 | The Athenaid |  |
THE ATHENAID.
ΕΣΤ' ΑΡ ΑΘΗΝΩΝ ΕΣΤ' ΑΠΟΡΘΗΤΟς ΠΟΛΙς:
ΑΝΔΡΩΝ ΓΑΡ ΟΝΤΩΝ ΕΡΚΟς ΕΣΤΙΝ ΑΣΦΑΛΕς.
ÆSCHYL. PERSÆ.
ΑΝΔΡΩΝ ΓΑΡ ΟΝΤΩΝ ΕΡΚΟς ΕΣΤΙΝ ΑΣΦΑΛΕς.
ÆSCHYL. PERSÆ.
I. VOL. I.
BOOK the First.
The Persians vanquish'd, Greece from bondage sav'd,
The death of great Leonidas aveng'd
By Attic virtue—celebrate, O Muse!
The death of great Leonidas aveng'd
By Attic virtue—celebrate, O Muse!
A burning ray the summer solstice cast,
Th' Olympiad was proclaim'd; when Xerxes pour'd
His millions through Thermopylæ, new-stain'd
With blood. From Athens Æschylus divine
In genius, arts, and valour, musing deep
On his endanger'd country's future doom,
Repairs, invited by an evening still,
To clear Ilissus, Attic stream renown'd.
Beneath an oak, in solitary state
Apart, itself a wood, the hero's limbs
On tufted moss repose. He grasps the lyre;
Unfolded scrolls voluminous he spreads
Along the ground: high lays repeating thence,
Leonidas the Spartan he extols,
And sweeps th' accordant strings. To closing day
He bade farewel, and hail'd th' ascending stars
In music long continued; till the stream
With drowsy murmur won his eye to sleep,
But left his fancy waking. In a dream
The god of day, with full meridian blaze,
Seem'd to assume his function o'er the skies;
When, lo! the earth divided: through the cleft
A gush of radiance dimm'd the noon-tide sun.
In structure all of diamond, self pois'd,
Amid redundant light a chariot hung
Triumphal. Twelve transparent horses breath'd
Beams from their nostrils, dancing beams of day
Shook from their manes. In lineaments of man,
Chang'd to immortal, there the mighty soul
Of Sparta's king apparent shone. His wounds
Shot forth a splendour like the clust'ring stars,
Which on Orion's chest and limbs proclaim
Him first of constellations. Round in cars
Of triumph too arrang'd, the stately forms
Of those whom virtue led to share his doom,
And consecrate Thermopylæ to fame.
Pines tipp'd with lightning seem'd their spears; their shields
Broad like Minerva's ægis: from their helms
An empyreal brightness stream'd abroad:
Ineffable felicity their eyes,
Their fronts the majesty of gods display'd.
Erect the glorious shape began to speak
In accents louder than a bursting cloud—
Pentelicus, Hymettus seem'd to shake
Through all their quarries, and Ilissus beat
His shudd'ring banks in tumult—Thou, whose muse
Commands th' immortalizing trump of fame,
Go to the sage Hellanodics, the just
Elēan judges of Olympian palms;
There in thy own celestial strains rehearse,
Before that concourse wide, our deeds and fate.
Let our example general Greece inspire
To face her danger; let the Spartan shield
Protect th' Athenians, else I died in vain.
Th' Olympiad was proclaim'd; when Xerxes pour'd
His millions through Thermopylæ, new-stain'd
With blood. From Athens Æschylus divine
2
On his endanger'd country's future doom,
Repairs, invited by an evening still,
To clear Ilissus, Attic stream renown'd.
Beneath an oak, in solitary state
Apart, itself a wood, the hero's limbs
On tufted moss repose. He grasps the lyre;
Unfolded scrolls voluminous he spreads
Along the ground: high lays repeating thence,
Leonidas the Spartan he extols,
And sweeps th' accordant strings. To closing day
He bade farewel, and hail'd th' ascending stars
In music long continued; till the stream
With drowsy murmur won his eye to sleep,
But left his fancy waking. In a dream
The god of day, with full meridian blaze,
Seem'd to assume his function o'er the skies;
When, lo! the earth divided: through the cleft
A gush of radiance dimm'd the noon-tide sun.
3
Amid redundant light a chariot hung
Triumphal. Twelve transparent horses breath'd
Beams from their nostrils, dancing beams of day
Shook from their manes. In lineaments of man,
Chang'd to immortal, there the mighty soul
Of Sparta's king apparent shone. His wounds
Shot forth a splendour like the clust'ring stars,
Which on Orion's chest and limbs proclaim
Him first of constellations. Round in cars
Of triumph too arrang'd, the stately forms
Of those whom virtue led to share his doom,
And consecrate Thermopylæ to fame.
Pines tipp'd with lightning seem'd their spears; their shields
Broad like Minerva's ægis: from their helms
An empyreal brightness stream'd abroad:
Ineffable felicity their eyes,
Their fronts the majesty of gods display'd.
4
In accents louder than a bursting cloud—
Pentelicus, Hymettus seem'd to shake
Through all their quarries, and Ilissus beat
His shudd'ring banks in tumult—Thou, whose muse
Commands th' immortalizing trump of fame,
Go to the sage Hellanodics, the just
Elēan judges of Olympian palms;
There in thy own celestial strains rehearse,
Before that concourse wide, our deeds and fate.
Let our example general Greece inspire
To face her danger; let the Spartan shield
Protect th' Athenians, else I died in vain.
The brilliant vision, now dispersing, leaves
The wond'ring bard. He, starting, in his ken
Discerns no other than the real scene
Of shadows brown from close embow'ring wood,
Than distant mountains, and the spangled face
Of heav'n, reslected from the silver stream.
But pensive, brooding o'er his country's fate,
His step he turns. Themistocles, who rul'd
Athenian councils, instant he accosts
With large recital of his awful dream.
The wond'ring bard. He, starting, in his ken
Discerns no other than the real scene
Of shadows brown from close embow'ring wood,
5
Of heav'n, reslected from the silver stream.
But pensive, brooding o'er his country's fate,
His step he turns. Themistocles, who rul'd
Athenian councils, instant he accosts
With large recital of his awful dream.
Obey the mandate, cries the chief: alarm
Th' Olympian concourse: from the Delphian port
Of Cirrha sail for Elis: on thy way
Consult Apollo in the state's behalf,
Which to that function nominates thy worth:
Of Xerxes' march intelligence obtain.
Th' Olympian concourse: from the Delphian port
Of Cirrha sail for Elis: on thy way
Consult Apollo in the state's behalf,
Which to that function nominates thy worth:
Of Xerxes' march intelligence obtain.
This said, they parted. Æschylus by dawn
Commenc'd his progress, join'd by numbers arm'd,
Like him to Pisa's barrier destin'd all,
Electing him their chief. Five times the sun
Renew'd his orbit, five successive nights
The moon enlarg'd her crescent, ere they reach'd
Phœbean Delphi, seated on a rock
Abrupt, sublime. Yet thence the curious eye
Must upward look to meet the summits blue
Of double-topp'd Parnassus, where the god
Oracular is worshipp'd. Here they trac'd
Barbarian violence profane. Consurn'd
Were hamlets, temples levell'd to the dust,
The statues broken, each religious bow'r
A burning mass of embers. Wrapt in smoke,
With cinders strewn, so glows the region round
Portentous Ætna, or Vesuvius dire,
Death's flaming cauldrons; when their stony ribs
And min'ral bowels, liquefied by fire,
O'erwhelm the fields, by nature left unbless'd,
Alone unbless'd of all Sicania's bound,
Or lovely-fac'd Hesperia. Dubious here
Th' Athenians halt, while fierce the sultry noon
Inflames the sky. From Delphi's open gates,
To Attic eyes no stranger, Timon comes,
Sage priest of Phœbus, magistrate unsoil'd,
The public host of Athens, to the plain
Descending swift with followers who bear
His buckler, spear, and armour. On his head
Were ashes sprinkled: rent, his garb presag'd
Some black disaster. What malignant dart
Of fortune wounds thee? Æschylus aloud,
While by the hand Cecropia's host he press'd.
Commenc'd his progress, join'd by numbers arm'd,
Like him to Pisa's barrier destin'd all,
Electing him their chief. Five times the sun
6
The moon enlarg'd her crescent, ere they reach'd
Phœbean Delphi, seated on a rock
Abrupt, sublime. Yet thence the curious eye
Must upward look to meet the summits blue
Of double-topp'd Parnassus, where the god
Oracular is worshipp'd. Here they trac'd
Barbarian violence profane. Consurn'd
Were hamlets, temples levell'd to the dust,
The statues broken, each religious bow'r
A burning mass of embers. Wrapt in smoke,
With cinders strewn, so glows the region round
Portentous Ætna, or Vesuvius dire,
Death's flaming cauldrons; when their stony ribs
And min'ral bowels, liquefied by fire,
O'erwhelm the fields, by nature left unbless'd,
Alone unbless'd of all Sicania's bound,
Or lovely-fac'd Hesperia. Dubious here
Th' Athenians halt, while fierce the sultry noon
7
To Attic eyes no stranger, Timon comes,
Sage priest of Phœbus, magistrate unsoil'd,
The public host of Athens, to the plain
Descending swift with followers who bear
His buckler, spear, and armour. On his head
Were ashes sprinkled: rent, his garb presag'd
Some black disaster. What malignant dart
Of fortune wounds thee? Æschylus aloud,
While by the hand Cecropia's host he press'd.
To him the Delphian: From deserted roofs,
Depopulated streets, I come to hail
Thee, bound by hospitable ties my friend,
Thee, dear to Phœbus, by Minerva grac'd,
Thy country's goddess. Me thou often saw'st
A parent bless'd in Amarantha's bloom,
Yet ripe in virtue. Her, presenting pray'r
With votive flow'rs before Minerva's shrine,
This very hour Barbarians have enthrall'd,
Borne in my sight precipitate away.
O wife lamented, gather'd in thy prime
By ruthless Pluto! in Elysian groves
How shall I meet thee, and the tidings bear
Of thy lost child, to servitude a prey,
To violation doom'd? Yet more: the rage
Of these invaders, who have spoil'd our fields,
Defac'd our temples, driv'n to shelt'ring caves,
To pathless cliffs, our populace dismay'd,
Is now ascending to insult the fane,
With sacrilegious violence to seize
Th' accumulated off'rings by the great
And good from age to age devoted there.
Depopulated streets, I come to hail
Thee, bound by hospitable ties my friend,
Thee, dear to Phœbus, by Minerva grac'd,
Thy country's goddess. Me thou often saw'st
A parent bless'd in Amarantha's bloom,
Yet ripe in virtue. Her, presenting pray'r
With votive flow'rs before Minerva's shrine,
8
Borne in my sight precipitate away.
O wife lamented, gather'd in thy prime
By ruthless Pluto! in Elysian groves
How shall I meet thee, and the tidings bear
Of thy lost child, to servitude a prey,
To violation doom'd? Yet more: the rage
Of these invaders, who have spoil'd our fields,
Defac'd our temples, driv'n to shelt'ring caves,
To pathless cliffs, our populace dismay'd,
Is now ascending to insult the fane,
With sacrilegious violence to seize
Th' accumulated off'rings by the great
And good from age to age devoted there.
He scarce had finish'd, when the earth beneath
Rock'd from her center in convulsive throes;
From pole to pole th' ethereal concave groan'd:
Night from her cavern with gigantic steps
Bestrode the region, lifting high as heav'n
Her broad, infernal palm, whose umbrage hides
The throne of light; while, glancing through the rifts
Of her black mantle, overlaid with clouds,
Blue vapours trail'd their fires. The double head
Of tall Parnassus reeling, from the crag
Unloos'd two fragments; mountainous in bulk,
They roll to Delphi with a crashing sound,
Like thunder nigh whose burst of ruin strikes
The shatter'd ear with horror. Thus the bard
Unmov'd, while round him ev'ry face is pale:
Rock'd from her center in convulsive throes;
From pole to pole th' ethereal concave groan'd:
Night from her cavern with gigantic steps
9
Her broad, infernal palm, whose umbrage hides
The throne of light; while, glancing through the rifts
Of her black mantle, overlaid with clouds,
Blue vapours trail'd their fires. The double head
Of tall Parnassus reeling, from the crag
Unloos'd two fragments; mountainous in bulk,
They roll to Delphi with a crashing sound,
Like thunder nigh whose burst of ruin strikes
The shatter'd ear with horror. Thus the bard
Unmov'd, while round him ev'ry face is pale:
Not on our heads these menaces are thrown
By ireful nature, and portentous heav'n;
Th' unrighteous now, th' oppressor of mankind,
The sacrilegious, in this awful hour
Alone should feel dismay. My Delphian host,
Who knows but thund'ring Jove's prophetic son
Now vindicates his altar; in his name
Now calls the turbid elements to war?
What shrieks of terror fill thy native streets!
The hills with barb'rous dissonance of cries,
The caverns howl. Athenians, be prepar'd,
Best so when arm'd: then, Timon, case thy limbs;
The season teems with prodigy. Secure
In conscious virtue, let us calmly watch
The mighty birth. By heav'n! through yonder gate
The foes are driven; confusion, wild despair,
With panic dread pursue them: friends, embrace
Th' auspicious moment; lift your pious blades,
Ye chosen men, auxiliars to a god!
By ireful nature, and portentous heav'n;
Th' unrighteous now, th' oppressor of mankind,
The sacrilegious, in this awful hour
Alone should feel dismay. My Delphian host,
Who knows but thund'ring Jove's prophetic son
10
Now calls the turbid elements to war?
What shrieks of terror fill thy native streets!
The hills with barb'rous dissonance of cries,
The caverns howl. Athenians, be prepar'd,
Best so when arm'd: then, Timon, case thy limbs;
The season teems with prodigy. Secure
In conscious virtue, let us calmly watch
The mighty birth. By heav'n! through yonder gate
The foes are driven; confusion, wild despair,
With panic dread pursue them: friends, embrace
Th' auspicious moment; lift your pious blades,
Ye chosen men, auxiliars to a god!
He spake, advancing with his holy friend
To battle. Shiv'ring at their own misdeed,
At heav'n-inflicted punishment, the foes
Unnerv'd, distracted, unresisting, deem'd
The warriors two celestials from above,
Cas'd in Vulcanian panoply, to wage
The war of gods. The whole Athenian train
In equal fervour with Barbarian blood
Distain their weapons. So from forests drear,
When barren winter binds the foodful earth,
Enrag'd by famine, trooping wolves invade
A helpless village; unwithstood, they range
With greedy fangs, and dye with human gore
The snow-envelop'd ways. The Delphian race,
By fear so lately to the neighb'ring hills
And caves restrain'd, forsake their shelt'ring holds;
In clusters rushing on the foes dismay'd,
Accomplish their defeat. Th' Athenian chief
Triumphant, red with massacre, admits
A Persian youth to mercy, who his shield
And sword surrenders. Persian, dost thou hope
Thy flow'ring bloom shall ripen to enjoy
A length of days? (severe his victor spake)
Then to my questions utter words sincere.
Reveal thy name, thy father's. Where encamps
The host of Xerxes? Whither doth he point
His inroad next? To violate this fane
By his appointment was thy youth compell'd?
Last, if thou know'st, what impious savage tore
The Delphian maiden from Minerva's shrine?
To battle. Shiv'ring at their own misdeed,
At heav'n-inflicted punishment, the foes
Unnerv'd, distracted, unresisting, deem'd
The warriors two celestials from above,
11
The war of gods. The whole Athenian train
In equal fervour with Barbarian blood
Distain their weapons. So from forests drear,
When barren winter binds the foodful earth,
Enrag'd by famine, trooping wolves invade
A helpless village; unwithstood, they range
With greedy fangs, and dye with human gore
The snow-envelop'd ways. The Delphian race,
By fear so lately to the neighb'ring hills
And caves restrain'd, forsake their shelt'ring holds;
In clusters rushing on the foes dismay'd,
Accomplish their defeat. Th' Athenian chief
Triumphant, red with massacre, admits
A Persian youth to mercy, who his shield
And sword surrenders. Persian, dost thou hope
Thy flow'ring bloom shall ripen to enjoy
A length of days? (severe his victor spake)
Then to my questions utter words sincere.
12
The host of Xerxes? Whither doth he point
His inroad next? To violate this fane
By his appointment was thy youth compell'd?
Last, if thou know'st, what impious savage tore
The Delphian maiden from Minerva's shrine?
The Persian answers with a crimson'd cheek,
With eyes in tears—Ah! little now avails
Th' illustrious current of Argestes' blood
To me a captive, less the name I bear
Of Artamanes. By the king's decree
That we were sent, that I unwilling came,
Is truth sincere. Our leader slain, the heaps
Of these disfigur'd carcases have made
Their last atonement to th' insulted god.
The king in rich Orchomenus I left;
Who through Bœotia meditates to march
Against th' Athenians. He, alas! who seiz'd
The beauteous virgin at Minerva's shrine,
He is my brother, eldest of the race,
Far hence secure; while captive here I mourn
His heinous outrage, and my own disgrace.
With eyes in tears—Ah! little now avails
Th' illustrious current of Argestes' blood
To me a captive, less the name I bear
Of Artamanes. By the king's decree
That we were sent, that I unwilling came,
Is truth sincere. Our leader slain, the heaps
Of these disfigur'd carcases have made
Their last atonement to th' insulted god.
The king in rich Orchomenus I left;
Who through Bœotia meditates to march
Against th' Athenians. He, alas! who seiz'd
13
He is my brother, eldest of the race,
Far hence secure; while captive here I mourn
His heinous outrage, and my own disgrace.
Addressing Timon, here Cecropia's bard:
Preserve this youth a hostage for thy child:
He seems deserving; thee I know humane.
Now to Apollo's temple be my guide.
Still dost thou droop?—O Æschylus, exclaims
Desponding Timon, from the woes begun
This day in Delphi, I to Athens trace
A series black with evil. Lo! the wise,
The righteous Aristides from your walls
Through jealousy of merit is expell'd;
Themistocles the cause. Himself, though great,
Yet envious, and ambitious that his light
May blaze unrivall'd, of th' Athenian state
Extinguishes the brightest. Sparta shews,
At this dread crisis, how the hearts of men
By selfish cares and falsehood are deprav'd.
She to the land of Pelops still confines
Her efforts, on the neighb'ring isthmus rears
A partial bulwark, leaving half the Greeks,
Your noble seat, this oracle, expos'd
To devastation: little she regards
Our god profan'd, our progeny enslav'd;
Her chief Pausanias, arrogant and stern,
O'erlooks my suff'rings. Feeling what I fear
For thee and others, I must droop, my friend.
Preserve this youth a hostage for thy child:
He seems deserving; thee I know humane.
Now to Apollo's temple be my guide.
Still dost thou droop?—O Æschylus, exclaims
Desponding Timon, from the woes begun
This day in Delphi, I to Athens trace
A series black with evil. Lo! the wise,
The righteous Aristides from your walls
Through jealousy of merit is expell'd;
Themistocles the cause. Himself, though great,
Yet envious, and ambitious that his light
May blaze unrivall'd, of th' Athenian state
Extinguishes the brightest. Sparta shews,
14
By selfish cares and falsehood are deprav'd.
She to the land of Pelops still confines
Her efforts, on the neighb'ring isthmus rears
A partial bulwark, leaving half the Greeks,
Your noble seat, this oracle, expos'd
To devastation: little she regards
Our god profan'd, our progeny enslav'd;
Her chief Pausanias, arrogant and stern,
O'erlooks my suff'rings. Feeling what I fear
For thee and others, I must droop, my friend.
