Poems : Medley and Palestina / by J.W. DeForest [electronic text]

HAIL, AUGUSTA!

Undeserving to woo her, to win her, I creep far below her and gaze As up-gazes a vision-rapt sinner To seraphim shining through haze. Shall I grovel unworthy forever? Ah no! I will fight for my heart. Let me grapple some dizzy endeavor And mount where she glitters apart.

Shall I seek the sun-fleeces of Jason And scatter their gold at her feet? To Atlantis, to Indica hasten And carve the unknown for her seat? Shall I foam to the Fortunate Islands, Or claim Eden's blooms for us two? O illusions of earthlands and skylands, Inspire me to will and to do!

What Titans survive, what undying Medusas, to challenge to fame? What habergeoned destinies crying Hortations to battle and flame? What achievement, what knighthood remaineth To one who is panting for worth? Love repineth and wildly complaineth That perils have vanished from earth.

I would drape her in purple befitting, Enthrone her and give her a crown, In the world-coliseum high-sitting, To regally smile and look down; Her illumining arms marble-folded, A thousand keen stars in her eyes, And the face that a demigod moulded Uplifted for human surprise;

Around her the terror and glory, The laurels and blood of the scene; Eager visages, story on story, All turning to her as their queen; While, allotted to perish before her, Unchanging in color and breath, I clamor, "All hail! Thy adorer Salutes thee, and hastens to death."