Classic Poem

VENUS

This is the face that shone when Greece was free,
And haloed by gray cloud or foaming wave,
Thrilled coward hearts, and made them strong and brave;
For love that ruled supreme, love whose degree
Was greater than the greatest kings could be,
Glowed in the eyes whose brightness was the grave
Of wise resolves, that should poor mortals save
From this imperial goddess of the sea.
The cool, sweet freshness of the sunlit deep,
Lay warm and tender on her cheek's soft flush,
And made delicious her rich, fragrant breath:
Ah, how can such enchanting beauty sleep,
Where sombre shadows fill the eternal hush,
That lies so heavy on the land of death.