To him the bard, in these sententious strains:
Not endless sunshine is the lot of man,
Nor ever blooming seasons. Night succeeds
The day, as day the night: rude winter frowns,
Fair summer smiles. Thus variable the mind,
Not less than human fortune, feels the strife
Of truth and error, which alternate reign
The arbiters of nature. Dark the deed,
A deed of gloomy night, when envy forc'd
The best Athenian from his natal roof:
But light will soon return. Though Sparta break
Her promise pledg'd; though false Bœotia prop
A foreign throne; still Athens will sustain
Herself and Greece, will retribution pay
To Aristides, and her morn dispel
The mist of error with a glorious blaze.
No more—my duty calls me to the fane.
Not endless sunshine is the lot of man,
Nor ever blooming seasons. Night succeeds
The day, as day the night: rude winter frowns,
Fair summer smiles. Thus variable the mind,
Not less than human fortune, feels the strife
Of truth and error, which alternate reign
15
A deed of gloomy night, when envy forc'd
The best Athenian from his natal roof:
But light will soon return. Though Sparta break
Her promise pledg'd; though false Bœotia prop
A foreign throne; still Athens will sustain
Herself and Greece, will retribution pay
To Aristides, and her morn dispel
The mist of error with a glorious blaze.
No more—my duty calls me to the fane.
They move, and passing by Minerva's grove,
Two monuments of terror fee. There stopp'd
The massy fragments, from Parnassus rent:
An act of nature, by some latent cause
Disturb'd. Tremendous o'er Barbarian ranks
The ruins down the sacred way had roll'd,
Leaving its surface horrible to sight;
Such as might startle war's remorseless god,
And shake his heart of adamant. Not long
This blood-congealing spectacle detains
The troop, which swiftly to the Pythian dome
Press their ascending steps. The martial bard
First, as enjoin'd by holy form, to scenes
Far diff'rent, sweet Castalia's fount and grove,
Resorts, with pure ablution to redeem
From dust and slaughter his polluted limbs,
To holy eyes obscene. Beside the fane,
Within a flow'ring bosom of the hill,
Through veins of rock beneath embow'ring shade,
The rills divine replenish, as they flow,
A cavity of marble. O'er the brim,
In slender sheets of liquid crystal, down
They fall harmonious. Plistus takes below
To his smooth bed their tribute. Plunging there
In deep obscurity of wood, whose roof
With ridgy verdure meets the low-bent eye
From that stupendous cliff, his current winds
Through shade awhile; thence issuing large in view,
Refreshes grateful meads, by mountains edg'd,
Which terminate on Cirrha, Delphian port.
Beyond her walls blue Neptune spreads his face
Far as Achaia's wide expanse of coast,
With tow'rs and cities crown'd. The maible fount
On either side is skirted thick by groves
Of ancient laurel with luxuriant arms,
In glossy green attir'd. There Phœbus, pride
Of Parian quarries, stands a form divine,
In act to draw an arrow from the case
Loose hanging o'er his shoulder; and in look
Serene, but stern: his worshippers to guard,
As if the Pythian serpent were in sight,
He meditates the combat. Here disarm'd,
His limbs from all th' impurities of Mars
Th' Athenian purges. Menial care supplies
A garment silver-white: an olive branch
His suppliant hand sustains. He seeks the fane;
He mounts the steps magnificent: the gates
On sounding hinges turn their brazen valves.
Across an area vast, with solemn shade
Of massy columns border'd, slow he moves
His manly frame. Procumbent at the mouth
Of that abyss oracular, whose fume
Breathes wild sensation through the Pythian maid,
With hands outstretch'd, he offers up this pray'r:
Two monuments of terror fee. There stopp'd
The massy fragments, from Parnassus rent:
An act of nature, by some latent cause
Disturb'd. Tremendous o'er Barbarian ranks
The ruins down the sacred way had roll'd,
Leaving its surface horrible to sight;
Such as might startle war's remorseless god,
16
This blood-congealing spectacle detains
The troop, which swiftly to the Pythian dome
Press their ascending steps. The martial bard
First, as enjoin'd by holy form, to scenes
Far diff'rent, sweet Castalia's fount and grove,
Resorts, with pure ablution to redeem
From dust and slaughter his polluted limbs,
To holy eyes obscene. Beside the fane,
Within a flow'ring bosom of the hill,
Through veins of rock beneath embow'ring shade,
The rills divine replenish, as they flow,
A cavity of marble. O'er the brim,
In slender sheets of liquid crystal, down
They fall harmonious. Plistus takes below
To his smooth bed their tribute. Plunging there
In deep obscurity of wood, whose roof
With ridgy verdure meets the low-bent eye
From that stupendous cliff, his current winds
17
Refreshes grateful meads, by mountains edg'd,
Which terminate on Cirrha, Delphian port.
Beyond her walls blue Neptune spreads his face
Far as Achaia's wide expanse of coast,
With tow'rs and cities crown'd. The maible fount
On either side is skirted thick by groves
Of ancient laurel with luxuriant arms,
In glossy green attir'd. There Phœbus, pride
Of Parian quarries, stands a form divine,
In act to draw an arrow from the case
Loose hanging o'er his shoulder; and in look
Serene, but stern: his worshippers to guard,
As if the Pythian serpent were in sight,
He meditates the combat. Here disarm'd,
His limbs from all th' impurities of Mars
Th' Athenian purges. Menial care supplies
A garment silver-white: an olive branch
His suppliant hand sustains. He seeks the fane;
18
On sounding hinges turn their brazen valves.
Across an area vast, with solemn shade
Of massy columns border'd, slow he moves
His manly frame. Procumbent at the mouth
Of that abyss oracular, whose fume
Breathes wild sensation through the Pythian maid,
With hands outstretch'd, he offers up this pray'r:
O vanquisher of Python! Seed of Jove,
Whose eleutherian might the tyrant dreads!
Bright pow'r of day, dispenser of that fire
Which kindles genius in the human breast!
God of that light diffusing through the soul
The rays of truth and knowledge! Friend to man,
His monitor prophetic! O admit
Athenians, anxious for their country's weal,
In this her day of peril to consult
Thy wisdom, thy protection to implore!
Her tripod high the prophetess ascends:
Enthusiastic motion strains her form,
In flashes rolls her eyeballs, and bespreads
Her agitated front with floating hair.
Her weight a laurel, planted nigh, upholds,
Which she embraces; her convulsive grasp
Shakes to the root the groaning trunk, the boughs,
The clatt'ring foliage. Forth she bursts in foam.
Whose eleutherian might the tyrant dreads!
Bright pow'r of day, dispenser of that fire
Which kindles genius in the human breast!
God of that light diffusing through the soul
The rays of truth and knowledge! Friend to man,
His monitor prophetic! O admit
Athenians, anxious for their country's weal,
In this her day of peril to consult
Thy wisdom, thy protection to implore!
19
Enthusiastic motion strains her form,
In flashes rolls her eyeballs, and bespreads
Her agitated front with floating hair.
Her weight a laurel, planted nigh, upholds,
Which she embraces; her convulsive grasp
Shakes to the root the groaning trunk, the boughs,
The clatt'ring foliage. Forth she bursts in foam.
Fly, wretched men, to earth's extremest bound!
I see, I see th' Acropolis in flames,
Your temples crumble, and your turrets nod:
I see the blood run sable through your streets.
I see, I see th' Acropolis in flames,
Your temples crumble, and your turrets nod:
I see the blood run sable through your streets.
All unabash'd, the hero firm replies:
Yet further speak. Though citadel and fanes
Be doom'd to ashes, must the nation fall?
If so, instruct thy suppliants how their fall
May prove most glorious in the sight of gods
And men.—The Pythian answers with a look
Of pity, soft'ning her tempestuous rage:
Yet further speak. Though citadel and fanes
Be doom'd to ashes, must the nation fall?
If so, instruct thy suppliants how their fall
May prove most glorious in the sight of gods
20
Of pity, soft'ning her tempestuous rage:
Ah! still my tongue like adamant is hard.
Minerva's tow'rs must perish: Jove severe
So wills; yet granting, at his daughter's suit,
Her people refuge under walls of wood.
But shun the myriads of terrific horse,
Which on your fields an eastern Mars will range.
Minerva's tow'rs must perish: Jove severe
So wills; yet granting, at his daughter's suit,
Her people refuge under walls of wood.
But shun the myriads of terrific horse,
Which on your fields an eastern Mars will range.
She ceas'd; Th' Athenian notes her answer down:
To one, the most entrusted of his train,
He gives the tablet. Back to Athens fly,
He said; the son of Neocles alone,
By his unbounded faculties, can pierce
The hidden sense of these mysterious strains;
All which of Xerxes thou hast heard, report:
I must depart to Elis.—Must thou go?
Dejected Timon then: what safety here
For me remains? Barbarians will return;
My countrymen, dishearten'd as before,
Resort to caverns. Though the god hath sav'd
His shrine, the rest of Phocis lies a prey,
Bœotia, Locris, Doris, to the foe.
Yet what have I, O Æschylus! to dread?
I have no other child for savage force
To violate: In Amarantha lost,
My joy, my hope are vanish'd; and the hand,
Which lays me breathless, will befriend me best.
To one, the most entrusted of his train,
He gives the tablet. Back to Athens fly,
He said; the son of Neocles alone,
By his unbounded faculties, can pierce
The hidden sense of these mysterious strains;
All which of Xerxes thou hast heard, report:
I must depart to Elis.—Must thou go?
21
For me remains? Barbarians will return;
My countrymen, dishearten'd as before,
Resort to caverns. Though the god hath sav'd
His shrine, the rest of Phocis lies a prey,
Bœotia, Locris, Doris, to the foe.
Yet what have I, O Æschylus! to dread?
I have no other child for savage force
To violate: In Amarantha lost,
My joy, my hope are vanish'd; and the hand,
Which lays me breathless, will befriend me best.
Th' Athenian here: Unmanly is despair,
A noxious weed, whose growth, my Delphian host,
Let courage wither. Phœbus hath denounc'd
The waste of Athens. Hopeful I forebode,
That prouder walls and battlements will lift
Their heads for ages; and that eye of Greece
With inextinguishable ray surpass
Its former lustre. Quit this dang'rous place,
With us embarking: borrow help from time,
Safe counsellor to wisdom. You, the race
Of holy Delphi, should the foe return,
Again dispersing to your caves, rely
On your protecting god. Not vers'd alone
In holy rites, in arms and council tried,
A chief like Timon fame forbids to hide
His dignity in caverns.—Timon here:
A noxious weed, whose growth, my Delphian host,
Let courage wither. Phœbus hath denounc'd
The waste of Athens. Hopeful I forebode,
That prouder walls and battlements will lift
Their heads for ages; and that eye of Greece
With inextinguishable ray surpass
22
With us embarking: borrow help from time,
Safe counsellor to wisdom. You, the race
Of holy Delphi, should the foe return,
Again dispersing to your caves, rely
On your protecting god. Not vers'd alone
In holy rites, in arms and council tried,
A chief like Timon fame forbids to hide
His dignity in caverns.—Timon here:
Thou shalt conduct me, thou my friendly star!
Meantime selected messengers I send
The needful barks at Cirrha to prepare.
Meantime selected messengers I send
The needful barks at Cirrha to prepare.
Now from the temple under Timon's roof
Admitted, vig'rous with refection due
Of rest and food, to Cirrha they proceed
With Artamanes. Ready are the barks,
The gale propitious, calm the wat'ry plain:
When, like the feather'd sojourners, who leave
Their late abode on winter's bleak approach,
To wing their flight for climates more benign,
These with extended canvas quit the port,
And, doubling round Achaia, cut the main
To sacred Pisa. On their way the harp
Of Æschylus, preluding to the strain
Which on his banks Alphēus was to hear,
Relieves the sailor toiling at his oar,
Enchants the wind retentive of the sounds
Which harmonize his breath. If round the keel
Of sweet Arion dolphins ever play'd,
Or blithsome Nereids to the pleasing mood
Of Orpheus danc'd, while Argo plough'd the deep;
They now had felt controulment as in bonds,
Not on their pliant, azure-glossy fins
Disporting light, but rigid with amaze
At this majestic muse. Yet sounding verse,
In solemn cadence to the deep-ton'd lyre,
Which could the boist'rous mariner subdue,
The ear of Timon, languid by despair,
Rejects, attentive to his grief alone,
Which sighs within. Society is pain,
Ev'n with his friend. A solitary couch
He seeks; recumbent, not reposing, there
Consumes the hours in pertinacious woe,
Which sheds no tear. If wearied nature sinks,
His sleep is troubled; visions of the night
Appal his spirit; starting, he forsakes
A thorny pillow; rushes on the deck
With lamentations to the midnight moon.
Alarm'd, th' Athenian chief approaching seiz'd
On Timon's hand; with earnest looks enquir'd
Why thus complaining he disturbs the calm,
From his own pillow chacing due repose?
Admitted, vig'rous with refection due
Of rest and food, to Cirrha they proceed
With Artamanes. Ready are the barks,
The gale propitious, calm the wat'ry plain:
23
Their late abode on winter's bleak approach,
To wing their flight for climates more benign,
These with extended canvas quit the port,
And, doubling round Achaia, cut the main
To sacred Pisa. On their way the harp
Of Æschylus, preluding to the strain
Which on his banks Alphēus was to hear,
Relieves the sailor toiling at his oar,
Enchants the wind retentive of the sounds
Which harmonize his breath. If round the keel
Of sweet Arion dolphins ever play'd,
Or blithsome Nereids to the pleasing mood
Of Orpheus danc'd, while Argo plough'd the deep;
They now had felt controulment as in bonds,
Not on their pliant, azure-glossy fins
Disporting light, but rigid with amaze
At this majestic muse. Yet sounding verse,
In solemn cadence to the deep-ton'd lyre,
24
The ear of Timon, languid by despair,
Rejects, attentive to his grief alone,
Which sighs within. Society is pain,
Ev'n with his friend. A solitary couch
He seeks; recumbent, not reposing, there
Consumes the hours in pertinacious woe,
Which sheds no tear. If wearied nature sinks,
His sleep is troubled; visions of the night
Appal his spirit; starting, he forsakes
A thorny pillow; rushes on the deck
With lamentations to the midnight moon.
Alarm'd, th' Athenian chief approaching seiz'd
On Timon's hand; with earnest looks enquir'd
Why thus complaining he disturbs the calm,
From his own pillow chacing due repose?
Ah! I have seen my daughter, he replies,
Have seen her twice!—Where seen her? all distress'd
Th' Athenian questions.—On a rock she stood,
A naked rock, the parent wild exclaims;
Unloos'd her zone, dishevell'd was her hair;
The ravisher was nigh. On sight of me,
Who no assistance from the shore could reach,
O father, father! I am sham'd, deflower'd,
But here will end my sorrows and disgrace;
She said, and plung'd precipitate. I saw
Her body swallow'd by the greedy surge,
Unwept, depriv'd of sepulture, to float.
Have seen her twice!—Where seen her? all distress'd
25
A naked rock, the parent wild exclaims;
Unloos'd her zone, dishevell'd was her hair;
The ravisher was nigh. On sight of me,
Who no assistance from the shore could reach,
O father, father! I am sham'd, deflower'd,
But here will end my sorrows and disgrace;
She said, and plung'd precipitate. I saw
Her body swallow'd by the greedy surge,
Unwept, depriv'd of sepulture, to float.
Illusion all! the bard consoling spake;
The phantom offspring of distemper'd sleep.
The phantom offspring of distemper'd sleep.
A second time, the frantic sire pursues,
Did Amarantha meet my aking sight;
Then, like an eastern concubine attir'd,
Her head was blazon'd with Barbaric gems;
With golden gloss her wanton garment wav'd:
With her despoiler hand in hand she walk'd,
Disclaim'd her father, and her father's gods.
Oh then I wish'd her on the waves again,
To parch in winds, or sate some vulture's beak!
Did Amarantha meet my aking sight;
Then, like an eastern concubine attir'd,
Her head was blazon'd with Barbaric gems;
With golden gloss her wanton garment wav'd:
26
Disclaim'd her father, and her father's gods.
Oh then I wish'd her on the waves again,
To parch in winds, or sate some vulture's beak!
The youthful captive Artamanes, rous'd,
Stands nigh in gen'rous tears. To him the bard:
Stands nigh in gen'rous tears. To him the bard:
Ingenuous Persian, check thy tears, and lend
Thy hand benign: committed to his couch
Him watch and succour.—Hourly was perform'd
The pious office; noblest Delphians round
Assist in tears; while now the moonlight twice
Danc'd on the billows. On the second morn
They land in Elis. Fame had gone before,
Promulgating the valour which aveng'd
The Delphian god, prophetic light to man,
Ev'n more than Jove in Ammon's Libyan shrine
Or Dodonæan groves. A shining car
Waits on the shore; a herald there salutes
The warrior bard. Divine Athenian, hail!
Hail, righteous captain of a righteous band!
These olive crowns to thee and them I bear;
So have the sage Hellanodics ordain'd,
Who to their just tribunal through my voice
Invite thy presence. Æschylus receives
The victor's chaplet, and ascends the car.
Along Alphēus to th' Olympian lists
He passes through spectators all array'd
In garlands too, and num'rous like the flow'rs
Embellishing the river's fragrant sides,
Or like the pebbles in his murm'ring bed.
Thy hand benign: committed to his couch
Him watch and succour.—Hourly was perform'd
The pious office; noblest Delphians round
Assist in tears; while now the moonlight twice
Danc'd on the billows. On the second morn
They land in Elis. Fame had gone before,
Promulgating the valour which aveng'd
The Delphian god, prophetic light to man,
Ev'n more than Jove in Ammon's Libyan shrine
Or Dodonæan groves. A shining car
Waits on the shore; a herald there salutes
27
Hail, righteous captain of a righteous band!
These olive crowns to thee and them I bear;
So have the sage Hellanodics ordain'd,
Who to their just tribunal through my voice
Invite thy presence. Æschylus receives
The victor's chaplet, and ascends the car.
Along Alphēus to th' Olympian lists
He passes through spectators all array'd
In garlands too, and num'rous like the flow'rs
Embellishing the river's fragrant sides,
Or like the pebbles in his murm'ring bed.
Th' approach of Æschylus is known. Between
Two rows of victors in their olive crowns
He o'er the sanded area greets the thrones,
Where, grac'd with scepters magisterial, sat
Th' Elēan judges. Standing on the car,
To them, uprising from their seats, he spake:
If to have fought for Delphi and her god
Deserve this chaplet, what superior praise
To him is due, who voluntary died
For Lacedæmon? But he claims no more
Than emulation from the sons of Greece,
Like him to save their countries and their laws.
He hath his honours in the bless'd abodes;
From him I come deputed; hear in me
Leonidas. A vision, as of gods,
To me, late slumb'ring on Ilissus, rose;
In semblance rose Leonidas, begirt
With all the virtuous partners in his fate.
Before me earth divided; through the cleft
A gushing radiance dimm'd the eye of noon.
In structure all of diamond, self-pois'd,
Amid redundant light, a chariot hung
Triumphal. Twelve transparent horses breath'd
Beams from their nostrils, dancing beams of day
Shook from their manes. In lineaments of man,
Chang'd to immortal, with a shape enlarg'd,
A stature lengthen'd, there the mighty soul
Of Sparta's king apparent shone. His wounds
Shot forth a starlike splendour. Round in cars
Triumphal too arrang'd, the stately forms
Of those whom virtue led to share his doom,
And consecrate Thermopylæ to fame.
