English poem
The Sphinx
by Rudolph Valentino (1895–1926)
(To B. H.)
O Sphinx--a monument to man! Built by his hands of clay, You symbolize the power of might Used in an earthy way. Yesteryear, you stood for man’s symbolic strength sublime, Today, you all but buried are Beneath the sands of time.
O Wondrous mountain--living Sphinx! Built by the hand of God, You symbolize the power of Love Used with the lowly sod. Yesteryear, a symbol of divinity sublime, Today, you lift your rugged head Untouched by hands of time.
O Sphinx--a monument to man! Built by his hand of clay, You symbolize the power of might Used in an earthy way. Yesterday, you in grandeur stood alone. Today, you’re mingling with the sand A rotting mass of stone.
O Wondrous mountain--living Sphinx! Built by the hand of God, You symbolize the power of Love Used with the lowly sod, E’er yesterday, you stood a monument of Love, Today unchanged, your glorious face, In worship turned above.