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71
GREEK SONG.
COMMONLY ASCRIBED TO ALCÆUS.
Εν μυρτου κλαδι το ξιφος φορησω. κ. τ. λ.
Twined with myrtle I will bear
The sword that Freedom bids me wear!
So Aristogeiton bore it,
So the brave Harmodius wore it,
When they slew the Tyrant-slave
And Freedom's laws to Athens gave!
The sword that Freedom bids me wear!
So Aristogeiton bore it,
So the brave Harmodius wore it,
When they slew the Tyrant-slave
And Freedom's laws to Athens gave!
Thou art not, loved Harmodius, dead!
Though that day thy spirit fled,
Dead thou canst not, shalt not be!
Thou art living, thou art free,
Where Achilles—Tydeus rest,
In the Islands of the Blest!
Though that day thy spirit fled,
Dead thou canst not, shalt not be!
Thou art living, thou art free,
Where Achilles—Tydeus rest,
In the Islands of the Blest!
Twined with myrtle I will bear
The sword that Freedom bids me wear!
So Aristogeiton wore it,
So beloved Harmodius bore it,
When they did the Tyrant slay
On Minerva's festal day!
The sword that Freedom bids me wear!
So Aristogeiton wore it,
So beloved Harmodius bore it,
72
On Minerva's festal day!
Never fades their glory, never!—
Brightly shall thy fame for ever
Brave Aristogeiton, shine,
And beloved Harmodius, thine,
Because ye slew the Tyrant-slave,
And Freedom's laws to Athens gave!
Brightly shall thy fame for ever
Brave Aristogeiton, shine,
And beloved Harmodius, thine,
Because ye slew the Tyrant-slave,
And Freedom's laws to Athens gave!
Nov. 20, 1830.
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