augustus.html

Photo: Peridot by Michael W. Davidson
http://microscopy.fsu.edu

AUGUSTUS

Once again, rulers of ancient days
have you succeeded in bestowed honor
to carry forth your names and memory
throughout recorded history
that was and is yet to come
until such time as our present
Julian calendar is of use no more.

Yes, how fitting the deed
declaring the grandnephew
of no other than Julius Caesar,
Caius Julius Caesar Octivianus
subsequent ruler, first Roman emperor
by renaming a month in his honor
as Augustus, reverend, now known as August.
No lesser shadow shall fall for to equal
the days of July in honor of Julius Caesar
a day taken from the month of February
thereby making thirty-one days for both months.

Peridot, brilliant gem, symbol of the sun
birthstone of August, when set in gold
warding off darkness,
putting evil spirits to flight,
protecting one from terrors of the night,
assuring married bliss,
providing a logical, gentle, oratorical mind
even having medicinal powers,
coveted by Pharaohs and Crusaders alike
adorning great Cathedrals as emeralds,
thus if August is your month of birth
be certain to wear your birthstone set in gold.

Midi: " Alborada"