To me these words the glorious shape address'd:
Two rows of victors in their olive crowns
He o'er the sanded area greets the thrones,
Where, grac'd with scepters magisterial, sat
Th' Elēan judges. Standing on the car,
To them, uprising from their seats, he spake:
28
Deserve this chaplet, what superior praise
To him is due, who voluntary died
For Lacedæmon? But he claims no more
Than emulation from the sons of Greece,
Like him to save their countries and their laws.
He hath his honours in the bless'd abodes;
From him I come deputed; hear in me
Leonidas. A vision, as of gods,
To me, late slumb'ring on Ilissus, rose;
In semblance rose Leonidas, begirt
With all the virtuous partners in his fate.
Before me earth divided; through the cleft
A gushing radiance dimm'd the eye of noon.
In structure all of diamond, self-pois'd,
Amid redundant light, a chariot hung
Triumphal. Twelve transparent horses breath'd
Beams from their nostrils, dancing beams of day
Shook from their manes. In lineaments of man,
29
A stature lengthen'd, there the mighty soul
Of Sparta's king apparent shone. His wounds
Shot forth a starlike splendour. Round in cars
Triumphal too arrang'd, the stately forms
Of those whom virtue led to share his doom,
And consecrate Thermopylæ to fame.
To me these words the glorious shape address'd:
Go to the sage Hellanodics, the just
Elēan judges of Olympian palms:
In that wide concourse celebrate my death.
Let my example gen'ral Greece inspire
To face her danger; let the Spartan shield
Protect th' Athenians, else I died in vain.
Elēan judges of Olympian palms:
In that wide concourse celebrate my death.
Let my example gen'ral Greece inspire
To face her danger; let the Spartan shield
Protect th' Athenians, else I died in vain.
Attention mute th' Hellanodics command:
The thick'ning crowd is hush'd. The bard proceeds,
While inspiration swells his copious breast,
Flames in his eye, and thunders from his voice.
Parnassian Phœbus he invok'd, the pow'r
Of prophecy and song. His aid is due
In celebration of the man who heard
The oracle from Delphi, and obey'd.
“A king deriv'd from Hercules must die
“For Lacedæmon.” Who obedient heard?
Leonidas: he left his household gods,
His wife belov'd, his offspring; at the gate
Of Greece, Thermopylæ, he fought, he fell:
With him what heroes? Alpheus, Maron bled,
There Agis, there Diōneces, the seer,
Megistias, bold Diomedon, the youth
Of Dithyrambus, Thespia's hoary chief,
Demophilus; for you they all expir'd:
Rise, Greeks, revenge their fall! in that revenge
Your laws, your manners, and religion save.
You who aspire to these Olympic wreaths,
The brightest guerdon to a Grecian brow,
Yet will you linger, till Barbaric arms
Annihilate th' Olympiad? Not to die
Leonidas invites; no, Greeks, to live!
Surmounting foes enervate by the dread
His death impress'd, to fill your cup of life
With virtuous glory, to enjoy your hopes
In peace, in years and merit then mature
Be his companions in cternal bliss.
The thick'ning crowd is hush'd. The bard proceeds,
While inspiration swells his copious breast,
Flames in his eye, and thunders from his voice.
30
Of prophecy and song. His aid is due
In celebration of the man who heard
The oracle from Delphi, and obey'd.
“A king deriv'd from Hercules must die
“For Lacedæmon.” Who obedient heard?
Leonidas: he left his household gods,
His wife belov'd, his offspring; at the gate
Of Greece, Thermopylæ, he fought, he fell:
With him what heroes? Alpheus, Maron bled,
There Agis, there Diōneces, the seer,
Megistias, bold Diomedon, the youth
Of Dithyrambus, Thespia's hoary chief,
Demophilus; for you they all expir'd:
Rise, Greeks, revenge their fall! in that revenge
Your laws, your manners, and religion save.
You who aspire to these Olympic wreaths,
The brightest guerdon to a Grecian brow,
Yet will you linger, till Barbaric arms
31
Leonidas invites; no, Greeks, to live!
Surmounting foes enervate by the dread
His death impress'd, to fill your cup of life
With virtuous glory, to enjoy your hopes
In peace, in years and merit then mature
Be his companions in cternal bliss.
Such was the substance; but in swelling phrase
At large, full tide of poesy and zeal,
Flow'd his high-ton'd, enthusiastic song.
At large, full tide of poesy and zeal,
Flow'd his high-ton'd, enthusiastic song.
End of the First Book.
32
BOOK the Second.
Th' inspiring measures close. To arms, to arms,
Innumerable mouths concurrent sound;
To arms, to arms, reply the pillar'd isles
Of Jove's Olympian temple: down his banks
To distant Neptune glad Alphēus wafts
The glorious clamour. Through th' assembly vast
Meantime an elevated form is seen,
With gracious gesture, animating look,
Approaching: now before th' Elean thrones
Of solemn judgment he majestic stands,
Known for the man by Themis plac'd in rank
Above his fellow mortals; archon once
Of Athens, now an exile: him the chief
Among the grave Hellanodics address'd:
Innumerable mouths concurrent sound;
To arms, to arms, reply the pillar'd isles
Of Jove's Olympian temple: down his banks
To distant Neptune glad Alphēus wafts
The glorious clamour. Through th' assembly vast
Meantime an elevated form is seen,
With gracious gesture, animating look,
Approaching: now before th' Elean thrones
33
Known for the man by Themis plac'd in rank
Above his fellow mortals; archon once
Of Athens, now an exile: him the chief
Among the grave Hellanodics address'd:
Hail, Aristides! On th' Olympian games
Thy presence throws new dignity: what crown
Can they provide to equal thy desert?
While others court the prize of strength and skill,
Activity and valour; in the lists
Of virtue only Aristides strives.
With him on earth competitor is none;
Him Jove, sole perfect judge of gods and men,
Can recompense alone. He scornful views
Ambitious heroes, who assume the names
Of thunder-bearers, vanquishers of towns,
And ravagers of kingdoms: vain attempt
In feeble man to imitate in pow'r
Th' inimitable gods! On thee he casts
An eye delighted; thee, by ev'ry tongue
Proclaim'd the just; thee, emulating heav'n,
Where mortals may, in goodness. Yet our voice
Shall, what we can, decree dispraise to those
Whose envy wrong'd that sacred head of thine.
Thy presence throws new dignity: what crown
Can they provide to equal thy desert?
While others court the prize of strength and skill,
Activity and valour; in the lists
Of virtue only Aristides strives.
With him on earth competitor is none;
Him Jove, sole perfect judge of gods and men,
Can recompense alone. He scornful views
Ambitious heroes, who assume the names
Of thunder-bearers, vanquishers of towns,
And ravagers of kingdoms: vain attempt
In feeble man to imitate in pow'r
34
An eye delighted; thee, by ev'ry tongue
Proclaim'd the just; thee, emulating heav'n,
Where mortals may, in goodness. Yet our voice
Shall, what we can, decree dispraise to those
Whose envy wrong'd that sacred head of thine.
Forbear that censure, Aristides spake:
Though liberty may err through jealous care,
That jealous care far oft'ner saves a state
Than injures private worth. That I forgave
My condemnation, be my witness, Jove!
Whom I, departing from my native soil,
Implor'd that Athens ne'er might feel the loss
Of Aristides. To confirm that pray'r
I have employ'd my exile; not in quest
Of splendid refuge in the courts of kings,
But through each city with unwearied steps
Have pass'd, exhorting, stimulating Greece
To bold defence. I gladly am forestall'd
Here by a noble countryman, whose arm
At Marathon was fam'd, whose Attic lays
Immortalize the brave. I now invoke,
Not with less fervour, though in humbler phrase,
The patriots there triumphant e'en in death,
The manes of Leonidas, of all
Whose gen'rous blood new-spilt in freedom's cause,
Thermopylæ beholds, to spread abroad
Their glorious spirit, and exalt your minds
Above the sense of danger. Now the weal
Of gen'ral Greece a gen'ral effort claims.
March to the plain, ye Doric warriors! mount
Your decks; th' Athenians with united arms
Support, no longer in that isthmian fence
Your trust reposing. Were the wall of brass,
Were adamant the rampart, if the pow'r
Of Athens, once extinguish'd, leave your coasts
Defenceless, soon to Pelops' Isle the foe,
Like death, a thousand avenues will find.
Though liberty may err through jealous care,
That jealous care far oft'ner saves a state
Than injures private worth. That I forgave
My condemnation, be my witness, Jove!
Whom I, departing from my native soil,
Implor'd that Athens ne'er might feel the loss
Of Aristides. To confirm that pray'r
I have employ'd my exile; not in quest
Of splendid refuge in the courts of kings,
But through each city with unwearied steps
Have pass'd, exhorting, stimulating Greece
35
Here by a noble countryman, whose arm
At Marathon was fam'd, whose Attic lays
Immortalize the brave. I now invoke,
Not with less fervour, though in humbler phrase,
The patriots there triumphant e'en in death,
The manes of Leonidas, of all
Whose gen'rous blood new-spilt in freedom's cause,
Thermopylæ beholds, to spread abroad
Their glorious spirit, and exalt your minds
Above the sense of danger. Now the weal
Of gen'ral Greece a gen'ral effort claims.
March to the plain, ye Doric warriors! mount
Your decks; th' Athenians with united arms
Support, no longer in that isthmian fence
Your trust reposing. Were the wall of brass,
Were adamant the rampart, if the pow'r
Of Athens, once extinguish'd, leave your coasts
36
Like death, a thousand avenues will find.
He ceas'd: A second acclamation rends
The sky; again th' Olympian temple groans
In replication, and Alphēan banks
Reverberate the sound. The Attic bard
Meantime, o'er-spent with labour of the mind
And voice loud straining, to the tranquil porch
Of Jove is lightly borne; nor knows the hands,
Benevolent and pious, which sustain
His languid burden; till these friendly words
In tones remember'd dissipate his trance.
The sky; again th' Olympian temple groans
In replication, and Alphēan banks
Reverberate the sound. The Attic bard
Meantime, o'er-spent with labour of the mind
And voice loud straining, to the tranquil porch
Of Jove is lightly borne; nor knows the hands,
Benevolent and pious, which sustain
His languid burden; till these friendly words
In tones remember'd dissipate his trance.
Doth Æschylus forget me? O recal
Melissa's brother, and Oïleus' son,
Whose Locrian hinds at one auspicious hour
Assisted thy bold mariners to hurl
Th' Oetæan ruins on Barbarian heads.
See Melibœus off'ring to thy lip
The stream's refreshing moisture.—Soon restor'd,
Th' Athenian thus: Illustrious Medon, hail!
How fares Melissa, how thy native land?
Melissa's brother, and Oïleus' son,
Whose Locrian hinds at one auspicious hour
Assisted thy bold mariners to hurl
Th' Oetæan ruins on Barbarian heads.
37
The stream's refreshing moisture.—Soon restor'd,
Th' Athenian thus: Illustrious Medon, hail!
How fares Melissa, how thy native land?
She rests, I hope, on Oeta still secure,
Returns the Locrian. When Laconia's king
Was slain, and I, commanded to retreat,
Charg'd with a solemn notice to her state,
That he expir'd obedient to the laws;
My life, devoted to avenge his blood,
I sav'd. O'erpow'ring Xerxes soon reduc'd
The Locrians, Dorians, ev'ry northern Greek.
In time my father's treasure I remov'd,
Which with a hundred followers I bore
To Lacedæmon. There indiff'rence cold
I found to all except of Pelops' Isle;
Attention sole to build an isthmian wall:
Pausanias, guardian to the minor king,
Son of divine Leonidas, disdains
Our just complaint: The Ephori confine
To this contracted region all their care,
Save Aëmnestus. Gen'rous oft he mourn'd;
In vain his torpid colleagues he reprov'd.
Disgusted there, I join'd these solemn games,
Where in contention of the warlike spear
I prov'd a victor. Olive-bound, my head
On future fields its freedom shall maintain;
Else, with my late preserver's fate in view,
Shall dying roll this chaplet in the dust.
Returns the Locrian. When Laconia's king
Was slain, and I, commanded to retreat,
Charg'd with a solemn notice to her state,
That he expir'd obedient to the laws;
My life, devoted to avenge his blood,
I sav'd. O'erpow'ring Xerxes soon reduc'd
The Locrians, Dorians, ev'ry northern Greek.
In time my father's treasure I remov'd,
Which with a hundred followers I bore
To Lacedæmon. There indiff'rence cold
I found to all except of Pelops' Isle;
Attention sole to build an isthmian wall:
Pausanias, guardian to the minor king,
38
Our just complaint: The Ephori confine
To this contracted region all their care,
Save Aëmnestus. Gen'rous oft he mourn'd;
In vain his torpid colleagues he reprov'd.
Disgusted there, I join'd these solemn games,
Where in contention of the warlike spear
I prov'd a victor. Olive-bound, my head
On future fields its freedom shall maintain;
Else, with my late preserver's fate in view,
Shall dying roll this chaplet in the dust.
Repair with me to Athens, cries the bard.
Sage is that counsel, Aristides near
Subjoins: time presses; Æschylus, embark:
Ægina's hospitable round supplies
My place of rest.—Now swift th' Athenian band,
With Medon's, seek their Delphian barks again;
While Aristides holds an inland course,
Still to his country meditating good,
Of his own wrongs forgetful. As he roam'd
From state to state, his eloquence instill'd
The love of freedom, horror at her loss,
Unchanging hatred to monarchal sway,
With concord, valour, fortitude, and zeal
For Greece in danger. From his wonted seat
In heav'n, so Phœbus, patient and resign'd,
An exile wander'd on the earth below;
Beneficent and helpful, there diffus'd
His light of science; with salubrious skill
Imparted health, and taught the varied use
Of lenient roots and plants. The Delphian keels
Meantime are loosen'd from Elēan sands,
With sails outstretch'd for Athens. On his couch
Still Timon lies despairing; near him watch
The chiefs humane: in kind officious care
The Persian captive from his forehead wipes
The dews of anguish. With a sudden start
Him now the Delphian, erring, thus bespoke:
Oh Alexander! thou hast lost, my son,
Thy dear betroth'd, the land of Phocis lost
Her noblest virgin! Reach my arms—I see
The ravisher before me: though he frowns,
Begirt with savage multitudes, my sword
Shall reach his barb'rous heart. Here Medon turns
To Æschylus: The sight of Delphi's chief,
So nobly excellent, so honour'd, lov'd,
By all resorting to consult his god,
A sight once grateful, pierces now my soul
With agony. How oft hath music sooth'd
Distemper'd bosoms! Let thy tuneful chords,
Medicinally sweet, apply their aid.
Sage is that counsel, Aristides near
Subjoins: time presses; Æschylus, embark:
Ægina's hospitable round supplies
My place of rest.—Now swift th' Athenian band,
With Medon's, seek their Delphian barks again;
While Aristides holds an inland course,
39
Of his own wrongs forgetful. As he roam'd
From state to state, his eloquence instill'd
The love of freedom, horror at her loss,
Unchanging hatred to monarchal sway,
With concord, valour, fortitude, and zeal
For Greece in danger. From his wonted seat
In heav'n, so Phœbus, patient and resign'd,
An exile wander'd on the earth below;
Beneficent and helpful, there diffus'd
His light of science; with salubrious skill
Imparted health, and taught the varied use
Of lenient roots and plants. The Delphian keels
Meantime are loosen'd from Elēan sands,
With sails outstretch'd for Athens. On his couch
Still Timon lies despairing; near him watch
The chiefs humane: in kind officious care
The Persian captive from his forehead wipes
The dews of anguish. With a sudden start
Him now the Delphian, erring, thus bespoke:
40
Thy dear betroth'd, the land of Phocis lost
Her noblest virgin! Reach my arms—I see
The ravisher before me: though he frowns,
Begirt with savage multitudes, my sword
Shall reach his barb'rous heart. Here Medon turns
To Æschylus: The sight of Delphi's chief,
So nobly excellent, so honour'd, lov'd,
By all resorting to consult his god,
A sight once grateful, pierces now my soul
With agony. How oft hath music sooth'd
Distemper'd bosoms! Let thy tuneful chords,
Medicinally sweet, apply their aid.
To him the bard: My harmony his ear
But late rejected. Melibœus, try
The softer sounds which Pan hath taught the swains.
But late rejected. Melibœus, try
The softer sounds which Pan hath taught the swains.
A modulation by Melissa taught
I will essay, th' obedient swain replies,
He said, and lightly touch'd his warbling flute.
Like fountains rilling, or mellifluous notes
Of birds, a soft and lulling flow attun'd
The ambient air. At first th' afflicted man
Paus'd in attention, soon a trickling tear
Bedew'd his beard; the remedy was chang'd
To pain, and thus he recommenc'd his moan.
I will essay, th' obedient swain replies,
41
Like fountains rilling, or mellifluous notes
Of birds, a soft and lulling flow attun'd
The ambient air. At first th' afflicted man
Paus'd in attention, soon a trickling tear
Bedew'd his beard; the remedy was chang'd
To pain, and thus he recommenc'd his moan.
Thou, Amarantha, too couldst wake the soul
Of music, melting in thy parent's ear,
Refining joyful seasons, or the hours
Of care beguiling. In a foreign clime
Hang up thy harp, sad captive! Let thy hand
Forget her skill, nor charm Barbarian minds.
But hark! I hear the ruffian. Slave! he calls,
Resume thy harp: Some chosen hymn of Greece,
Such as delighted Phœbus, chaunt to me,
Me now thy god. O Alexander, fly,
Redeem thy love. Apollo, who couldst hurl
Parnassian summits on a host of foes,
Make me thy instrument of wrath! My nerves
Convert to pierceless adamant; my lance
Point with thy father's lightning! Me thy priest,
Sprung from an old, heroic, sacred line,
Thou shouldst avenge. But vengeance is too late;
My daughter yields: a minstrel to her lord,
To her deflow'rer, with obsequious art
The Grecian chords she prostitutes, and smiles
To see my suff'rings!—During this distress,
With canvas press'd, the squadron bounds along
By Coryphasium, by Messene's gulph
In Nestor's Pylian kingdom, by the peak
Of Tænarus, projecting o'er a cave,
Night's gloomy chamber, fabled to descend
Low as Plutonian regions. Thrice the morn
Serenely smil'd, ere Malea's top their sails
O'ershades, Laconian promontory bleak,
The residence of storms. Five distant masts
Are now descried; when Æschylus bespake
The Locrian chief: Not friendly are those decks;
Our navy, since Thermopylæ was forc'd,
To Salamis retiring, leaves the foes
At large to range the sea. Thy counsel give;
To some Laconian harbour shall we steer,
Or wait their coming? Here Oïleus' son:
Of music, melting in thy parent's ear,
Refining joyful seasons, or the hours
Of care beguiling. In a foreign clime
Hang up thy harp, sad captive! Let thy hand
Forget her skill, nor charm Barbarian minds.
