The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere :: :: University of Virginia Library

STANZAS.

1

All things wax old. What voice shall chase that gloom
Which hangs o'er Adam's tomb?
Over the patriarchal palm and tent
The ocean's vault is bent:
Past is the Persian chivalry; and past
Old Egypt's lore at last:

Where Priam reigned of old, where Homer sang,
Barbaric javelins clang:
Along the wealthy Carthaginian shores
Again the lion roars;
And Rome at last her ancient foe deplores.

2

Dead is our Arthur; dead the Cid of Spain;
Alfred and Charlemagne.
Where now are Europe's wise and holy kings
‘With whom old story rings’?
Where now the mitred martyrs of the Faith,
Martyrs in life and death?
Meek sages, courteous lovers, bards devout,
Scorning the world's vain shout?
Where now that early Church whose anthemed rites
Made Earth like Heaven—her nights
Glorious and blest as day with votive lights?

3

Lay down, vain-glorious King, for shame lay down
Thy sceptre, globe, and crown!
Draw near, my dark-eyed Delphic boy; fill up
With Naxian wine my cup.
Young Spring hath dropped the rosebud from her breast—
Summer her sun-clad crest
And Autumn's gorgeous fruits, in vain increased,
But spread her funeral feast.
Dark Winter, mailed with ice, and stern and hoar,
I praise much more—
To him this last libation I will pour.