Page:Modern poets and poetry of Spain.djvu/152



moral fiction, which the facile Muse,

Thalia kind inspired, and which await

The numerous crowds that throng the Spanish scene,

Therein acquiring voice, and life, and form,

To thee I now present, with feelings pure

Of gratitude and love. By other path

The difficult height of Pindus to ascend,

In vain have I aspired, in vain; and oft

Have wept me baffled, o'er the bold attempt.

How often, striking the Aonian chords,

To win her have I sought, so fleeting, coy,

The beauty that in silence I adore!

To imitate the voice and harmony,

Which Echo erst repeated in the woods

Of green Zurgüen: oft as Clio waked