Poem for July 20, 2026

Farewell, ye tow'ring Cedars, in whose shade,

Lull'd by the Nightingale, I sunk to rest,

While spicy breezes hover'd o'er my breast

To fan my cheek, in deep'ning tints array'd;

While am'rous insects, humming round me, play'd,

Each flow'r forsook, of prouder sweets in quest;

Of glowing lips, in humid fragrance drest,

That mock'd the Sunny Hybla's vaunted aid!

Farewell, ye limpid rivers! Oh! farewell!

No more shall Sappho to your grots repair;

No more your white waves to her bosom swell,

Or your dank weeds, entwine her floating hair;

As erst, when Venus in her sparry cell

Wept, to behold a brighter goddess there!