But hark! I hear the ruffian. Slave! he calls,
Resume thy harp: Some chosen hymn of Greece,
Such as delighted Phœbus, chaunt to me,
Me now thy god. O Alexander, fly,
Redeem thy love. Apollo, who couldst hurl
42
Make me thy instrument of wrath! My nerves
Convert to pierceless adamant; my lance
Point with thy father's lightning! Me thy priest,
Sprung from an old, heroic, sacred line,
Thou shouldst avenge. But vengeance is too late;
My daughter yields: a minstrel to her lord,
To her deflow'rer, with obsequious art
The Grecian chords she prostitutes, and smiles
To see my suff'rings!—During this distress,
With canvas press'd, the squadron bounds along
By Coryphasium, by Messene's gulph
In Nestor's Pylian kingdom, by the peak
Of Tænarus, projecting o'er a cave,
Night's gloomy chamber, fabled to descend
Low as Plutonian regions. Thrice the morn
Serenely smil'd, ere Malea's top their sails
O'ershades, Laconian promontory bleak,
The residence of storms. Five distant masts
43
The Locrian chief: Not friendly are those decks;
Our navy, since Thermopylæ was forc'd,
To Salamis retiring, leaves the foes
At large to range the sea. Thy counsel give;
To some Laconian harbour shall we steer,
Or wait their coming? Here Oïleus' son:
Thou art my leader; thee propitious Mars
On land and main with equal pow'rs endues:
How can I counsel, stranger to the waves?
At thy commandment to retreat, or fight,
Behold me ready.—Then by Mars, replies
The warrior bard, as no resistless force
Bears down against us, yet insulting hoists
A threat'ning signal, Delphians, rest the oar;
Provide your arms; Athenians, Locrians, arm!
On land and main with equal pow'rs endues:
How can I counsel, stranger to the waves?
At thy commandment to retreat, or fight,
Behold me ready.—Then by Mars, replies
The warrior bard, as no resistless force
Bears down against us, yet insulting hoists
A threat'ning signal, Delphians, rest the oar;
Provide your arms; Athenians, Locrians, arm!
This said, his pinnace, launch'd in haste, convey'd
His orders round to form th' embattled line.
Six were the vessels; Lo! a stately bark
In regal pendants leads th' opponent van.
As when a vernal sun's precarious beam
Is intercepted by a sudden cloud,
Whose turgid folds are overcharg'd with hail;
Some palace, broad, impenetrably roof'd,
Defies the clatt'ring, ineffectual drift,
Which harmless melts away—so flew a show'r
Of missive arms, of arrows, javelins, darts,
With pebbles whirling from the forceful sling,
On Grecian helms and implicated shields;
But innocently fell. Now side to side
The chieftains grappled, and gigantic death
To either deck outstretch'd his purple feet.
Malignant art no engine hath devis'd
To man destructive like his own fell hand
In serried fight. But slaughter now began
To pause in wonder, while the Asian chief,
Whose blazon'd armour beam'd with gold, engag'd
Cecropia's hardy vet'ran foot to foot,
With falchion falchion, shield encount'ring shield.
So, in the season when lascivious heat
Burns in their veins, two branching-headed stags,
Of all the herd competitors for sway,
Long with entangled horns persist in strife,
Nor yield, nor vanquish: stand in gaze the rest,
Expecting which by conquest shall assume
The mastery of all. Now Timon, rous'd
With Melibœus, and the captive youth,
Starts from his pillow: they attain the poop,
Which instant boarded from an eastern ship
By hostile arms is held. Brave Medon quits
His former station; Æschylus he leaves
A firm defender there: his falchion keen
Aloft he waves. As some tremendous shark,
Who with voracious jaws resistless foams
Along the main, and finny tribes devours,
Or drives before him on the sun-bright waves,
Where late secure they wanton'd—Medon's might,
Prevailing thus, the steerage heaps with dead;
Though not in time victorious to retain
Unhappy Timon, Melibœus good,
And Artamanes, not unwilling borne
With them away to join his friends again.
Two Delphian vessels their auxiliar beaks
Present. More furious had the contest glow'd
In ev'ry quarter; when o'er Malean cliffs
The wind began to howl, the troubled sky
To flash sulphureous, menacing a storm,
Such as Saturnia on the Dardan fleet,
Or Neptune's rage for Polyphemus blind
Dash'd on Laërtes' much enduring son.
The squadrons separate; To the shelt'ring lee
Of Malea steer the Grecians; while their foes
Expatiate o'er the roomy sea, to shun
The local tumults of that stormy shore,
And hold a distant course. O'er Timon's fate
Th' Athenian now finds leisure to lament
With Medon, Medon with responsive grief
For Melibœus. By return of dawn
The waters calm'd invite the vigorous oars
To recommence their progress. Coasting down
Laconia's sea-beat verge, they wear the day;
Then resting moor in Cynosura's port.
From Æschylus in sighs these accents broke:
His orders round to form th' embattled line.
44
In regal pendants leads th' opponent van.
As when a vernal sun's precarious beam
Is intercepted by a sudden cloud,
Whose turgid folds are overcharg'd with hail;
Some palace, broad, impenetrably roof'd,
Defies the clatt'ring, ineffectual drift,
Which harmless melts away—so flew a show'r
Of missive arms, of arrows, javelins, darts,
With pebbles whirling from the forceful sling,
On Grecian helms and implicated shields;
But innocently fell. Now side to side
The chieftains grappled, and gigantic death
To either deck outstretch'd his purple feet.
Malignant art no engine hath devis'd
To man destructive like his own fell hand
In serried fight. But slaughter now began
To pause in wonder, while the Asian chief,
Whose blazon'd armour beam'd with gold, engag'd
45
With falchion falchion, shield encount'ring shield.
So, in the season when lascivious heat
Burns in their veins, two branching-headed stags,
Of all the herd competitors for sway,
Long with entangled horns persist in strife,
Nor yield, nor vanquish: stand in gaze the rest,
Expecting which by conquest shall assume
The mastery of all. Now Timon, rous'd
With Melibœus, and the captive youth,
Starts from his pillow: they attain the poop,
Which instant boarded from an eastern ship
By hostile arms is held. Brave Medon quits
His former station; Æschylus he leaves
A firm defender there: his falchion keen
Aloft he waves. As some tremendous shark,
Who with voracious jaws resistless foams
Along the main, and finny tribes devours,
Or drives before him on the sun-bright waves,
46
Prevailing thus, the steerage heaps with dead;
Though not in time victorious to retain
Unhappy Timon, Melibœus good,
And Artamanes, not unwilling borne
With them away to join his friends again.
Two Delphian vessels their auxiliar beaks
Present. More furious had the contest glow'd
In ev'ry quarter; when o'er Malean cliffs
The wind began to howl, the troubled sky
To flash sulphureous, menacing a storm,
Such as Saturnia on the Dardan fleet,
Or Neptune's rage for Polyphemus blind
Dash'd on Laërtes' much enduring son.
The squadrons separate; To the shelt'ring lee
Of Malea steer the Grecians; while their foes
Expatiate o'er the roomy sea, to shun
The local tumults of that stormy shore,
And hold a distant course. O'er Timon's fate
47
With Medon, Medon with responsive grief
For Melibœus. By return of dawn
The waters calm'd invite the vigorous oars
To recommence their progress. Coasting down
Laconia's sea-beat verge, they wear the day;
Then resting moor in Cynosura's port.
From Æschylus in sighs these accents broke:
Here Æsculapius by his pow'rful art,
Which dar'd revive departed breath in man,
Offending Pluto, thunder-pierc'd by Jove,
Lodg'd his own clay in Cynosura's mold.
O now to immortality preferr'd,
Kind god of med'cine! wouldst thou hear my suit,
Thou shouldst restore Leonidas, to warm
Unfeeling Sparta; then thy Delphian sire
The menac'd doom of Athens would revoke,
Nor I besprinkle with indignant tears
Laconia's shore. O Locrian guest, I call'd
Thy welcome feet to Athens: thou mayst view
(For so the oracle to me denounc'd)
Her tow'rs in dust.—Minerva's tow'rs to fall
Hath Phœbus doom'd? the Locrian chief exclaim'd;
I, who have lost my country, yet can find
A tear for Athens: I attest the gods,
As in one vessel, Æschylus, we steer
Together now, thy fortune I will share;
And down her stream, howe'er the tempest roar,
With thee embark'd, will never quit thy side.
Which dar'd revive departed breath in man,
Offending Pluto, thunder-pierc'd by Jove,
Lodg'd his own clay in Cynosura's mold.
O now to immortality preferr'd,
Kind god of med'cine! wouldst thou hear my suit,
Thou shouldst restore Leonidas, to warm
Unfeeling Sparta; then thy Delphian sire
The menac'd doom of Athens would revoke,
Nor I besprinkle with indignant tears
48
Thy welcome feet to Athens: thou mayst view
(For so the oracle to me denounc'd)
Her tow'rs in dust.—Minerva's tow'rs to fall
Hath Phœbus doom'd? the Locrian chief exclaim'd;
I, who have lost my country, yet can find
A tear for Athens: I attest the gods,
As in one vessel, Æschylus, we steer
Together now, thy fortune I will share;
And down her stream, howe'er the tempest roar,
With thee embark'd, will never quit thy side.
The tragic bard unbends his mournful brow,
Thus answ'ring: Gen'rous Medon, I confess,
Approaching nearer to my seat of birth,
I dropp'd a tear of anguish; nature wept
At sad forebodings of destruction there.
But know, a true Athenian ne'er desponds:
Abandon'd by allies, condemn'd by heav'n
To see their city burnt, that gallant race
Will yet assert their liberty; will save
Ev'n faithless Sparta, and thy home redeem.
Thus answ'ring: Gen'rous Medon, I confess,
Approaching nearer to my seat of birth,
I dropp'd a tear of anguish; nature wept
At sad forebodings of destruction there.
But know, a true Athenian ne'er desponds:
Abandon'd by allies, condemn'd by heav'n
49
Will yet assert their liberty; will save
Ev'n faithless Sparta, and thy home redeem.
This said, they slept, till morning gives her sign
To weigh the anchors, and unfurl the sails.
Aurora's third appearance tips with light,
Of roseate tincture, spacious walls and tow'rs
Of no ignoble city, rising clear
From shading mists to view. The poet then:
To weigh the anchors, and unfurl the sails.
Aurora's third appearance tips with light,
Of roseate tincture, spacious walls and tow'rs
Of no ignoble city, rising clear
From shading mists to view. The poet then:
Lo! Medon, fair Trœzene; rich her soil,
Her people gen'rous, to Cecropia's state
Inviolably faithful. See that isle
Which fronts the port; redundant in delights
Of art and nature, though of circuit small,
Calauria shews her verdant round of wood.
Here disembarking, with devotion pure
We must invoke the trident-bearing god.
This isle from Phœbus Neptune in exchange
For Delphi took. Thrice holy is the soil,
Deserving rev'rence, by that pow'r belov'd,
Who shar'd a third of ancient Saturn's reign,
His son a brother to Olympian Jove.
Here shall we greet some wonder of her sex,
The sacerdotal maid. Trœzene's laws
One of her noblest daughters in her bud
Establish here presiding, here confin'd
To priestly functions, till the genial god
Of marriage hence redeem her, grown mature
For care less rigid, and a tend'rer tie.
Her people gen'rous, to Cecropia's state
Inviolably faithful. See that isle
Which fronts the port; redundant in delights
Of art and nature, though of circuit small,
Calauria shews her verdant round of wood.
Here disembarking, with devotion pure
We must invoke the trident-bearing god.
50
For Delphi took. Thrice holy is the soil,
Deserving rev'rence, by that pow'r belov'd,
Who shar'd a third of ancient Saturn's reign,
His son a brother to Olympian Jove.
Here shall we greet some wonder of her sex,
The sacerdotal maid. Trœzene's laws
One of her noblest daughters in her bud
Establish here presiding, here confin'd
To priestly functions, till the genial god
Of marriage hence redeem her, grown mature
For care less rigid, and a tend'rer tie.
The heroes land, where opening to their sight
An elevation of the ground, attir'd
In flow'r-enamell'd turf, display'd the fane
Of structure vast in marble: brass the gates
Refulgence cast; a peristyle sustain'd
The massy roof; huge columns on their heads
The crisped foliage of acanthus bore,
And high o'erlook'd th' impenetrable shade
Which screen'd the island round. Perennial springs
Supplied melodious currents through the woods,
In artificial beds of pearly conchs
Along the sea-beat margin cull'd by nymphs,
The temple's chaste attendants. Unrestrain'd
Here flow'd the native waters; there confin'd
By marble fountains, win th' enchanted eye
To shady-skirted lawns, to op'ning glades,
Or canopies of verdure: all the founts
Were grac'd by guardian images of gods,
The train of Neptune.—Lo! the gate is thrown
Abroad; the priestess, lovely in her shape
As virgin Thetis to the nuptial arms
Of Peleus led, more blooming than the flow'rs
Beneath her decent step, descends the slope:
A matron staid behind her solemn treads;
Close to her side, in radiant arms, a youth
Who like a brother of the Graces moves.
His head, uncas'd, discovers auburn locks
Curl'd thick, not flowing: his sustaining hand
She, rosy-finger'd, to her own admits.
He seem'd Apollo, not with martial fires
Such as on Titan's race he darted keen,
But with th' enamour'd aspect which he wore
When Clymene he won, or Daphne woo'd:
She Cynthia, not a huntress, when the chace
Of rugged boars hath flush'd her eager cheek,
But gently stooping from an argent cloud,
Illumining mount Latmus, while she view'd
Her lov'd Endymion, by her magic pow'r
Entranc'd to slumber.—Æschylus approach'd,
To whom the youth: Great bard and warrior, hail!
Whose valiant deeds on Artemisium's flood,
In that first conflict with Barbarian fleets,
I strove to copy: there was all my praise.
Me Trœzen's leader, from my post remote,
Thou see'st: forbear to wonder, and attend.
Thy Athens now is desolate—relax
That anxious brow—her constancy, her zeal
For gen'ral freedom, elevate her name
Beyond all triumphs. Her discerning chief,
Themistocles, interpreting the words
Of Pythian Phœbus, prov'd that ships alone,
The fleets of Athens, were the wooden walls
Of refuge. All persuaded, sires and sons,
With mothers, daughters, cheerfully forsook
Their native roofs. Lo! Salamis o'erflows
With your illustrious people; through her towns
Ægina swarms; to multitudes myself
Have been conductor; in Trœzenian homes,
By cordial invitation, they reside.
To each a daily stipend by a law
They find allotted, schools with teachers fill'd,
That not unletter'd from Trœzene's walls
The sons of learned Athens may depart,
When victory to come rebuilds her tow'rs.
With thee behold me ready to embark
For Salamis again, where anchor'd lies
The whole confederated fleet. I leave
My Ariphilia, this my dear betroth'd,
To fight my country's battles; but return,
I trust in Mars, more worthy of her love:
To her and Neptune I but now consign'd
The most ennobled of Athenian dames.
Ha! see on yonder beach the form divine
Of Aristides, newly wafted o'er
From Trœzen: thither, not unbid, he came
From his late virtuous progress, in our bounds
Through willing minds sage counsel to diffuse,
His own exterminated friends console.
An elevation of the ground, attir'd
In flow'r-enamell'd turf, display'd the fane
Of structure vast in marble: brass the gates
Refulgence cast; a peristyle sustain'd
The massy roof; huge columns on their heads
51
And high o'erlook'd th' impenetrable shade
Which screen'd the island round. Perennial springs
Supplied melodious currents through the woods,
In artificial beds of pearly conchs
Along the sea-beat margin cull'd by nymphs,
The temple's chaste attendants. Unrestrain'd
Here flow'd the native waters; there confin'd
By marble fountains, win th' enchanted eye
To shady-skirted lawns, to op'ning glades,
Or canopies of verdure: all the founts
Were grac'd by guardian images of gods,
The train of Neptune.—Lo! the gate is thrown
Abroad; the priestess, lovely in her shape
As virgin Thetis to the nuptial arms
Of Peleus led, more blooming than the flow'rs
Beneath her decent step, descends the slope:
A matron staid behind her solemn treads;
Close to her side, in radiant arms, a youth
52
His head, uncas'd, discovers auburn locks
Curl'd thick, not flowing: his sustaining hand
She, rosy-finger'd, to her own admits.
He seem'd Apollo, not with martial fires
Such as on Titan's race he darted keen,
But with th' enamour'd aspect which he wore
When Clymene he won, or Daphne woo'd:
She Cynthia, not a huntress, when the chace
Of rugged boars hath flush'd her eager cheek,
But gently stooping from an argent cloud,
Illumining mount Latmus, while she view'd
Her lov'd Endymion, by her magic pow'r
Entranc'd to slumber.—Æschylus approach'd,
To whom the youth: Great bard and warrior, hail!
Whose valiant deeds on Artemisium's flood,
In that first conflict with Barbarian fleets,
I strove to copy: there was all my praise.
Me Trœzen's leader, from my post remote,
Thy Athens now is desolate—relax
That anxious brow—her constancy, her zeal
For gen'ral freedom, elevate her name
Beyond all triumphs. Her discerning chief,
Themistocles, interpreting the words
Of Pythian Phœbus, prov'd that ships alone,
The fleets of Athens, were the wooden walls
Of refuge. All persuaded, sires and sons,
With mothers, daughters, cheerfully forsook
Their native roofs. Lo! Salamis o'erflows
With your illustrious people; through her towns
Ægina swarms; to multitudes myself
Have been conductor; in Trœzenian homes,
By cordial invitation, they reside.
To each a daily stipend by a law
They find allotted, schools with teachers fill'd,
That not unletter'd from Trœzene's walls
The sons of learned Athens may depart,
54
With thee behold me ready to embark
For Salamis again, where anchor'd lies
The whole confederated fleet. I leave
My Ariphilia, this my dear betroth'd,
To fight my country's battles; but return,
I trust in Mars, more worthy of her love:
To her and Neptune I but now consign'd
The most ennobled of Athenian dames.
Ha! see on yonder beach the form divine
Of Aristides, newly wafted o'er
From Trœzen: thither, not unbid, he came
From his late virtuous progress, in our bounds
Through willing minds sage counsel to diffuse,
His own exterminated friends console.
Cleander finish'd. Soon th' arrival known
Of Aristides from the temple call'd
The Attic dames, from ev'ry purlieu near,
Who with their children in assembly throng
Around him. Silent tears confess his loss
To them and Athens. His benignant mold
By sympathy had melted into grief;
If wisdom, ever present in his soul,
Had not his long-tried constancy upheld
To their behoof. Environ'd by the troop
Of lovely mourners, stood the godlike man
Like some tall cedar, in a garden plac'd
Where glowing tufts of flow'rs and florid plants
Once bloom'd around; now, sear'd by scorching blasts,
In faded colours pine. In look, in phrase
Humane he spake: Be comforted, and hear
My voice applaud Themistocles, my foe,
Whose counsels have preserv'd you. But what praise
Is yours, O glories of the tender sex!
Who brave the floods, without a murmur leave
Your native, dear abodes for public good!
Ye ornaments of Greece, the pride and boast
Of happy fathers, husbands, brothers, sons!
As yet unseen, Euphemia from the rest
Impatient stepp'd, his mother. At her sight,
The best, the greatest of mankind inclines
Before the authress of his being, low
As some celestial to the rev'rend form
Of Cybele, progenitrix of gods.
