Mine and Thine (1904)/Paris

by Florence Earle Coates

For works with similar titles, see Paris.

PARIS

When to thee, Trojan—firebrand of the night,
Whom Hecuba, in fear, to Priam bore—
The choice was given which should calm restore
To vexed Olympos, thou didst spurn the right
Of regal sovereignty, and the grave might
Of godlike wisdom,—so renouncing more
Than e'er was offered to a man before,—
In poor exchange for sensual delight.
Thy fame is an undying infamy;
And the great city that hath fairest bloomed
Thine adolescent graces,—strangely she,
As if a name resembling thine foredoomed,
Maintains the standards that appealed to thee,
And by thy very vices is consumed.