The Poetry Corner

Aristomenes.[608]

By George Gordon Byron

Canto First. 1. The Gods of old are silent on the shore. Since the great Pan expired, and through the roar Of the Ionian waters broke a dread Voice which proclaimed "the Mighty Pan is dead." How much died with him! false or true - the dream Was beautiful which peopled every stream With more than finny tenants, and adorned The woods and waters with coy nymphs that scorned Pursuing Deities, or in the embrace Of gods brought forth the high heroic race Whose names are on the hills and o'er the seas. Cephalonia, Sept^r^ 10^th^ 1823. [From an autograph MS. in the possession of the Lady Dorchester, now for the first time printed.]