Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.
I. AdmirationSpring
Meleager of Gadara (1st Century B.C.)From the Greek by Andrew Lang
N
The slim narcissus takes the rain,
And, straying o’er the mountain’s brow,
The daffodillies bud again.
The thousand blossoms wax and wane
On wold, and heath, and fragrant bough,
But fairer than the flowers art thou,
Than any growth of hill or plain.
That my Love’s feet may tread it down,
Like lilies on the lilies set;
My Love, whose lips are softer far
Than drowsy poppy petals are,
And sweeter than the violets!