Classic Poem

Thou gracious dweller of the woodland green,
Companion ever of the April flowers,
And living breath of mother Venus's heart,
O gentle zephyr! —

If thou dost know the sorrows of my love, —
Thou that dost bear afar my sad lament, —
Hear me and frankly say to her I love
That here I perish!

Filis, who once my bitter yearnings knew,
Filis, who once my bitter yearnings wept,
Once did she love me, but, alas, I fear,
I fear her anger!

So do the gods with their paternal breasts,
So do the heavens with all their hearts benign
Withdraw themselves, what time thy gladsome wing
The snows uncover;

Never the dark clouds' burden, at the break
Of morn along the lofty mountain chain,
Bruises thy shoulders, nor their bitter hail
Shatters thy pinions!