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1854–1900

Poem: Theocritus — A Villanelle

Oscar Wilde

O singer of Persephone! In the dim meadows desolate Dost thou remember Sicily? Still through the ivy flits the bee

Where Amaryllis lies in state; O Singer of Persephone! Simaetha calls on Hecate And hears the wild dogs at the gate;

Dost thou remember Sicily? Still by the light and laughing sea Poor Polypheme bemoans his fate; O Singer of Persephone!

And still in boyish rivalry Young Daphnis challenges his mate; Dost thou remember Sicily? Slim Lacon keeps a goat for thee,

For thee the jocund shepherds wait; O Singer of Persephone! Dost thou remember Sicily?

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Poem: Theocritus — A Villanelle · Oscar Wilde · Poetry Cove