Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By HarrietMonroe

1409 In the Beginning

WHEN sunshine met the wave,

Then love was born;

Then Venus rose to save

A world forlorn.

For light a thousand wings

Of joy unfurled,

And bound with golden rings

The icy world.

And color flamed the earth

With glad desire,

Till life sprang to the birth,

Fire answering fire,

And so the world awoke,

And all was done,

When first the ocean spoke

Unto the sun.