the nymph, “to watch alone
(Save the companionship of the pale moon),
Throughout those dreary hours without a soul? * * *
Oh, stay, my love, and o’er me have control.”
This, said to Apollo, fired his sapient brain:
His love for Daphne nought could now restrain!