Hymn to Phosphor

Radiant Phosphor! thou art fashioned Like some beardless minion young, And before the giant Mithra Do thy wingëd sandals run.

Morning’s herald, urn of splendor! From thy stellar fountains flow Purer lustres, fires intenser Than thy brother stars can show.

When their beams begin to darken And the bird Alectryon sings, Still thy torch’s tresses sparkle, Still thine orb its radiance flings.

Once the Dawn adored thy beauty; Thee her acolyte she made, Waiting in her saffron porches, While the world was wrapt in shade.

Kissed she oft thy beamy temples, And from anemonies fair Shook the dew-drops to besprinkle Thy redundant yellow hair.

With her arms about thee folded, Oft thy fragrant mouth she prest, That exhaled a sweeter odor Than the cassia-scented West.

Hail, thou silver-shielded planet, Whom undying beams adorn! Hail, thou firmamental leader! Dewy sentinel of morn!