THE HESPERIDES. 



>o^ 



Where the .miifgoeUi down iv the We.st, 

 Where the splits of earth find rest — 

 In the occident-land of the blest — 

 There dwell the Hespen'des. 



They are daughters of Erebus— yif/ht, 

 Til vestments of shad mc bedight, 

 And they Icnoiv not the day nifh its light— 

 Those Sisters Hesperides. 



They are guarding'the apples of gold— 

 Eartfi^s gift to fond Hera of old, 

 And their vigils forever they hold 

 O'er the fruit-lad e^i trees. 



And, the s/iirils of earth and air 

 Knmv not that the Sisters are there, 

 Or the trees with their fruitage so rare 

 In that Occident-land of peace, 



Eor darkness is over them thrown: 

 Night claim eth the fruit for his own;— 

 Well he guardeth the Great Unknown, 

 With his shades, the Hesperides. 



. O glorious land of the West/—- 

 O land T hold dearest and best, 

 Elysium is not then possessed 



Of fruits so enchanting as these, 



Thy groves that are ever in sight 

 Bear apples of gold not less bright, 

 And their giiardians are angels of light, 

 Obeying the" Day ^s decrees. 



Blest mortals who there do abide! 

 Of the fruit that no shadows hide 

 They may eat and be satisfied, 

 Nor fear the Hesperides. 



