Sappho and Phaon: Sonnet II

High on a rock, coeval with the skies,
A temple stands, rear'd by immortal powers
To CHASTITY divine! ambrosial flow'rs,
Twining round icicles, in columns rise,
Mingling with pendent gems of orient dyes !
Piercing the air, a golden crescent tow'rs,
Veil'd by transparent clouds ; while smiling hours
Shake from their var'ying wings — celestial joys!
The steps of spotless marble, scattered o'er
With deathless roses, arm'd with many a thorn,
Lead to the altar. On the frozen floor,
Studded with tear-drops petrified by scorn,
Pale vestals kneel the goddess to adore
While love, his arrows broke, retires forlorn.