Oracles

84 HYMN TO APOLLO All the old worship in this land is broken ; Yet on my altar burns the ancient censer, Frankincense, saffron, galbanum, intenser ! Ornaments glisten. Robes of thy colour bind me for thy token. My voice is fuller in thine adoration. Thine image holds its god-appointed station. Lycian, listen ! My prayers more eloquent than olden chants Long since grown dumb on the soft forgetful airs— My lips are loud to herald thee : my prayers Keener to follow. I do aspire, as thy long sunbeam slants Upon my crown ; I do aspire to thee As no man yet—I am in ecstasy ! Hear me, Apollo ! My chant wakes elemental flakes of light Flashing along the sandal-footed floor. All listening spirits answer and adore Thee, the amazing ! I follow to the eagle-baffling sight, Limitless oceans of abounding space ; Purposed to bind myself, but know thy face, Phœbus, in gazing.