AD CIMMERIOS

We, deeming day-light fair, and loving well

Its forms and dyes, and all the motley play

Of lives that win their colour from the day,

Are fain some wonder of it all to tell

To you that in that elder kingdom dwell

Of Ancient Night, and thus we make assay

Day to translate to Darkness, so to say,

To talk Cimmerian for a little spell.

Yet, as we write, may we not doubt lest ye

Should smile on us, as once our fathers smiled,

When we made vaunt of joys they knew no more;

Knowing great dreams young eyes can never see,

Dwelling in peace unguessed of any child —

Will ye smile thus upon our daylight lore?