Poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

At Eleusis

I, at Eleusis, saw the finest sight,
    When early morning's banners were unfurled.
    From high Olympus, gazing on the world,
The ancient gods once saw it with delight.
Sad Demeter had in a single night
    Removed her sombre garments! and mine eyes
    Beheld a 'broidered mantle in pale dyes
Thrown o'er her throbbing bosom. Sweet and clear
There fell the sound of music on mine ear.
    And from the South came Hermes, he whose lyre
    One time appeased the great Apollo's ire.
The rescued maid, Persephone, by the hand,
    He led to waiting Demeter, and cheer
And light and beauty once more blessed the land.

1. The Birth of the Orchid
2. The Black Charger
3. All the World
4. At Set of Sun
5. The Call (All wantonly in hours of joy)

Hilda Doolittle At Eleusis ("What they did")

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