by Coleridge · Cluster: Ode · Nature vs Civilization · Pastoral Retreat
Abstract
A Bacchic ode after Schiller in which the Olympian gods descend on the poet, who drinks the nectar of inspiration that ‘forbids me to die’, a rapture of poetic immortality.
Connections
Topoi: Poet as Prophet Motifs: Wine and Drink Themes & Concepts: Immortality, Imagination, Joy Forms & Genres: Ode, Translation Historical References: Greek Mythology
Testo integrale / Full text
Never, believe me,
Appear the Immortals,
Never alone:
Scarce had I welcomed the Sorrow-beguiler,
Iacchus! but in came Boy Cupid the Smiler; 5
Lo! Phoebus the Glorious descends from his throne!
They advance, they float in, the Olympians all!
With Divinities fills my
Terrestrial hall!
How shall I yield you 10
Due entertainment,
Celestial quire?
Me rather, bright guests! with your wings of upbuoyance
Bear aloft to your homes, to your banquets of joyance,
That the roofs of Olympus may echo my lyre! 15
Hah! we mount! on their pinions they waft up my soul!
O give me the nectar!
O fill me the bowl!
Give him the nectar!
Pour out for the poet, 20
Hebe! pour free!
Quicken his eyes with celestial dew,
That Styx the detested no more he may view,
And like one of us Gods may conceit him to be!
Thanks, Hebe! I quaff it! Io Paean, I cry! 25
The wine of the Immortals
Forbids me to die!
? 1799.