The Garden Where There Is No Winter

Behold the portal: open wide it stands,
And the long reaches shine and still allure
To seek their nobler depths serene, secure,
And watch the waters kiss the yellow sands
That gentle winds stir with their sweet commands;
These stately growths from age to age endure.
These splendid blooms glow in the sunlight pure,
These wondrous works of human hearts and hands.
Over the charmed space no storm may rest,
The gloomy hours avoid the magic bound,
Homer dwells here, Vergil, and all the blest
Whose perfumed color lights Time's mighty round;
Pluck the fruit freely, reader, and partake,
God wills it—for the enchanted Soul's fair sake.