Consecrated Place (1782)

 

When in the dance of the Nymphs, in the moonlight so holy assembled,

Mingle the Graces, down from Olympus in secret descending,

There the poet will hide and hear their beautiful singing;

There will he watch their silent dances' mysterious measure.

All that is glorious in heaven and all that the earth in her beauty

Brought to perfection in life, the dreamer awake sees before him;

All he repeats to the Muses, and lest the gods should be angered,

How to be telling of secrets discreetly the Muses instruct him.

 

 

Translated by E. A. Bowring/Christopher Middleton