354 POEMS 
THE REED IMMORTAL 
INSCRIBED TO THE BOSTON PAPYRUS CLUB 
[Pliny tells us that the Egyptians regarded the papyrus as an 
emblem of immortality] 
REED of the stagnant waters, 
Far in the Eastern lands, 
Rearing thy peaceful daughters 
In sight of the storied sands ! 
Armies and fleets defying 
Have swept by that quiet spot, 
But thine is the life undying, 
Theirs is the tale forgot. 
The legions of Alexander 
Are scattered and gone and fled, 
And the queen who ruled commander 
Over Antony is dead ; 
The marching armies of Cyrus 
Have vanished in earth again, 
And only the frail papyrus 
Still reigns o’er the sons of men. 
Papyrus! O reed immortal, 
Survivor of all renown! 
Thou heed’st not the solemn portal 
Where heroes and kings go down. 
