A.E. Housman (1859–1936)

„Lydians, lords of Hermus river,

        Sifters of the golden loam,

See you yet the lances quiver

        And the hunt returning home?”

„King, the star that shuts the even

        Calls the sheep from Tmolus down;

Home return the doves from heaven,

        And the prince to Sardis town.”

From the hunting heavy laden

        Up the Mysian road they ride;

And the star that mates the maiden

        Leads his son to Croesus’ side.

„Lydians, under stream and fountain

        Finders of the golden vein,

Riding from Olympus mountain,

        Lydians, see you Atys plain?”

„King, I see the Phrygian stranger

        And the guards in hunter’s trim,

Saviours of thy son from danger;

        Them I see. I see not him.”

„Lydians, as the troop advances,

        — It is eve and I am old —

Tell me why they trail their lances,

        Washers of the sands of gold.

„1 am old and day is ending

        And the wildering night comes on;

Up the Mysian entry wending,

        Lydians, Lydians, what is yon?”

Hounds behind their master whining,

        Huntsmen pacing dumb beside,

On his breast the boar-spear shining,

        Home they bear his father’s pride.