[Poems by Bryant in] A biography of William Cullen Bryant with Extracts from his Private Correspondence |
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[So seemed the Cretan labyrinth of old] |
 | [Poems by Bryant in] A biography of William Cullen Bryant |  |
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[So seemed the Cretan labyrinth of old]
So seemed the Cretan labyrinth of old,Maze within maze, in many a winding fold.
Deep in those convoluted paths in vain
The wretched captive sought the day again,
But, lost and wearied with the devious way,
Fell to the monster bull a helpless prey
Till Ariadne lent the guiding thread
That back to life the Athenian hero led.
Thus, round and round, with intricate design,
These snaky walks in endless mystery twine;
Yet here no danger lurks, no murderous power
Waits the pale victim, ready to devour.
Our hands in turn bestow the friendly clue;
Pursue our verse, our verse shall guide you through.
| [Poems by Bryant in] A biography of William Cullen Bryant | |