Henry Van Dyke

Echoes from the Greek Mythology

I - STARLIGHT 

With two bright eyes, my star, my love, 
Thou lookest on the stars above: 
Ah, would that I the heaven might be
With a million eyes to look on thee. 

Plato. 


II - ROSELEAF 

A little while the rose, 
And after that the thorn; 
An hour of dewy morn, 
And then the glamour goes. 
Ah, love in beauty born, 
A little while the rose! 

Unknown. 


III - PHOSPHOR -- HESPER 

O morning star, farewell! 
My love I now must leave; 
The hours of day I slowly tell, 
And turn to her with the twilight bell, --
O welcome, star of eve! 

Meleager. 


IV - SEASONS 

Sweet in summer, cups of snow, 
Cooling thirsty lips aglow; 
Sweet to sailors winter-bound, 
Spring arrives with garlands crowned; 
Sweeter yet the hour that covers
With one cloak a pair of lovers, 
Living lost in golden weather, 
While they talk of love together. 

Asclepiades. 


V - THE VINE AND THE GOAT 

Although you eat me to the root, 
I yet shall bear enough of fruit
For wine to sprinkle your dim eyes, 
When you are made a sacrifice. 

Euenus. 


VI - THE PROFESSOR 

Seven pupils, in the class 
Of Professor Callias, 
Listen silent while he drawls, --
Three are benches, four are walls.