HAIL TO THE RIME
Aristides E. (Aristides Evangelus) Phoutrides translation
Cyprus's shores have not beheld thee born of foam; A foreign Vulcan forged thee on a diamond anvil With a gold hammer; and the bard who touches thee, Bound with thy magic beauty's charms, remains thy thrall.
The yearning prayers of a lover fondly loved Cannot accomplish what thou canst, strange nightingale! Thy song wafts me upon the tranquil fields of calm When jackals born of woeful cares within me howl.
Thy might gives even sin a garment beautiful; And thought divine before thee bows in reverence. Imagination's ship sails with thy help straight on
Where Solomon and Croesus have their treasuries. To thee I pray! Answer my greeting lovingly, Thou new tenth Muse among the nine of old, O Rime!
1896.