Her aged arms extending, she began:
Of Aristides from the temple call'd
The Attic dames, from ev'ry purlieu near,
55
Around him. Silent tears confess his loss
To them and Athens. His benignant mold
By sympathy had melted into grief;
If wisdom, ever present in his soul,
Had not his long-tried constancy upheld
To their behoof. Environ'd by the troop
Of lovely mourners, stood the godlike man
Like some tall cedar, in a garden plac'd
Where glowing tufts of flow'rs and florid plants
Once bloom'd around; now, sear'd by scorching blasts,
In faded colours pine. In look, in phrase
Humane he spake: Be comforted, and hear
My voice applaud Themistocles, my foe,
Whose counsels have preserv'd you. But what praise
Is yours, O glories of the tender sex!
Who brave the floods, without a murmur leave
Your native, dear abodes for public good!
Ye ornaments of Greece, the pride and boast
Of happy fathers, husbands, brothers, sons!
56
Impatient stepp'd, his mother. At her sight,
The best, the greatest of mankind inclines
Before the authress of his being, low
As some celestial to the rev'rend form
Of Cybele, progenitrix of gods.
Her aged arms extending, she began:
Thy moderation aggravates the crime
Of Athens. Son, remember, when thou bad'st
Our household gods farewel, thy parting pray'r;
That Athens never might regret the loss
Of Aristides. Righteous man! then first
The righteous pow'rs denied a pray'r of thine;
Who with inflicted vengeance for thy wrong
Have sorely taught Athenians to lament
In thee their safety banish'd.—Mother, cease,
He quick replied; controul presumptuous thoughts;
Let such uncomfortable words no more
Be heard by these already plung'd in woe:
It is Laconia, who her aid withholds,
Cecropian tribes afflicts. But, noble dames,
In this asylum sojourning a while,
Trust your own merits, and a guardian god;
The sons of Athens on his own domain
He will exalt by conquest, soon transport
Her daughters back to liberty and peace:
From him that grace continue to deserve,
By resignation to his brother Jove,
Who loves the patient.—As on lands adust
By hot solstitial rays, when genial clouds,
In season due unbosoming their stores
Of kindly rain, new dress the pasture brown;
Again the flowrets on the meadows spring;
O'er meadows, fresh in verdure, youthful steeds,
Led by the parent females, joyous bound,
The heifers gambol, kids and lambkins dance,
The birds in dripping bow'rs their plumes repair,
And tune their choral, gratulating throats—
So consolation from his blameless mouth,
With looks benevolent, in soothing tones
Relieves dejection. Soft composure smooths
Each matron's forehead; virgins smile around;
With sprightly feet the children beat the turf,
Him as their father hail in shrill delight.
Not so his own two daughters: infants young,
A dying mother's pledge, Euphemia's charge,
His side they leave not, clinging to his knees
Like woodbines sweet about some stately tree:
He kiss'd, he bless'd them, but controul'd his tears.
Of Athens. Son, remember, when thou bad'st
Our household gods farewel, thy parting pray'r;
That Athens never might regret the loss
Of Aristides. Righteous man! then first
The righteous pow'rs denied a pray'r of thine;
Who with inflicted vengeance for thy wrong
Have sorely taught Athenians to lament
In thee their safety banish'd.—Mother, cease,
He quick replied; controul presumptuous thoughts;
Let such uncomfortable words no more
57
It is Laconia, who her aid withholds,
Cecropian tribes afflicts. But, noble dames,
In this asylum sojourning a while,
Trust your own merits, and a guardian god;
The sons of Athens on his own domain
He will exalt by conquest, soon transport
Her daughters back to liberty and peace:
From him that grace continue to deserve,
By resignation to his brother Jove,
Who loves the patient.—As on lands adust
By hot solstitial rays, when genial clouds,
In season due unbosoming their stores
Of kindly rain, new dress the pasture brown;
Again the flowrets on the meadows spring;
O'er meadows, fresh in verdure, youthful steeds,
Led by the parent females, joyous bound,
The heifers gambol, kids and lambkins dance,
The birds in dripping bow'rs their plumes repair,
58
So consolation from his blameless mouth,
With looks benevolent, in soothing tones
Relieves dejection. Soft composure smooths
Each matron's forehead; virgins smile around;
With sprightly feet the children beat the turf,
Him as their father hail in shrill delight.
Not so his own two daughters: infants young,
A dying mother's pledge, Euphemia's charge,
His side they leave not, clinging to his knees
Like woodbines sweet about some stately tree:
He kiss'd, he bless'd them, but controul'd his tears.
Now tow'rds the bay with Æschylus he turns;
Cleander follows. Ariphilia mute
Stands fix'd in tears; as Niobe, congeal'd
By grief to marble, through its oozing pores
Distill'd sad moisture, trickling down unheard.
On Sipylus the nymphs, by pity call'd,
The weeping rock environ'd; so the train,
Who minister in Neptune's sacred dome,
Inclose their priestess, whom her matron sage
Leads from Cleander's oft reverted sight.
Cleander follows. Ariphilia mute
Stands fix'd in tears; as Niobe, congeal'd
By grief to marble, through its oozing pores
Distill'd sad moisture, trickling down unheard.
On Sipylus the nymphs, by pity call'd,
59
Who minister in Neptune's sacred dome,
Inclose their priestess, whom her matron sage
Leads from Cleander's oft reverted sight.
End of the Second Book.
60
BOOK the Third.
O'er his own squadron soon Trœzene's chief
Hath reassum'd command; the rest embark
Aboard the Delphian. Æschylus then spake:
Hath reassum'd command; the rest embark
Aboard the Delphian. Æschylus then spake:
To Salamis we hoist returning sails:
Say, Aristides, shall my voice, of weight
Among the tribes, solicit thy recal?
Our country wants that helpful hand of thine.
Say, Aristides, shall my voice, of weight
Among the tribes, solicit thy recal?
Our country wants that helpful hand of thine.
No, Aristides answers, this again
Might waken faction; let the monster sleep.
Themistocles directs united minds,
In him confiding: not the stock reviv'd
Of all Cecropia's heroes since her birth,
Could like this union prop the Attic state.
Brave too the son of Neocles, expert,
Cool, politic; his talents will uphold
The public safety for his own renown.
May he enjoy a glory so acquir'd!
My secret counsels from Ægina's isle
Shall not be wanting: for my country's sake,
Which I forgive, him, author of my wrongs,
My utmost efforts shall advance to same.
Might waken faction; let the monster sleep.
61
In him confiding: not the stock reviv'd
Of all Cecropia's heroes since her birth,
Could like this union prop the Attic state.
Brave too the son of Neocles, expert,
Cool, politic; his talents will uphold
The public safety for his own renown.
May he enjoy a glory so acquir'd!
My secret counsels from Ægina's isle
Shall not be wanting: for my country's sake,
Which I forgive, him, author of my wrongs,
My utmost efforts shall advance to same.
The gulph Saronic now admits their keel.
By Epidaurus coasting, they attain
The cape of high Spiræum, which o'erlooks
Ægina. Guided by Aurora's light,
Th' illustrious exile on that isle they land;
Thence veering, steer for Salamis. These words
Now break from Medon; Silent have I gaz'd
On Aristides, shortly must behold
Themistocles; Athenian friend, explain
Between such men what cause produc'd their feuds.
By Epidaurus coasting, they attain
The cape of high Spiræum, which o'erlooks
Ægina. Guided by Aurora's light,
Th' illustrious exile on that isle they land;
Thence veering, steer for Salamis. These words
62
On Aristides, shortly must behold
Themistocles; Athenian friend, explain
Between such men what cause produc'd their feuds.
Their diff'rent merits, Æschylus replied,
Rais'd emulation in their younger days.
A soldier's part they gallantly achiev'd
In the same rank at Marathon; I saw,
Admir'd their valour. For distinction high
In pow'r and fame, Themistocles hath us'd
His num'rous virtues; Aristides walk'd
In virtuous paths, alone by virtue mov'd;
For him his justice hath a title gain'd
Of Just. The son of Neocles, inflam'd
By envy, stirr'd the people's jealous fear
Against his rival to assert a law,
Where, by inscription of his name on shells,
A citizen so potent, that his will
Seems only wanting to subvert the state,
Is by concurrence of six thousand hands
Doom'd for ten years to absence from their bounds,
Without disgrace or mulct. Among the tribes
Themistocles hath since obtain'd a sway
Which might incur the rigour of that law;
Yet by the gods his influence supreme
He at this crisis gallantly employs
To save the public.—Lift thy wond'ring eyes!
The whole confederated fleet of Greece,
Four hundred gallies, bulwark all the round
Of Salamis: one animated mass
That island shews; from swarms of either sex,
And ev'ry age, dales, hillocks seem to heave
With undulating motion.—His discourse
Clos'd with his voyage: on the furrow'd sands
Of Salamis the vessels rest their keels;
Where living waters from a copious spring
Discharge their bubbling current. On a smooth,
But gently-shelving green, pavilions rose;
One from the rest sequester'd, under shade
Of oaks above, was neighbour to the fane
Of Telamonian Ajax, hero known
At Troy: the Attic phalanx then he join'd,
By Athens honour'd since with rites divine.
Rais'd emulation in their younger days.
A soldier's part they gallantly achiev'd
In the same rank at Marathon; I saw,
Admir'd their valour. For distinction high
In pow'r and fame, Themistocles hath us'd
His num'rous virtues; Aristides walk'd
In virtuous paths, alone by virtue mov'd;
For him his justice hath a title gain'd
Of Just. The son of Neocles, inflam'd
By envy, stirr'd the people's jealous fear
Against his rival to assert a law,
Where, by inscription of his name on shells,
A citizen so potent, that his will
63
Is by concurrence of six thousand hands
Doom'd for ten years to absence from their bounds,
Without disgrace or mulct. Among the tribes
Themistocles hath since obtain'd a sway
Which might incur the rigour of that law;
Yet by the gods his influence supreme
He at this crisis gallantly employs
To save the public.—Lift thy wond'ring eyes!
The whole confederated fleet of Greece,
Four hundred gallies, bulwark all the round
Of Salamis: one animated mass
That island shews; from swarms of either sex,
And ev'ry age, dales, hillocks seem to heave
With undulating motion.—His discourse
Clos'd with his voyage: on the furrow'd sands
Of Salamis the vessels rest their keels;
Where living waters from a copious spring
Discharge their bubbling current. On a smooth,
64
One from the rest sequester'd, under shade
Of oaks above, was neighbour to the fane
Of Telamonian Ajax, hero known
At Troy: the Attic phalanx then he join'd,
By Athens honour'd since with rites divine.
This tent, by ensigns of command in front
Adorn'd, Themistocles possess'd: alone
He now remain'd; artificer sublime
Of great expedients, in the greatest storms
Which rock a state, he, politic and firm,
In manly strife with fortune when she frown'd,
Whene'er she smil'd her favour to secure—
He now, to feed his enterprising soul,
Successes past enumerating sat,
Thus in a glow of thought: While others dream'd
Of rest and safety permanent in Greece,
I from the day of Marathon presag'd
The war begun, not finish'd; I, in time,
Exhorted Athens to construct her fleet,
A destin'd refuge; for the sail and oar,
The shrouds and rudder, I her lusty youth
Prepar'd; ere yet the Hellespont was bridg'd,
I cur'd intestine feuds distracting Greece;
When fate remov'd Leonidas from earth,
My penetration, fathoming the depths
Of ocean, like futurity foresaw
Laconia's sloth; yet undismay'd I form'd
The mighty plan to save th' Athenian state
By yielding Athens to Barbarian flames.
That I might plead the mandates of a god,
I won, by secret gifts, the Pythian maid
An oracle to render, which I fram'd;
Th' interpretation to enforce, that ships
Were wooden walls, Minerva's priest I gain'd
Among the people to imprint belief
By feign'd portents, and all religion's craft,
That to the sea their deity was fled,
Th' Acropolis deserting. Thus at will
This restive, fierce democracy I sway
For their salvation, and my own behoof
In pow'r and lustre . . . . Interrupting here
His eagle vanity in lofty soar,
The warrior-poet and Oïleus' son
Appear. Serene and vacant he descends
At once to affability and ease;
As from his airy tow'r the lark, who strikes
Heav'n's highest concave with his matin trill,
His pinions shuts, and tranquil drops to earth.
Of Aristides Æschylus he knew
The friend approv'd; him courteous he salutes:
Adorn'd, Themistocles possess'd: alone
He now remain'd; artificer sublime
Of great expedients, in the greatest storms
Which rock a state, he, politic and firm,
In manly strife with fortune when she frown'd,
Whene'er she smil'd her favour to secure—
He now, to feed his enterprising soul,
Successes past enumerating sat,
Thus in a glow of thought: While others dream'd
Of rest and safety permanent in Greece,
I from the day of Marathon presag'd
65
Exhorted Athens to construct her fleet,
A destin'd refuge; for the sail and oar,
The shrouds and rudder, I her lusty youth
Prepar'd; ere yet the Hellespont was bridg'd,
I cur'd intestine feuds distracting Greece;
When fate remov'd Leonidas from earth,
My penetration, fathoming the depths
Of ocean, like futurity foresaw
Laconia's sloth; yet undismay'd I form'd
The mighty plan to save th' Athenian state
By yielding Athens to Barbarian flames.
That I might plead the mandates of a god,
I won, by secret gifts, the Pythian maid
An oracle to render, which I fram'd;
Th' interpretation to enforce, that ships
Were wooden walls, Minerva's priest I gain'd
Among the people to imprint belief
By feign'd portents, and all religion's craft,
66
Th' Acropolis deserting. Thus at will
This restive, fierce democracy I sway
For their salvation, and my own behoof
In pow'r and lustre . . . . Interrupting here
His eagle vanity in lofty soar,
The warrior-poet and Oïleus' son
Appear. Serene and vacant he descends
At once to affability and ease;
As from his airy tow'r the lark, who strikes
Heav'n's highest concave with his matin trill,
His pinions shuts, and tranquil drops to earth.
Of Aristides Æschylus he knew
The friend approv'd; him courteous he salutes:
Thy eloquence and arms, the gen'rous toils
Of Aristides too, have reach'd my ear
By late intelligence. Thus far at least
You have prevail'd; this navy is enlarg'd
By squadrons new from various Grecian states.
Is not this Medon? Honour'd in thy sire,
More in thy own deservings, my embrace
Accept; accept the welcome of this tent.
Of Aristides too, have reach'd my ear
By late intelligence. Thus far at least
You have prevail'd; this navy is enlarg'd
67
Is not this Medon? Honour'd in thy sire,
More in thy own deservings, my embrace
Accept; accept the welcome of this tent.
Myronides now joins him, mighty chief!
The destin'd scourge of Thebes; Xanthippus, soon
At Mycale to conquer; in his hand
Young Pericles, that future star of Greece;
Then Cimon, fated on the land and main
To gather palms in one triumphant day;
Subaltern warriors to the prudent son
Of Neocles. Saluting these, he spake:
The destin'd scourge of Thebes; Xanthippus, soon
At Mycale to conquer; in his hand
Young Pericles, that future star of Greece;
Then Cimon, fated on the land and main
To gather palms in one triumphant day;
Subaltern warriors to the prudent son
Of Neocles. Saluting these, he spake:
My gallant fellow-citizens, you come
To learn the issue of this day's debate
In gen'ral council. Wisely did we cede
To Spartan Eurybiades command;
The diff'rent squadrons to their native ports
Had else deserted. Irksome, I confess,
This acquiescence; but occasion looks
Disdainful back on him who lets her pass;
You have embrac'd her. Yielding to the Greeks,
You fix their station here, the num'rous foe
In narrow streights between Psyttalia's isle
And Salamis to face. Can he possess,
Who sees a treasure scatter'd on the ground,
Unless he stoop? So prostrate in your sight
Lies Greece, that precious treasure. Can you rule
Before you save? On union safety grows.
Resigning now an empty name of pow'r,
Your moderation, winning grateful states,
Will to your own a real sway procure
Of long duration. Lacedæmon's pride,
Her best allies abandoning—a force
Of ten weak vessels sparing to a fleet,
Where Attic hands unfurl two hundred sails—
Shall pay hereafter retribution full
To you, Athenians, out of ashes rais'd
From her to wrest ascendancy in Greece.
To learn the issue of this day's debate
In gen'ral council. Wisely did we cede
To Spartan Eurybiades command;
The diff'rent squadrons to their native ports
68
This acquiescence; but occasion looks
Disdainful back on him who lets her pass;
You have embrac'd her. Yielding to the Greeks,
You fix their station here, the num'rous foe
In narrow streights between Psyttalia's isle
And Salamis to face. Can he possess,
Who sees a treasure scatter'd on the ground,
Unless he stoop? So prostrate in your sight
Lies Greece, that precious treasure. Can you rule
Before you save? On union safety grows.
Resigning now an empty name of pow'r,
Your moderation, winning grateful states,
Will to your own a real sway procure
Of long duration. Lacedæmon's pride,
Her best allies abandoning—a force
Of ten weak vessels sparing to a fleet,
Where Attic hands unfurl two hundred sails—
Shall pay hereafter retribution full
69
From her to wrest ascendancy in Greece.
Not sweetest music lulls the melting soul
Beyond his artful eloquence, which soothes
Their warm, their injur'd virtue. They reply:
Beyond his artful eloquence, which soothes
Their warm, their injur'd virtue. They reply:
To thee, not Sparta, cheerful we submit,
Our leader sole; thou judge and act for all.
Our leader sole; thou judge and act for all.
Now to his frugal Attic meal they sat;
Where Æschylus and Medon, each in turn
Unfolding amply his adventures, won
Attention: pleasing information charm'd
Deluded time, till midnight prompted sleep.
Where Æschylus and Medon, each in turn
Unfolding amply his adventures, won
Attention: pleasing information charm'd
Deluded time, till midnight prompted sleep.
Thus, after labours past, the martial bard
His countrymen rejoin'd. The hostile ships,
Which gave him battle under Malea's cape,
Veer'd for the streights Eubœan, where the fleet
Of Asia moor'd. Subsiding on their way,
The wind grants leisure for the Persian chief
To view the captives. Artamanes steps
Before the rest: on sight of Caria's queen,
Great Artemisia, who commanded there,
His cheek, with recollection of his sire
To her so late persidious, reddens warm.
His countrymen rejoin'd. The hostile ships,
Which gave him battle under Malea's cape,
70
Of Asia moor'd. Subsiding on their way,
The wind grants leisure for the Persian chief
To view the captives. Artamanes steps
Before the rest: on sight of Caria's queen,
Great Artemisia, who commanded there,
His cheek, with recollection of his sire
To her so late persidious, reddens warm.
She first to him: Argestes could behold
Me worsted, long resisting adverse fate
On fam'd Thermopylæ's disastrous field;
My danger he enjoy'd: his rescued son,
Whose growing merit wins observant eyes,
I see with gladness; welcome to my deck!
But who is he, disconsolate in mien?
O rev'rend man of sorrows, lift thy head!
From Artemisia no dishonour fear.
He makes no answer—Artamanes, speak.
Me worsted, long resisting adverse fate
On fam'd Thermopylæ's disastrous field;
My danger he enjoy'd: his rescued son,
Whose growing merit wins observant eyes,
I see with gladness; welcome to my deck!
But who is he, disconsolate in mien?
O rev'rend man of sorrows, lift thy head!
From Artemisia no dishonour fear.
He makes no answer—Artamanes, speak.
71
The youth replies: His name is Timon, chief
And priest in Delphi; on our inroad there,
My brother, Mithridates, snatch'd away
From his paternal breast a noble maid,
An only child. His mind is darken'd since
By frenzy; my compassion his distress
Hath ever tended, servent now implores
Thou wouldst commit him to my grateful care:
Myself am debtor to indulgent Greeks.
