Paschal Song

Sedulius, tr. Sigerson, 1922; selections

To the Reader

Would’st deign, a guest, unto our Easter fare?
Refrain, if thou’rt a friend, from scornful mood:
Nor hope repast of sumptuous state, but rude,
Content a frugal board, our best, to share.

Thy choice the feast of mind o’er feast of food—
If caught by sweetness of the rich and rare,
Go, seek the Lords of Lore, whose splendid fare
All dainties yield in countless multitude.

Whatever sea sustains, earth keeps, or air,
Thou’lt find it then: in jewelled vessels there
The golden honey gleams in glowing gold.

But ours, a platter of red earthenware,
Doth, with an offered welcome, only hold
The gathered herbs of one poor garden mould.