Eros

Eros, from rest in isles far-famed, With rising Anthesterion rose, And all Hellenic heights acclaimed Eros. The sea one pearl, the shore one rose, All round him all the flower-month flamed And lightened, laughing off repose. Earth's heart, sublime and unashamed, Knew, even perchance as man's heart knows, The thirst of all men's nature named Eros. II. Eros, a fire of heart untamed, A light of spirit in sense that glows, Flamed heavenward still ere earth defamed Eros. Nor fear nor shame durst curb or close His golden godhead, marred and maimed, Fast round with bonds that burnt and froze. Ere evil faith struck blind and lamed Love, pure as fire or flowers or snows, Earth hailed as blameless and unblamed Eros. III. Eros, with shafts by thousands aimed At laughing lovers round in rows, Fades from their sight whose tongues proclaimed Eros. But higher than transient shapes or shows The light of love in life inflamed Springs, toward no goal that these disclose. Above those heavens which passion claimed Shines, veiled by change that ebbs and flows, The soul in all things born or framed, Eros.