And priest in Delphi; on our inroad there,
My brother, Mithridates, snatch'd away
From his paternal breast a noble maid,
An only child. His mind is darken'd since
By frenzy; my compassion his distress
Hath ever tended, servent now implores
Thou wouldst commit him to my grateful care:
Myself am debtor to indulgent Greeks.
In smiles the princess answer'd: Gen'rous youth!
Couldst thou protect him, I would trust thy care;
But those deform'd by ignominious deeds
May exercise in malice stronger pow'r
Than thou in goodness: for the present lay
Th' unhappy Delphian on a bed of rest.
Couldst thou protect him, I would trust thy care;
But those deform'd by ignominious deeds
May exercise in malice stronger pow'r
Than thou in goodness: for the present lay
Th' unhappy Delphian on a bed of rest.
Beside her waits Aronces, high in trust,
A hoary senior, freedman of her sire.
On Melibœus, on the queen, he fix'd
Alternate looks; then earnest him address'd:
A hoary senior, freedman of her sire.
72
Alternate looks; then earnest him address'd:
O thou of noble frame, in lowly garb,
Speak whence thou com'st, thy own, thy father's name.
What region gave thee birth? Did nature print,
Or some disaster, on thy cheek that mark?
I am not curious from a slender cause.
Speak whence thou com'st, thy own, thy father's name.
What region gave thee birth? Did nature print,
Or some disaster, on thy cheek that mark?
I am not curious from a slender cause.
The swain replied: From nature I derive
That mark; of parents, of my native seat,
Within this breast no traces now survive;
In childhood stol'n by pirates, I was sold
(Heav'n there was gracious) to the best of mèn:
Full thirty annual suns have since elaps'd.
He oft appris'd me, that my infant lips
In Grecian accents would repeat the names
Of Lygdamis and Dirce; so I styl'd
My sire and mother.—O imperial dame,
Thyself the seed of Lygdamis, exclaim'd
The ancient man. If circumstance be proof,
He is thy brother, Haliartus, stol'n
Within that period from thy father's tow'r
Wash'd by the waves, that fair abode retir'd.
Halicarnassus mourn'd the dire event.
He is thy likeness. I, preserr'd to rule
Thy father's household; I, whose faithful arms
So oft the infant Haliartus bore,
So oft with eyes delighted have perus'd
That object dear, I never can forget
That signal mark, coeval with his birth,
Distinguishing thy brother.—Pensive, mute,
Uncertain rests the queen.—He still proceeds:
That mark; of parents, of my native seat,
Within this breast no traces now survive;
In childhood stol'n by pirates, I was sold
(Heav'n there was gracious) to the best of mèn:
Full thirty annual suns have since elaps'd.
He oft appris'd me, that my infant lips
In Grecian accents would repeat the names
Of Lygdamis and Dirce; so I styl'd
My sire and mother.—O imperial dame,
73
The ancient man. If circumstance be proof,
He is thy brother, Haliartus, stol'n
Within that period from thy father's tow'r
Wash'd by the waves, that fair abode retir'd.
Halicarnassus mourn'd the dire event.
He is thy likeness. I, preserr'd to rule
Thy father's household; I, whose faithful arms
So oft the infant Haliartus bore,
So oft with eyes delighted have perus'd
That object dear, I never can forget
That signal mark, coeval with his birth,
Distinguishing thy brother.—Pensive, mute,
Uncertain rests the queen.—He still proceeds:
Behold thy son, Leander, melts in tears!
It is the touch of nature hath unclos'd
That tender spring.—To him the regal dame:
It is the touch of nature hath unclos'd
That tender spring.—To him the regal dame:
74
Old man, thou know'st I honour, I confide
In thy untainted faith. All strange events,
Dress'd in affecting circumstance, excite
These soft emotions; such in ev'ry breast
Should rise, but not decide. Pure truth is built
Not on our passions; reason is her base.
Him to accept my brother, needs more proof;
But to his manly and ingenuous looks
I render homage. Let him case his limbs
In Carian steel, and combat near my side;
Let deeds illustrate an exalted mind;
Then, whether kin or alien to my blood,
He like a brother shall obtain regard
From Artemisia.—Melibœus here:
In thy untainted faith. All strange events,
Dress'd in affecting circumstance, excite
These soft emotions; such in ev'ry breast
Should rise, but not decide. Pure truth is built
Not on our passions; reason is her base.
Him to accept my brother, needs more proof;
But to his manly and ingenuous looks
I render homage. Let him case his limbs
In Carian steel, and combat near my side;
Let deeds illustrate an exalted mind;
Then, whether kin or alien to my blood,
He like a brother shall obtain regard
From Artemisia.—Melibœus here:
Endear'd to heroes of Oïlean race,
I claim with none alliance; I have liv'd
With them in joy, from ignorance been rais'd
By them to knowledge, from the lowly state
Which heav'n's deciding providence ordain'd,
To their deserv'd regard, my utmost wish.
To them restore me; I request no more
From deities or mortals. Case my limbs
In Carian armour splendid as thy own,
Ne'er shalt thou see me combat near thy side
Against the Grecians. Place of birth, or blood
Of noblest dye in kindred, quite estrang'd
By time and fortune, I reject for Greece;
Greece, my kind nurse, the guardian of my youth,
Who for my tutors did her heroes lend.
My dear affections all are center'd there,
My gratitude, my duty.—By the hand
She grasps the gallant captive, and proceeds:
I claim with none alliance; I have liv'd
With them in joy, from ignorance been rais'd
By them to knowledge, from the lowly state
75
To their deserv'd regard, my utmost wish.
To them restore me; I request no more
From deities or mortals. Case my limbs
In Carian armour splendid as thy own,
Ne'er shalt thou see me combat near thy side
Against the Grecians. Place of birth, or blood
Of noblest dye in kindred, quite estrang'd
By time and fortune, I reject for Greece;
Greece, my kind nurse, the guardian of my youth,
Who for my tutors did her heroes lend.
My dear affections all are center'd there,
My gratitude, my duty.—By the hand
She grasps the gallant captive, and proceeds:
Thy sentiments are noble, they bespeak
The care of heroes; thy release my hopes
Forbid, my tend'rest wishes; to constrain
Thy presence here, while we assail thy friends,
I scorn. Aronces, launch a nimble skiff;
On him attendant, reach Nicæa's walls,
For him transport a suit of arms compelete;
Nor let unhappy Timon want thy care.
Thee, Greek or Carian, brother, friend, or foe,
Whate'er thou prov'st hereafter, I will greet
Again, my heart so prompts me; I require
No plighted word, no token; ere we meet
Once more at least, thou wilt not, I confide,
Thou canst not harbour such a thought as flight
From Artemisia.—Melibœus look'd
Integrity; he felt too full for words,
And sees her thoughtful and perplex'd retire.
The care of heroes; thy release my hopes
Forbid, my tend'rest wishes; to constrain
Thy presence here, while we assail thy friends,
76
On him attendant, reach Nicæa's walls,
For him transport a suit of arms compelete;
Nor let unhappy Timon want thy care.
Thee, Greek or Carian, brother, friend, or foe,
Whate'er thou prov'st hereafter, I will greet
Again, my heart so prompts me; I require
No plighted word, no token; ere we meet
Once more at least, thou wilt not, I confide,
Thou canst not harbour such a thought as flight
From Artemisia.—Melibœus look'd
Integrity; he felt too full for words,
And sees her thoughtful and perplex'd retire.
Aronces now on Artamanes calls;
With him, and either captive, he embarks;
Of Carian arms he lodges on the poop
A rich-emblazon'd suit. The pinnace light
Along the shore, from ev'ry foe secure,
Skims o'er the waters with distended sails,
Swift as a vig'rous stag who hears no cry
Of dogs or men, but o'er the champaign green
Or valley sweeps, to glory in his speed
And branching antlers. On the form and port
Of Melibœus long Aronces fed
His eager eye, unsated with delight;
At last he spake: My lord, Nicæa's fort,
A garrison of Xerxes, will afford
A refuge kind, till Caria's queen her sail
Of visitation hoists; the setting sun
Will see my lord safe landed in the cove.
With him, and either captive, he embarks;
Of Carian arms he lodges on the poop
A rich-emblazon'd suit. The pinnace light
Along the shore, from ev'ry foe secure,
77
Swift as a vig'rous stag who hears no cry
Of dogs or men, but o'er the champaign green
Or valley sweeps, to glory in his speed
And branching antlers. On the form and port
Of Melibœus long Aronces fed
His eager eye, unsated with delight;
At last he spake: My lord, Nicæa's fort,
A garrison of Xerxes, will afford
A refuge kind, till Caria's queen her sail
Of visitation hoists; the setting sun
Will see my lord safe landed in the cove.
That splendid title thou dost ill bestow
On my condition, Melibœus then.
On my condition, Melibœus then.
To whom Aronces: Oh thou art my lord,
Thou art the son of Lygdamis! My heart,
Old as I am, experienc'd in events,
Without a cause to such excess of joy
Would ne'er mislead me.—Honest hearts, rejoin'd
The other, oft are credulous, and lead
The mind to error; art thou sure, my friend,
That I am no impostor, who hath heard
Of Lygdamis and Dyrce, and apply
Their names to falsehood?—Haliartus, no!
Exclaims Aronces; I before me see
My noble master, Lygdamis, restor'd;
Such as he was when thou, his child, was lost.
Oh! lend attention—lo! the winds are still,
The sea unruffled, while my tongue begins
A tale which once with horror pierc'd my soul,
But in thy hearing rapt'rous I repeat:
Thou art the son of Lygdamis! My heart,
Old as I am, experienc'd in events,
78
Would ne'er mislead me.—Honest hearts, rejoin'd
The other, oft are credulous, and lead
The mind to error; art thou sure, my friend,
That I am no impostor, who hath heard
Of Lygdamis and Dyrce, and apply
Their names to falsehood?—Haliartus, no!
Exclaims Aronces; I before me see
My noble master, Lygdamis, restor'd;
Such as he was when thou, his child, was lost.
Oh! lend attention—lo! the winds are still,
The sea unruffled, while my tongue begins
A tale which once with horror pierc'd my soul,
But in thy hearing rapt'rous I repeat:
Halicarnassus gave thy father birth,
Her most illustrious citizen; with twins
Thy mother's bed was bless'd; thy sister one,
That Artemisia, glory of her sex,
Bestow'd in marriage on the Carian king;
Thou art the other. Oft thy sire abode
Within a tow'r delightful, but remote,
Wash'd by the billows; one disastrous day,
As thou wast tripping on the silver sands,
Thy nurse attending with some faithful slaves,
A troop of pirates landed; all thy train
Defending thee were kill'd, or wounded sunk
Disabled on the beach; with various spoil,
From those unguarded borders, they convey'd
Aboard their vessels thee their richest prize.
Her most illustrious citizen; with twins
Thy mother's bed was bless'd; thy sister one,
That Artemisia, glory of her sex,
79
Thou art the other. Oft thy sire abode
Within a tow'r delightful, but remote,
Wash'd by the billows; one disastrous day,
As thou wast tripping on the silver sands,
Thy nurse attending with some faithful slaves,
A troop of pirates landed; all thy train
Defending thee were kill'd, or wounded sunk
Disabled on the beach; with various spoil,
From those unguarded borders, they convey'd
Aboard their vessels thee their richest prize.
Aronces paus'd.—From Timon, listing by,
This exclamation broke: My daughter too
May be recover'd!—Artamanes here:
This exclamation broke: My daughter too
May be recover'd!—Artamanes here:
Myself, redeem'd from capture, pledge my faith
That I will struggle to restore thy child.
That I will struggle to restore thy child.
80
Night dropp'd her dusky veil; the pinnace gain'd
Nicæa, Locrian fortress, seated nigh
Thermopylæ; ensuing morn proclaims,
By shouts and clangour, an approaching host.
That gate of Greece, by Lacedæmon's king
So well maintain'd, defenceless now admits
Uncheck'd Barbarian inroads: thus a mound
By art constructed to restrain the sea,
Or some huge river's course, neglected long,
And unsustain'd by vigilance and care,
Affords a passage new to whelming floods,
Whose surface hides fertility in waste;
Till some sagacious architect oppose
To nature's violence a skill divine,
Prescribing where th' obedient wave shall flow.
Nicæa, Locrian fortress, seated nigh
Thermopylæ; ensuing morn proclaims,
By shouts and clangour, an approaching host.
That gate of Greece, by Lacedæmon's king
So well maintain'd, defenceless now admits
Uncheck'd Barbarian inroads: thus a mound
By art constructed to restrain the sea,
Or some huge river's course, neglected long,
And unsustain'd by vigilance and care,
Affords a passage new to whelming floods,
Whose surface hides fertility in waste;
Till some sagacious architect oppose
To nature's violence a skill divine,
Prescribing where th' obedient wave shall flow.
To his companions Artamanes spake,
As in their sight, extended from a tow'r,
Thermopylæ in torrents from its mouth
Pours mingled nations: See Mardonius there,
The son of Gobryas, author of this war,
The flow'r of Asia's captains. At the time
We first attack'd this pass, with num'rous bands,
A distant range of Macedon and Thrace
He was detach'd to ravage and subdue,
Triumphant now returning. Friends, farewel!
Him I must follow. Timon, may the light
Of Mithra shine propitious on m days
As I protect thy oaughter, and restore,
If fate so wills, her spotless to thy arms.
As in their sight, extended from a tow'r,
Thermopylæ in torrents from its mouth
81
The son of Gobryas, author of this war,
The flow'r of Asia's captains. At the time
We first attack'd this pass, with num'rous bands,
A distant range of Macedon and Thrace
He was detach'd to ravage and subdue,
Triumphant now returning. Friends, farewel!
Him I must follow. Timon, may the light
Of Mithra shine propitious on m days
As I protect thy oaughter, and restore,
If fate so wills, her spotless to thy arms.
These words, relumining with hope, compos'd
The clouded soul of Timon. Swift the youth,
In vigour issuing through the portal, mix'd
Among his native friends: a blithsome steer,
At op'ning dawn deliver'd from the stall,
Thus o'er the flow'ry pasture bounding, joins
The well-known herd. Mardonius him receiv'd,
Foe to Argestes, cordial to his son,
Mardonius all-commanding, all in frame,
In nervous limbs excelling, like that bull
Who stemm'd the billows with his brawny chest,
Who on his back of silver whiteness bore
Europa's precious weight to Cretan strands,
Himself a god transform'd. New martial pow'rs
Are here from Hæmus, from Pangæan snows.
A Greek in lineage, Alexander here,
Young sov'reign o'er Barbarians, leads to war
His Macedonian troops. To Athens bound
By mutual hospitality, he lov'd
That gen'rous city; now, by force compell'd,
He arms against her. But persuasive love,
The charms and virtues of a Grecian fair,
Will wake remembrance of his Grecian race,
To better counsels turn his youthful mind.
The clouded soul of Timon. Swift the youth,
In vigour issuing through the portal, mix'd
Among his native friends: a blithsome steer,
At op'ning dawn deliver'd from the stall,
Thus o'er the flow'ry pasture bounding, joins
The well-known herd. Mardonius him receiv'd,
Foe to Argestes, cordial to his son,
82
In nervous limbs excelling, like that bull
Who stemm'd the billows with his brawny chest,
Who on his back of silver whiteness bore
Europa's precious weight to Cretan strands,
Himself a god transform'd. New martial pow'rs
Are here from Hæmus, from Pangæan snows.
A Greek in lineage, Alexander here,
Young sov'reign o'er Barbarians, leads to war
His Macedonian troops. To Athens bound
By mutual hospitality, he lov'd
That gen'rous city; now, by force compell'd,
He arms against her. But persuasive love,
The charms and virtues of a Grecian fair,
Will wake remembrance of his Grecian race,
To better counsels turn his youthful mind.
That Asia's king was now advanc'd to Thebes,
Intelligence is brought; this known, a steed
Of swiftest pace Mardonius mounts; command
To Tiridates delegates—Thy force
Extend o'er Locris, o'er the Phocian bounds,
Our conquests new. This giv'n in charge, he speeds,
With no companion but Argestes' son,
Nor other guard than fifty horsemen light,
To greet the king. The second morning shews
Cadmean Thebes, whose citadel was rais'd
By stones descending from Cithæron's hill
Spontaneous, feign'd in fables to assume
A due arrangement in their mural bed
At sweet Amphion's lute; but truth records,
That savage breasts by eloquence he tam'd,
By his instructions humaniz'd, they felt
The harmony of laws and social ties.
To him succeeded stern Agenor's son,
Phœnician Cadmus, he who letters brought
From Tyre to Greece; yet ignorance o'erwhelm'd
His generation; barbarous of heart,
Obtuse of mind they grew; the suries there,
There parricide and incest reign'd of old,
Impiety and horror: more debas'd,
They now for gold their liberty exchange;
They court a tyrant, whose Barbaric host
Flames round their bulwarks, harrows up their plain,
Lays waste their plenty, drinks Asopus dry,
Their swift Ismenus, and Dircæan spring.
Intelligence is brought; this known, a steed
Of swiftest pace Mardonius mounts; command
83
Extend o'er Locris, o'er the Phocian bounds,
Our conquests new. This giv'n in charge, he speeds,
With no companion but Argestes' son,
Nor other guard than fifty horsemen light,
To greet the king. The second morning shews
Cadmean Thebes, whose citadel was rais'd
By stones descending from Cithæron's hill
Spontaneous, feign'd in fables to assume
A due arrangement in their mural bed
At sweet Amphion's lute; but truth records,
That savage breasts by eloquence he tam'd,
By his instructions humaniz'd, they felt
The harmony of laws and social ties.
To him succeeded stern Agenor's son,
Phœnician Cadmus, he who letters brought
From Tyre to Greece; yet ignorance o'erwhelm'd
His generation; barbarous of heart,
Obtuse of mind they grew; the suries there,
84
Impiety and horror: more debas'd,
They now for gold their liberty exchange;
They court a tyrant, whose Barbaric host
Flames round their bulwarks, harrows up their plain,
Lays waste their plenty, drinks Asopus dry,
Their swift Ismenus, and Dircæan spring.
End of the Third Book.
85
BOOK the Fourth.
The Persian host in readiness was held
Ere dawn; Aurora sees the signal given;
Now trumpets, clarions, timbrels mix their sounds;
Harsh dissonance of accents, in the shouts
Of nations gather'd from a hundred realms,
Distract the sky. The king his march renews
In all his state, collected to descend
Precipitate on Athens; like the bird
Of Jove, who rising to the utmost soar
Of his strong pinions, on the prey beneath
Directs his pond'rous fall. Five thousand horse,
Caparison'd in streak'd or spotted skins
Of tygers, pards, and panthers, form'd the van;
In quilted vests of cotton, azure dyed,
With silver spangles deck'd, the tawny youth
Of Indus rode; white quivers loosely cross'd
Their shoulders; not ungraceful in their hands
Were bows of glist'ning cane; the ostrich lent
His snowy plumage to the tissued gold
Which bound their temples. Next a thousand steeds
Of sable hue on argent trappings bore
A thousand Persians, all select; in gold,
Shap'd as pomegranates, rose their steely points
Above the truncheons; gilded were the shields,
Of silver'd scales the corselets; wrought with gems
Of price, high-plum'd tiaras danc'd in light.
