72
AVE ATQUE VALE.
To thee than gleanings of a northern shore
Trod by no tropic feet?
II.
Allured of heavier suns in mightier skies;
Thine ears knew all the wandering watery sighs
Where the sea sobs round Lesbian promontories,
The barren kiss of piteous wave to wave
That knows not where is that Leucadian grave
Which hides too deep the supreme head of song.
Ah, salt and sterile as her kisses were,
The wild sea winds her and the green gulfs bear
Hither and thither, and vex and work her wrong,
Blind gods that cannot spare.
III.
Secrets and sorrows unbeheld of us:
Fierce loves, and lovely leaf-buds poisonous,
