DAPHNIS AND CHLOE

DRYAS'S SONG

I

Daphnis and Chloe, pretty foundlings,

in dreams your fathers beheld

a beautiful golden-haired cherub, 

as he your life paths stelled.

To this wing'd boy were you delivered

by Nymphs of the forest stream;

with the selfsame dart your forms he touched,

for this the gods fitting deemed.

Daphnis, he bade his master's goats tend,

Chloe, his great herds of sheep;

thus from childhood your fates he entwined,

duty's rewards shall you reap.

To the great God Pan obeisance pay,

all cherish who life sustain;

mountains and rivers, each bird and beast,

for all praise Nature's domain.

II

Hasten, Gaea's cherished children,

to yon verduous, glittering bay;

under a bower, blessings await you,

may Hesperus guide your way.

Skipping, sing a hymn to birdsong,

your voices blend with their trills;

wave upon wave of rapturous tune

shepherds' hearts with pleasure fills.

In baskets and tresses, dear Chloe,

Lesbos' bright treasures bear;

may the Nymphs your sacred mission bless,  

your steps guard with tend'rest care.

To the sea, your thanks speak, young Daphnis,

'pon the shore libations pour;

drink deep of Nature's abundant joys,

may great Pan your strength restore.

Chaplets for the goddesses fashion

from myrtle and blossoms bright;

jubilant cooing their glad welcome,

the turtledoves weave in flight.

Anon shall Zeus' favoured daughters

their grace bestow from on high;

'long radiant arcs shall their light descend,

may their bounty e'er be nigh.

© 2015 Lily's Verse

Lilium Candidum

Image: DAPHNIS AND CHLOE

Source: arttrans.com.ua

Artist: Pierre Cabanel