In equal number, in resembling guise,
A squadron follow'd; save their mail was gold,
And thick with beryls edg'd their silver shields.
Ere dawn; Aurora sees the signal given;
Now trumpets, clarions, timbrels mix their sounds;
Harsh dissonance of accents, in the shouts
Of nations gather'd from a hundred realms,
Distract the sky. The king his march renews
In all his state, collected to descend
Precipitate on Athens; like the bird
Of Jove, who rising to the utmost soar
Of his strong pinions, on the prey beneath
86
Caparison'd in streak'd or spotted skins
Of tygers, pards, and panthers, form'd the van;
In quilted vests of cotton, azure dyed,
With silver spangles deck'd, the tawny youth
Of Indus rode; white quivers loosely cross'd
Their shoulders; not ungraceful in their hands
Were bows of glist'ning cane; the ostrich lent
His snowy plumage to the tissued gold
Which bound their temples. Next a thousand steeds
Of sable hue on argent trappings bore
A thousand Persians, all select; in gold,
Shap'd as pomegranates, rose their steely points
Above the truncheons; gilded were the shields,
Of silver'd scales the corselets; wrought with gems
Of price, high-plum'd tiaras danc'd in light.
In equal number, in resembling guise,
A squadron follow'd; save their mail was gold,
And thick with beryls edg'd their silver shields.
87
In order next the Magi solemn trod.
Pre-eminent was Mirzes; snowy white
Their vestments flow'd, majestically pure,
Rejecting splendour; hymning as they mov'd,
They sung of Cyrus, glorious in his rule
O'er Sardis rich, and Babylon the proud;
Cambyses victor of Ægyptian Nile,
Darius fortune-thron'd; but flatt'ry tun'd
Their swelling voice to magnify his son,
The living monarch, whose stupendous piles
Combin'd the Orient and Hesperian worlds,
Who pierc'd mount Athos, and o'erpower'd in sight
Leonidas of Sparta. Then succeed
Ten coursers whiter than their native snows
On wintry Media's fields; Nicæan breed,
In shape to want no trappings, none they wore
To veil their beauty; docile they by chords
Of silk were led, the consecrated steeds
Of Horomazes, Sacred too a car,
Constructed new of spoils from Grecian fanes,
In splendour dazzling as the noontide throne
Of cloudless Mithra, follow'd; link'd in reins,
In traces brilliant overlaid with gems,
Eight horses more of that surpassing race
The precious burden drew; the drivers walk'd,
None might ascend th' inviolable seat;
On either side five hundred nobles march'd
Uncover'd. Now th' imperial standard wav'd;
Of Sanders wood the pedestal, inscrib'd
With characters of magic, which the charms
Of Indian wizards wrought in orient pearl,
Vain talisman of safety, was upheld
By twelve illustrious youths of Persian blood.
Then came the king; in majesty of form,
In beauty first of men, as first in pow'r,
Contemplating the glory from his throne
Diffus'd to millions round, himself he deem'd
Not less than Mithra who illumes the world.
The sons of satraps with inverted spears
His chariot wheels attend; in state their sires,
The potentates of Asia, rode behind;
Mardonius absent, of the gorgeous train
Argestes tower'd the foremost; following march'd
A square battalion of a thousand spears,
By Mithridates led, his eldest born;
Him the lascivious father had depriv'd
Of Amarantha; dangerous the flames
Of vengeance darted from his youthful eye.
Th' immortal guard succeeded; in their van
Masistius, paragon of Asia's peers,
In beauteous figure second to the king,
Among the brave pre-eminent, more good
Than brave or beauteous; to Mardonius dear,
His counsellor and friend, in Xerxes' court
Left by that gen'ral, while in Thrace remote,
To counterpoise Argestes. Tried in arms,
In manners soft, though fearless on the plain,
Of tend'rest feelings, Mindarus, to love
A destin'd captive, near Masistius rank'd;
Ariobarzanes next, whose barb'rous mien
Exemplified his fierceness. Last of horse,
With Midias, pow'rful satrap, at their head,
A chosen myriad clos'd the long array.
From these were kept three hundred paces void;
Promiscuous nations held their distant march
Beyond that limit; numberless they roll'd,
In tumult like the fluctuating sands,
Disturb'd and buoyant on the whirling breath
Of hurricanes, which rend the Libyan wastes.
Pre-eminent was Mirzes; snowy white
Their vestments flow'd, majestically pure,
Rejecting splendour; hymning as they mov'd,
They sung of Cyrus, glorious in his rule
O'er Sardis rich, and Babylon the proud;
Cambyses victor of Ægyptian Nile,
Darius fortune-thron'd; but flatt'ry tun'd
Their swelling voice to magnify his son,
The living monarch, whose stupendous piles
Combin'd the Orient and Hesperian worlds,
Who pierc'd mount Athos, and o'erpower'd in sight
Leonidas of Sparta. Then succeed
Ten coursers whiter than their native snows
On wintry Media's fields; Nicæan breed,
In shape to want no trappings, none they wore
To veil their beauty; docile they by chords
Of silk were led, the consecrated steeds
Of Horomazes, Sacred too a car,
88
In splendour dazzling as the noontide throne
Of cloudless Mithra, follow'd; link'd in reins,
In traces brilliant overlaid with gems,
Eight horses more of that surpassing race
The precious burden drew; the drivers walk'd,
None might ascend th' inviolable seat;
On either side five hundred nobles march'd
Uncover'd. Now th' imperial standard wav'd;
Of Sanders wood the pedestal, inscrib'd
With characters of magic, which the charms
Of Indian wizards wrought in orient pearl,
Vain talisman of safety, was upheld
By twelve illustrious youths of Persian blood.
Then came the king; in majesty of form,
In beauty first of men, as first in pow'r,
Contemplating the glory from his throne
Diffus'd to millions round, himself he deem'd
Not less than Mithra who illumes the world.
89
His chariot wheels attend; in state their sires,
The potentates of Asia, rode behind;
Mardonius absent, of the gorgeous train
Argestes tower'd the foremost; following march'd
A square battalion of a thousand spears,
By Mithridates led, his eldest born;
Him the lascivious father had depriv'd
Of Amarantha; dangerous the flames
Of vengeance darted from his youthful eye.
Th' immortal guard succeeded; in their van
Masistius, paragon of Asia's peers,
In beauteous figure second to the king,
Among the brave pre-eminent, more good
Than brave or beauteous; to Mardonius dear,
His counsellor and friend, in Xerxes' court
Left by that gen'ral, while in Thrace remote,
To counterpoise Argestes. Tried in arms,
In manners soft, though fearless on the plain,
90
A destin'd captive, near Masistius rank'd;
Ariobarzanes next, whose barb'rous mien
Exemplified his fierceness. Last of horse,
With Midias, pow'rful satrap, at their head,
A chosen myriad clos'd the long array.
From these were kept three hundred paces void;
Promiscuous nations held their distant march
Beyond that limit; numberless they roll'd,
In tumult like the fluctuating sands,
Disturb'd and buoyant on the whirling breath
Of hurricanes, which rend the Libyan wastes.
To Thebes descending, soon Mardonius learn'd
That pioneers, with multitudes light-arm'd,
Detach'd before the army, bent their course
To Athens. On he speeds, rejecting food,
Disdaining rest; till midnight Cynthia shews
A vaulted hollow in a mountain's side;
There in his clanging arms Mardonius throws
His limbs for slight refreshment; by him lies
Argestes' son; to pasture springing nigh,
The troop dismiss'd their steeds, and slept around.
That pioneers, with multitudes light-arm'd,
Detach'd before the army, bent their course
To Athens. On he speeds, rejecting food,
Disdaining rest; till midnight Cynthia shews
A vaulted hollow in a mountain's side;
91
His limbs for slight refreshment; by him lies
Argestes' son; to pasture springing nigh,
The troop dismiss'd their steeds, and slept around.
To superstition prone from early age
Was Gobryas' son; o'erheated now by toil,
Yet more by thirst unsated of renown,
His soul partakes not with her wearied clay
In sleep repose; the cavern to her view
Appears in vast dimension to enlarge,
The sides retire, th' ascending roof expands,
All chang'd to crystal, where pellucid walls
Expose to sight the universe around.
Thus did a dream invade the mighty breast
Of that long matchless conqueror, who gave
Italia's clime a spoil to Punic Mars,
When on the margin of Iberus lay
The slumb'ring chief, and eagerly to birth
The vast conception of his pregnant mind
Was struggling. Now Mardonius to himself
Seems roving o'er the metamorphos'd cave;
Orbicular above, an op'ning broad
Admits a flood of light, and gentlest breath
Of odorif'rous winds; amid the blaze,
Full on the center of a pavement, spread
Beyond whate'er portentous Ægypt saw
In Thebes or Memphis, Fame, presiding there,
Gigantic shape, an amethyst entire,
Sits on a throne of adamant. On strength
Of pillars, each a topaz, leans the dome;
The silver pavement's intervening space
Between the circling colonnade and wall
With pedestals of diamond is fill'd;
The crystal circuit is comparted all
In niches verg'd with rubies. From that scene
The gloom of night for ever to expel,
Imagination's wanton skill in chains
Of pearl throughout the visionary hall
Suspends carbuncles, gems of native light,
Emitting splendour, such as tales portray,
Where Fancy, winning sorceress, deludes
Th' enchanted mind, rejecting reason's clue,
To wander wild through fiction's pleasing maze.
The oriental hero in his dream
Feels wonder waking; at his presence life
Pervades the statue; Fame, slow-rising, sounds
Her trumpet loud; a hundred golden gates
Spontaneous fly abroad; the shapes divine,
In ev'ry age, in ev'ry climate sprung,
Of all the worthies since recorded time,
Ascend the lucid hall. Again she sounds
A measure sweeter than the Dorian flute
Of Pan, or lyre of Phœbus; each assumes
His place allotted, there transform'd is fix'd
An adamantine statue; yet unfill'd
One niche remains. To Asia's gazing chief
The goddess then: That vacancy for thee,
Illustrious son of Gobryas, I reserve.
Was Gobryas' son; o'erheated now by toil,
Yet more by thirst unsated of renown,
His soul partakes not with her wearied clay
In sleep repose; the cavern to her view
Appears in vast dimension to enlarge,
The sides retire, th' ascending roof expands,
All chang'd to crystal, where pellucid walls
Expose to sight the universe around.
Thus did a dream invade the mighty breast
Of that long matchless conqueror, who gave
Italia's clime a spoil to Punic Mars,
When on the margin of Iberus lay
The slumb'ring chief, and eagerly to birth
92
Was struggling. Now Mardonius to himself
Seems roving o'er the metamorphos'd cave;
Orbicular above, an op'ning broad
Admits a flood of light, and gentlest breath
Of odorif'rous winds; amid the blaze,
Full on the center of a pavement, spread
Beyond whate'er portentous Ægypt saw
In Thebes or Memphis, Fame, presiding there,
Gigantic shape, an amethyst entire,
Sits on a throne of adamant. On strength
Of pillars, each a topaz, leans the dome;
The silver pavement's intervening space
Between the circling colonnade and wall
With pedestals of diamond is fill'd;
The crystal circuit is comparted all
In niches verg'd with rubies. From that scene
The gloom of night for ever to expel,
Imagination's wanton skill in chains
93
Suspends carbuncles, gems of native light,
Emitting splendour, such as tales portray,
Where Fancy, winning sorceress, deludes
Th' enchanted mind, rejecting reason's clue,
To wander wild through fiction's pleasing maze.
The oriental hero in his dream
Feels wonder waking; at his presence life
Pervades the statue; Fame, slow-rising, sounds
Her trumpet loud; a hundred golden gates
Spontaneous fly abroad; the shapes divine,
In ev'ry age, in ev'ry climate sprung,
Of all the worthies since recorded time,
Ascend the lucid hall. Again she sounds
A measure sweeter than the Dorian flute
Of Pan, or lyre of Phœbus; each assumes
His place allotted, there transform'd is fix'd
An adamantine statue; yet unfill'd
One niche remains. To Asia's gazing chief
94
Illustrious son of Gobryas, I reserve.
He thus exults: Bright being, dost thou grant
To Persia triumphs through my conqu'ring spear?
To Persia triumphs through my conqu'ring spear?
He said: that moment through the sever'd earth
She sinks; the spacious fabric is dissolv'd;
When he, upstarting in the narrow cave,
Delivers quick these accents: Be renown
My lot! O Fortune, unconcern'd I leave
The rest to thee. Thus dauntless, ere his sleep
Was quite dispers'd; but waken'd soon he feels
Th' imperfect vision heavy on his mind
In dubious gloom; then lightly with his foot
Moves Artamanes; up he springs; the troop
Prepare the steeds; all mount; Aurora dawns.
She sinks; the spacious fabric is dissolv'd;
When he, upstarting in the narrow cave,
Delivers quick these accents: Be renown
My lot! O Fortune, unconcern'd I leave
The rest to thee. Thus dauntless, ere his sleep
Was quite dispers'd; but waken'd soon he feels
Th' imperfect vision heavy on his mind
In dubious gloom; then lightly with his foot
Moves Artamanes; up he springs; the troop
Prepare the steeds; all mount; Aurora dawns.
The swift forerunners of th' imperial camp
Ere long Mardonius joins, where Athens lifts
Her tow'rs in prospect. Unexpected seen,
Their mighty chief with gen'ral, cordial shouts
They greet; their multitude, their transport, clear
His heart from trouble. Soon Barbarian throngs
With shading standards through Cephissus wade,
Who, had his fam'd divinity been true,
His shallow stream in torrents would have swoln
Awhile, to save the capital of Greece,
Superb in structure, long-disputed prize
Between Minerva and the god of seas,
Of eloquence the parent, source of arts,
Fair seat of freedom! Open are the gates,
The dwellings mute, all desolate the streets,
Save that domestic animals forlorn,
In cries awak'ning pity, seem to call
Their masters home; while shrieking beaks of prey,
Or birds obscene of night with heavy wings,
The melancholy solitude affright.
Ere long Mardonius joins, where Athens lifts
95
Their mighty chief with gen'ral, cordial shouts
They greet; their multitude, their transport, clear
His heart from trouble. Soon Barbarian throngs
With shading standards through Cephissus wade,
Who, had his fam'd divinity been true,
His shallow stream in torrents would have swoln
Awhile, to save the capital of Greece,
Superb in structure, long-disputed prize
Between Minerva and the god of seas,
Of eloquence the parent, source of arts,
Fair seat of freedom! Open are the gates,
The dwellings mute, all desolate the streets,
Save that domestic animals forlorn,
In cries awak'ning pity, seem to call
Their masters home; while shrieking beaks of prey,
Or birds obscene of night with heavy wings,
The melancholy solitude affright.
96
Is this the city whose presumption dar'd
Invade the lord of Asia? sternly said
Mardonius ent'ring; whither now are fled
Th' audacious train, whose firebrands Sardis felt?
Where'er you lurk, Athenians, if in sight,
Soon shall you view your citadel in flames;
Or, if retreated to a distant land,
No distant land of refuge shall you find
Against avenging Xerxes: yet I swear
By Horomazes, if thy gallant race
Have sacrific'd their country to contend
With mightier efforts on a future day,
Them I will honour, though by honour forc'd
I must destroy. Companions, now advance;
Unnumber'd hands to overturn these walls
Employ; not Xerxes through a common gate
Shall enter Athens; lay the ruins smooth,
That this offending city may admit,
In all his state, her master with his host
In full array. His order is obey'd.
Invade the lord of Asia? sternly said
Mardonius ent'ring; whither now are fled
Th' audacious train, whose firebrands Sardis felt?
Where'er you lurk, Athenians, if in sight,
Soon shall you view your citadel in flames;
Or, if retreated to a distant land,
No distant land of refuge shall you find
Against avenging Xerxes: yet I swear
By Horomazes, if thy gallant race
Have sacrific'd their country to contend
With mightier efforts on a future day,
Them I will honour, though by honour forc'd
I must destroy. Companions, now advance;
Unnumber'd hands to overturn these walls
Employ; not Xerxes through a common gate
Shall enter Athens; lay the ruins smooth,
That this offending city may admit,
97
In full array. His order is obey'd.
Through smooth Ismenus, and Asopus clear,
The royal host in slow procession led,
Their first encampment on a district lodge,
Platæa's neighbour; that renown'd abode
Of noblest Greeks was desert. In his tent
The king by night requested audience grants
To Leontiades, that colleague base
Of Anaxander, traitor like himself
To Sparta's hero. Xerxes thus he warns:
The royal host in slow procession led,
Their first encampment on a district lodge,
Platæa's neighbour; that renown'd abode
Of noblest Greeks was desert. In his tent
The king by night requested audience grants
To Leontiades, that colleague base
Of Anaxander, traitor like himself
To Sparta's hero. Xerxes thus he warns:
Now be the king reminded of the rage
Against his father, which Platæa bore
At Marathon; that recently she brav'd
Himself in Oeta's pass; nor Thespia fought
With less distinguish'd rancour: be inform'd,
The first is near, the other not remote;
Thy vengeance both deserve. Destroy their fields,
Consume their dwellings; thy o'erflowing camp
May spare a large detachment; I will go
Their willing guide. Masistius present spake:
Against his father, which Platæa bore
At Marathon; that recently she brav'd
Himself in Oeta's pass; nor Thespia fought
With less distinguish'd rancour: be inform'd,
The first is near, the other not remote;
Thy vengeance both deserve. Destroy their fields,
98
May spare a large detachment; I will go
Their willing guide. Masistius present spake:
O monarch, live for ever in the hearts
Of conquer'd nations, as of subjects born;
Associate clemency with pow'r, and all
Must yield obedience: thou art master here,
Treat thy new vassals kindly.—In a frown
Argestes: Shall the king with kindness treat
Invet'rate foes and zealous friends alike?
Shall undeserving Thespians, shall the race
Of fell Platæa, unprovok'd who stain'd,
On Attic fields, her spear with Persian blood,
To help detested Athens, shall they share
The clemency of Xerxes, in despite
Of this our Theban host, who faithful gives
Such wholesome counsel? Sov'reign, when I brought
Thy condescension late to Sparta's king,
Among the grim assembly in his tent
Diomedon, Demophilus, I saw,
With Dithyrambus, men preferring death
To amity with thee, commanders all
Of these malignant cities.—Xerxes here:
Of conquer'd nations, as of subjects born;
Associate clemency with pow'r, and all
Must yield obedience: thou art master here,
Treat thy new vassals kindly.—In a frown
Argestes: Shall the king with kindness treat
Invet'rate foes and zealous friends alike?
Shall undeserving Thespians, shall the race
Of fell Platæa, unprovok'd who stain'd,
On Attic fields, her spear with Persian blood,
To help detested Athens, shall they share
The clemency of Xerxes, in despite
Of this our Theban host, who faithful gives
Such wholesome counsel? Sov'reign, when I brought
Thy condescension late to Sparta's king,
99
Diomedon, Demophilus, I saw,
With Dithyrambus, men preferring death
To amity with thee, commanders all
Of these malignant cities.—Xerxes here:
Approving, Leontiades, thy words
I hear; Masistius, thee my servant loves,
Mardonius, always victor in my name;
Yet learn at last, O satrap! who dost wear
The fullest honours, to partake with me,
What I inherit from Darius, hate
Inflexible, inexpiable hate
To Athens, hate to her confed'rates all.
Go, Theban, chuse what nations of our host
Thou dost prefer; thyself appoint their chief.
