HOMER'S HYMN TO THE MOON.
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Published by Mrs. Shelley, "Poetical Works", 1839, 2nd edition;dated 1818.] Daughters of Jove, whose voice is melody,Muses, who know and rule all minstrelsySing the wide-winged Moon! Around the earth,From her immortal head in Heaven shot forth,Far light is scattered--boundless glory springs; _5Where'er she spreads her many-beaming wingsThe lampless air glows round her golden crown. But when the Moon divine from Heaven is goneUnder the sea, her beams within abide,Till, bathing her bright limbs in Ocean's tide, _10Clothing her form in garments glittering far,And having yoked to her immortal carThe beam-invested steeds whose necks on highCurve back, she drives to a remoter skyA western Crescent, borne impetuously. _15Then is made full the circle of her light,And as she grows, her beams more bright and brightAre poured from Heaven, where she is hovering then,A wonder and a sign to mortal men. The Son of Saturn with this glorious Power _20Mingled in love and sleep--to whom she borePandeia, a bright maid of beauty rareAmong the Gods, whose lives eternal are. Hail Queen, great Moon, white-armed Divinity,Fair-haired and favourable! thus with thee _25My song beginning, by its music sweetShall make immortal many a glorious featOf demigods, with lovely lips, so wellWhich minstrels, servants of the Muses, tell. ***
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