Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.
By Caroline Wilder (Fellowes)Paradise1732 Little Theocritus
Y
About the slopes of this wild mountain pass,
Take heed your horny footsteps do not fall
Upon the baby dreamer in the grass.
In the safe shelter of his resting-place,
In hearing of his shepherd father’s voice,
In reach of fruity clusters o’er his face.
To where Olympus merges in the blue.
There dwell the deathless gods in majesty,
The gods who hold a mighty gift for you.
Rare, golden words, to lift the hearts of men;
Those curling, downy locks shall wear the bay,
A crown that they shall never lose again.
Immortal child, for there are coming years,
When the great, busy world shall pause awhile
To listen to your singing through its tears.