  I saw the twinkle of white feet. I saw the flash of robes descending; Before her ran an influence fleet, That bowed my heart like barley bending. 5As, in bare fields, the searching bees Pilot to blooms beyond our finding, It led me on, by sweet degrees Joy's simple honey-cells unbinding. Those Graces were that seemed grim Fates; 10With nearer love the sky leaned o'er me; The long-sought Secret's golden gates On musical hinges swung before me. Thrilling with godhood; like a lover 15I sprang the proffered life to clasp;— The beaker fell; the luck was over. The Earth has drunk the vintage up; What boots it patch the goblet's splinters? Can Summer fill the icy cup, 20Whose treacherous crystal is but Winter's? O spendthrift Haste! await the gods; Their nectar crowns the lips of Patience; Haste scatters on unthankful sods The immortal gift in vain libations. 25Coy Hebe flies from those that woo, And shuns the hands would seize upon her; Follow thy life, and she will sue To pour for thee the cup of honor. |
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