Versos English Théophile Gautier Apollonia

English poem

Apollonia

by (1811–1872)

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Fair Apollonia, name august, Greek echo of the sacred vale, Great name whose harmonies robust Thee as Apollo's sister hail!

Struck with the plectrum on the lyre, And in melodious beauty sung, Brighter than love's and glory's fire, It resonant rings upon the tongue.

At such a classic sound as this, The elves plunge down their German lake. Alone the Delphian worthy is So lustreful a name to take,--

Pythia! when in her flowing dress She mounts her place with feet unshod, And, priestess white and prophetess, Wistful awaits the tardy god.