Classic Poem

HE BEGS APOLLO TO PROTECT A LAUREL TRANSPLANTED BY HIM IN PRAISE OF LAURA

Apollo, if still burns that bright desire
Which kindled thee by the Thessalian wave:
And if the golden tresses which once gave
Such joy have not with time quite lost their fire:
From the long frosts, from seasons harsh and dire,
Which linger while thou art not here to save,
Defend these honoured branches, brief and brave,
Which did so dearly with us both conspire;
And by the virtue of that amorous hope,
Which gave thee courage in a grievous hour,
Purge and disperse the mists that leer and grope:
So shall we both see, as a marvelous flower,
Our lady in her loveliness arrayed
And with her arms weaving herself a shade.