Sappho — Epithalamium

Vesper is here! behold         Faint gleams that welcome shine! Rise from the feast, O youths,         And chant the fescennine! Before the porch we sing         The hymeneal song; Vesper is here, O youths!         The star we waited long. We lead the festal groups         Across the bridegroom's porch; Vesper is here, O youths!         Wave high the bridal torch. Hail, noble bridegroom, hail!         The virgin fair has come; Unlatch the door and lead         Her timid footsteps home. Hail, noble bridegroom, hail!         Straight as a tender tree; Fond as a folding vine         Thy bride will cling to thee.