Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Greece and Turkey in Europe: Vol. XIX. 1876–79.
Ariadne’s Farewell
By Helen Hunt Jackson (1830–1885)T
That there were tinsels wearing face of gold,
And worthless glass, which in the sunlight’s hold
Could shameless answer back my diamond’s glow
With cheat of kindred fire? The currents slow,
And deep and strong and stainless, which had rolled
Through royal veins for ages, what had told
To them, that hasty heat and lie could show
As quick and warm a red as theirs? Go free!
The sun is breaking on the sea’s blue shield
Its golden lances; by their gleam I see
Thy ship’s white sails. Go free, if scorn can yield
Thee freedom! Then, alone, my love and I,—
We both are royal; we know how to die.