Maidenhood

Do I long for maidenhood? Do I long for days When upon the mountain slope I would stand and gaze Over the Ægean’s blue Melting into mist, Ere with love my virgin lips Cercolas had kissed?

Maidenhood, O maidenhood, Whither hast thou flown? To a land beyond the sea Thou hast never known. Maidenhood, O maidenhood, Wilt return to me? Never will my bloom again Give its grace to thee.

Now the autumn skies are low, Youth and summer sped; Shepherd hills are far away, Cercolas is dead. Mitylene’s marble courts Echo with my name;-- Maidenhood, we never dreamed, Long ago of fame.