Hades, a Fragment

To journey, yet alive, through Hades’ Gates, Brings sorrow to the world, and to the Fates. Yet Hades is the home accepting all, And I shall catch thee, if thou choose to fall. Then stand within my warm, eternal night, And to all good and evil, close thy sight. Let neither tears nor laughter touch thy heart, And on our winding journey shall we start. Thus sets these souls, whom I forever claim. And yet, preserve the honor of their name. And let them walk amidst you, through their fame. And Chiron, in whose cause tonight I came, Beloved of gods, he kindled reason’s flame, With which, ferocious fortune, sought to tame. Forever honor those who do the same! Poor mortals, we have loved you, love us too! Your grief shall fade, but ours, forever new. Then let there be a sign to show it through. And by the leave of Zeus, I now decree That mortals evermore shall Chiron see! And in the stars his image shall be cast! In Sagittarius shall his wisdom last!