I hear; Masistius, thee my servant loves,
Mardonius, always victor in my name;
Yet learn at last, O satrap! who dost wear
The fullest honours, to partake with me,
What I inherit from Darius, hate
Inflexible, inexpiable hate
To Athens, hate to her confed'rates all.
Go, Theban, chuse what nations of our host
Thou dost prefer; thyself appoint their chief.
I chuse the Caspians, Sacians; name for chief
Brave Mithridates, great Argestes' heir,
Rejoins the traitor. These ferocious most
He best approv'd, and Mithridates chose,
Among the youth most vigorous and fell
In acts of blood. To hear Mardonius prais'd,
Argestes, dreading his return, conceiv'd
A pain, yet temper'd by a secret joy
He felt arise; who, rival of his son,
Long wish'd him distant from the guarded roof
Where Timon's daughter was confin'd. Dismiss'd
To rest, all separate. They renew their march
By day-spring; Leontiades, to wreak
On hapless Thespia and Platæa's walls
The hate implacable of Thebes; the king,
With equal rage, to spoil Minerva's reign.
Brave Mithridates, great Argestes' heir,
100
He best approv'd, and Mithridates chose,
Among the youth most vigorous and fell
In acts of blood. To hear Mardonius prais'd,
Argestes, dreading his return, conceiv'd
A pain, yet temper'd by a secret joy
He felt arise; who, rival of his son,
Long wish'd him distant from the guarded roof
Where Timon's daughter was confin'd. Dismiss'd
To rest, all separate. They renew their march
By day-spring; Leontiades, to wreak
On hapless Thespia and Platæa's walls
The hate implacable of Thebes; the king,
With equal rage, to spoil Minerva's reign.
Her olive groves now Attica disclos'd,
The fields where Ceres first her gifts bestow'd,
The rocks whose marble crevices the bees
With sweetness stor'd; unparallel'd in art
Rose structures, growing on the stranger's eye,
Where'er it roam'd delighted. On like Death,
From his pale courser scatt'ring waste around,
The regal homicide of nations pass'd,
Unchaining all the furies of revenge
On this devoted country. Near the banks
Of desolate Cephissus halting sat
The king; retarding night's affrighted steeds,
The conflagration wide of crumbling tow'rs,
Of ruin'd temples, of the crackling groves,
Of villages and towns, he thence enjoy'd,
Thence on the manes of Darius call'd:
The fields where Ceres first her gifts bestow'd,
The rocks whose marble crevices the bees
With sweetness stor'd; unparallel'd in art
101
Where'er it roam'd delighted. On like Death,
From his pale courser scatt'ring waste around,
The regal homicide of nations pass'd,
Unchaining all the furies of revenge
On this devoted country. Near the banks
Of desolate Cephissus halting sat
The king; retarding night's affrighted steeds,
The conflagration wide of crumbling tow'rs,
Of ruin'd temples, of the crackling groves,
Of villages and towns, he thence enjoy'd,
Thence on the manes of Darius call'd:
Son of Hystaspes! if the dead can heat,
Thou didst command thy servants to remind
Thy anger daily of th' Athenian race,
Who insolently plough'd the eastern waves,
Thy shores affronted with their hostile beaks,
And burnt thy town of Sardis; at my call,
Ghost of my father! lift thy awful brow;
Rememb'ring now th' Athenians, see thy son
On their presumptuous heads retaliate flames:
Depriv'd of burial, shall their bodies leave
Pale spectres here to wail their city fall'n,
And wander through its ruins.—Closing here
His barb'rous lips, the tyrant sought his couch.
Thy summits now, Pentelicus, and thine,
Haunt of sonorous bees, Hymettus sweet!
Are ting'd with orient light. The Persian host
Renew their progress; Athens soon receives
Their floating banners and extended ranks
Smooth o'er the fosse, by mural ruins fill'd.
As from a course of ravage, in her den
Of high Cithæron plung'd the monster Sphinx
Her multifarious form, preparing still
For havoc new her fangs and talons dire;
Till her enigma Laius' son resolv'd,
Whence desperation cast her headlong down
The rocky steep; so, after thy carcer
Of devastation, Xerxes, rest awhile
Secure in Athens, meditating there
Fresh woes to men. Than Oedipus more wise,
Th' interpreter of oracles is nigh;
Soon will the son of Neocles expel
Thee from thy hold, by policy too deep
For thy barbarian council to explore.
Thou didst command thy servants to remind
Thy anger daily of th' Athenian race,
Who insolently plough'd the eastern waves,
Thy shores affronted with their hostile beaks,
And burnt thy town of Sardis; at my call,
102
Rememb'ring now th' Athenians, see thy son
On their presumptuous heads retaliate flames:
Depriv'd of burial, shall their bodies leave
Pale spectres here to wail their city fall'n,
And wander through its ruins.—Closing here
His barb'rous lips, the tyrant sought his couch.
Thy summits now, Pentelicus, and thine,
Haunt of sonorous bees, Hymettus sweet!
Are ting'd with orient light. The Persian host
Renew their progress; Athens soon receives
Their floating banners and extended ranks
Smooth o'er the fosse, by mural ruins fill'd.
As from a course of ravage, in her den
Of high Cithæron plung'd the monster Sphinx
Her multifarious form, preparing still
For havoc new her fangs and talons dire;
Till her enigma Laius' son resolv'd,
Whence desperation cast her headlong down
103
Of devastation, Xerxes, rest awhile
Secure in Athens, meditating there
Fresh woes to men. Than Oedipus more wise,
Th' interpreter of oracles is nigh;
Soon will the son of Neocles expel
Thee from thy hold, by policy too deep
For thy barbarian council to explore.
Before the Prytanæum stops the car.
Now savage bands inclose that rev'rend seat
Of judgment; there Mardonius waits. The king,
Pleas'd with his care, salutes him: Thou hast long
Sweat under harness in th' eternal snows
Of Macedon and Thracia, hast my name
There dress'd in ample trophies; but thy speed,
Preventing my arrival, is unknown
To wings of eagles, or the feet of stags.
Now savage bands inclose that rev'rend seat
Of judgment; there Mardonius waits. The king,
Pleas'd with his care, salutes him: Thou hast long
Sweat under harness in th' eternal snows
Of Macedon and Thracia, hast my name
There dress'd in ample trophies; but thy speed,
Preventing my arrival, is unknown
To wings of eagles, or the feet of stags.
104
Mardonius answers: Ever live the king
To find his servant's zeal outstrip in speed
The swiftest eagle, or the fleetest stag!
Descend, thou lord of Athens! destin'd soon
To universal sway.—They climb the steps;
Alone Argestes follows. In the hall
These words of high import Mardonius spake:
To find his servant's zeal outstrip in speed
The swiftest eagle, or the fleetest stag!
Descend, thou lord of Athens! destin'd soon
To universal sway.—They climb the steps;
Alone Argestes follows. In the hall
These words of high import Mardonius spake:
My liege, the season calls for quick resolves;
By thee entrusted with supreme command,
When thou art absent, to Phaleron's port,
Late arsenal of Athens, all the ships
I order'd from Eubœa; they below
Lie well equipp'd and shelter'd, nor remote
The whole united armament of Greece
At Salamis. With Ariabignes great,
Thy royal brother, and for merit nam'd
Thy ruling admiral, the kings of Tyre,
Of Sidon, Caria's princess, and the rest,
I held a council; they concurr'd to fight,
And by one effort terminate the war,
All but the queen, from whose ingenuous mouth
Will I, though differing, faithfully relate
Each argument, each word—‘Mardonius, tell
‘The king,’ she said, ‘what peril I foresee
‘From this attempt; his ships defeated leave
‘His host endanger'd; ever bold, the Greeks
‘Are desp'rate now; the want of sustenance
‘Will soon disperse them to their sev'ral homes;
‘The sea's entire dominion to the king
‘Will then be left; whole armies then embark'd
‘Through inlets free may pour on Pelops' Isle,
‘Whose coast I newly have explor'd with care.
‘Mardonius, thou art eager; do not trust
‘In multitude; full many in the fleet
‘Are false, are cowards. Let our sov'reign shun
‘Precipitation; short delay at least
‘Is safe; a naval combat lost, is bane.’
By thee entrusted with supreme command,
When thou art absent, to Phaleron's port,
Late arsenal of Athens, all the ships
I order'd from Eubœa; they below
Lie well equipp'd and shelter'd, nor remote
The whole united armament of Greece
At Salamis. With Ariabignes great,
Thy royal brother, and for merit nam'd
Thy ruling admiral, the kings of Tyre,
Of Sidon, Caria's princess, and the rest,
105
And by one effort terminate the war,
All but the queen, from whose ingenuous mouth
Will I, though differing, faithfully relate
Each argument, each word—‘Mardonius, tell
‘The king,’ she said, ‘what peril I foresee
‘From this attempt; his ships defeated leave
‘His host endanger'd; ever bold, the Greeks
‘Are desp'rate now; the want of sustenance
‘Will soon disperse them to their sev'ral homes;
‘The sea's entire dominion to the king
‘Will then be left; whole armies then embark'd
‘Through inlets free may pour on Pelops' Isle,
‘Whose coast I newly have explor'd with care.
‘Mardonius, thou art eager; do not trust
‘In multitude; full many in the fleet
‘Are false, are cowards. Let our sov'reign shun
‘Precipitation; short delay at least
‘Is safe; a naval combat lost, is bane.’
106
A greater bane delay, Argestes here;
Who reading artful in the royal eye
Determination for a naval fight,
His malice thus on Artemisia vents:
Who reading artful in the royal eye
Determination for a naval fight,
His malice thus on Artemisia vents:
My liege forgets that Caria's queen derives
Her blood from Grecian fountains; is it strange
She should confine thy formidable hand,
And so preserve her kindred?—Stern the king:
Her blood from Grecian fountains; is it strange
She should confine thy formidable hand,
And so preserve her kindred?—Stern the king:
Though I reject her counsel to forbear
The fight, none better will that fight sustain
Than she, whose zeal, fidelity approv'd,
And valour, none can equal but the son
Of Gobryas. Go, Mardonius, see the fleet
Prepar'd by morning; let Argestes burn
The citadel and temples; I confer
On him that office.—Utt'ring this, he turn'd
Apart; forlorn Argestes hence presag'd
Decline of regal favour, cent'ring all
In Gobrya's son, who fiercely thus pursued:
The fight, none better will that fight sustain
Than she, whose zeal, fidelity approv'd,
And valour, none can equal but the son
Of Gobryas. Go, Mardonius, see the fleet
Prepar'd by morning; let Argestes burn
The citadel and temples; I confer
On him that office.—Utt'ring this, he turn'd
Apart; forlorn Argestes hence presag'd
107
In Gobrya's son, who fiercely thus pursued:
Thou hear'st the king; now hear a soldier's tone:
Of old I know thee slanderer of worth;
And I, distinguish'd by a late success,
To envious eyes no welcome guest return.
Thou canst traduce the absent, whom thy tongue
Would flatter present. Not in Susa's court,
Amid the soft security of peace,
We languish now; great Xerxes on the stage
Of glorious war, amid the din of arms,
Can hear thy coz'ning artifice no more.
Oh that he ne'er had listen'd! Asia's lord,
When to a Tyrian trafficker demean'd,
He barter'd for his glory. By my sword,
Leonidas, preferring fame to sway
O'er proffer'd Greece, was noble! What thy part,
Who tamely proff'ring wast with scorn dismiss'd?
Go, burn the fanes! Destruction is thy joy.
Of old I know thee slanderer of worth;
And I, distinguish'd by a late success,
To envious eyes no welcome guest return.
Thou canst traduce the absent, whom thy tongue
Would flatter present. Not in Susa's court,
Amid the soft security of peace,
We languish now; great Xerxes on the stage
Of glorious war, amid the din of arms,
Can hear thy coz'ning artifice no more.
Oh that he ne'er had listen'd! Asia's lord,
When to a Tyrian trafficker demean'd,
He barter'd for his glory. By my sword,
Leonidas, preferring fame to sway
O'er proffer'd Greece, was noble! What thy part,
Who tamely proff'ring wast with scorn dismiss'd?
Go, burn the fanes! Destruction is thy joy.
108
He said, departing swiftly; on his way
Meets Artamanes, meritorious youth,
Who, not resembling an unworthy sire,
Had fix'd th' esteem of that illustrious man.
To him Mardonius: Brave Autarctus greet
In words like these—Exalted to the bed
Of bright Sandauce, sister of thy king,
Now is the season to approve thy worth.
Collect ten thousand warriors on the strand
Which faces Salamis; an island near,
Psyttalia nam'd, possess; ere long the foes
Against her craggy border may be driven;
Let spoils and captives signalize thy zeal.
Thou, Artamanes, must attend him there,
Nor let me want intelligence. Farewel!
Meets Artamanes, meritorious youth,
Who, not resembling an unworthy sire,
Had fix'd th' esteem of that illustrious man.
To him Mardonius: Brave Autarctus greet
In words like these—Exalted to the bed
Of bright Sandauce, sister of thy king,
Now is the season to approve thy worth.
Collect ten thousand warriors on the strand
Which faces Salamis; an island near,
Psyttalia nam'd, possess; ere long the foes
Against her craggy border may be driven;
Let spoils and captives signalize thy zeal.
Thou, Artamanes, must attend him there,
Nor let me want intelligence. Farewel!
This mandate giv'n, the active chief proceeds
With steps impatient to Phaleron's port.
With steps impatient to Phaleron's port.
End of the Fourth Book.
109
BOOK the Fifth.
The sun was set; Autarctus and his band,
In haste collected, through nocturnal shades
To small Psyttalia pass'd a narrow frith.
In haste collected, through nocturnal shades
To small Psyttalia pass'd a narrow frith.
As on a desert forest, where at night
A branching oak some traveller hath climb'd
To couch securely; if the trunk beset
By famish'd wolves in herd, who thirst for blood,
Pale morn discovers to his waking sight,
His hair in terrour bristles, pants his breast
In doubt of safety; thus Aurora shew'd
The unexpected gleam of Persian arms,
Which fill'd Psyttalia, while the Attic strand,
With numbers equal to its sandy stores
Was cover'd, and Phaleron's road with masts,
A floating forest, crowded like the pines,
Majestic daughters of the Pcntic woods.
Fair Athens burn'd in sight; embodied smoke
Rose mountainous, emitting pillar'd flames,
Whose umber'd light the newly-dawning sun
But half eclips'd. At intervals are heard
The hollow sound of columns prostrate laid,
The crash of levell'd walls, of sinking roofs
In massy ruin. Consternation cold
Benumbs the Greek spectators, all aghast
Except th' Athenians, whose unshaken minds
To this expected fate resign'd their homes
For independence. Gigantean rang'd
From ship to ship Despair; she drives ashore
The timid leaders, changing late resolves
For gen'rous combat into base retreat.
To seek the shelter of their native ports
They clamour loud; the admiral convenes
A council; him Themistocles address'd:
A branching oak some traveller hath climb'd
To couch securely; if the trunk beset
By famish'd wolves in herd, who thirst for blood,
Pale morn discovers to his waking sight,
His hair in terrour bristles, pants his breast
110
The unexpected gleam of Persian arms,
Which fill'd Psyttalia, while the Attic strand,
With numbers equal to its sandy stores
Was cover'd, and Phaleron's road with masts,
A floating forest, crowded like the pines,
Majestic daughters of the Pcntic woods.
Fair Athens burn'd in sight; embodied smoke
Rose mountainous, emitting pillar'd flames,
Whose umber'd light the newly-dawning sun
But half eclips'd. At intervals are heard
The hollow sound of columns prostrate laid,
The crash of levell'd walls, of sinking roofs
In massy ruin. Consternation cold
Benumbs the Greek spectators, all aghast
Except th' Athenians, whose unshaken minds
To this expected fate resign'd their homes
For independence. Gigantean rang'd
From ship to ship Despair; she drives ashore
111
For gen'rous combat into base retreat.
To seek the shelter of their native ports
They clamour loud; the admiral convenes
A council; him Themistocles address'd:
Now Eurybiades, to whose command
I voluntary yielded, from thy charge,
Not less for Athens than for gen'ral Greece,
I claim a righteous and heroic part,
The promis'd fight in these auspicious streights,
Which, rend'ring vain the multitude of foes,
Assure success. But separate this fleet,
A hundred openings may Barbarians chuse
To Pelops' region; not on ev'ry spot
An isthmian wall is plac'd. Depriv'd of all,
If to your succour we Athenians lose
All claim, ye Greeks, be valiant for yourselves!
See Attica in slames, the temples raz'd,
The tombs defac'd, the venerable dust
Of our forefathers scatter'd in the wind!
Would you avoid calamities like these,
To sound instruction lean; th' almighty gods
Wise counsels bless with prosperous events,
To its own folly wilful blindness leave.
I voluntary yielded, from thy charge,
Not less for Athens than for gen'ral Greece,
I claim a righteous and heroic part,
The promis'd fight in these auspicious streights,
Which, rend'ring vain the multitude of foes,
Assure success. But separate this fleet,
A hundred openings may Barbarians chuse
To Pelops' region; not on ev'ry spot
An isthmian wall is plac'd. Depriv'd of all,
If to your succour we Athenians lose
All claim, ye Greeks, be valiant for yourselves!
See Attica in slames, the temples raz'd,
112
Of our forefathers scatter'd in the wind!
Would you avoid calamities like these,
To sound instruction lean; th' almighty gods
Wise counsels bless with prosperous events,
To its own folly wilful blindness leave.
Proud Adimantus, on his birth elate,
The admiral of Corinth, envying long
Cecropia's name and pow'r, arose and spake:
The admiral of Corinth, envying long
Cecropia's name and pow'r, arose and spake:
For public safety when in council meet
Men who have countries, silence best becomes
Him who hath none; shall such presume to vote,
Too patient Spartan, nay to dictate here,
Who cannot tell us they possess a home?
For Attica in flames, her temples raz'd,
Her tombs disfigur'd, for th' ignoble dust
Of thy forefathers scatter'd in the wind,
Thou low-born son of Neocles, must Greece
Her welfare hazard on a single day,
Which, unsuccessful, endless ruin brings?
Men who have countries, silence best becomes
Him who hath none; shall such presume to vote,
Too patient Spartan, nay to dictate here,
Who cannot tell us they possess a home?
For Attica in flames, her temples raz'd,
Her tombs disfigur'd, for th' ignoble dust
Of thy forefathers scatter'd in the wind,
113
Her welfare hazard on a single day,
Which, unsuccessful, endless ruin brings?
Cleander heard, Trœzene's youthful chief;
Warm was his bosom, eloquent his tongue,
Strong-nerv'd his limbs, well exercis'd in arms;
Preventing thus Themistocles, he spake:
Warm was his bosom, eloquent his tongue,
Strong-nerv'd his limbs, well exercis'd in arms;
Preventing thus Themistocles, he spake:
Though blood, Corinthian, be of noblest dye,
Base-born the soul when folly is her sire.
Absurdity and malice no reply
Deserve from thee, Athenian! thee, more wise,
More valiant, more distinguish'd in thyself,
Than all the vaunted progeny of gods.
Did you not mourn, ye deities, to see
A nation, you created with their soil,
Forsake that ancient land? or not admire
Your greatest work, the conduct of that man,
Who such a race from such endearing homes,
Wives, husbands, elders, infants, maidens, youths,
In gen'rous quest of liberty could lead?
Do you not look indignant down to hear
Such venomous reproaches on his worth,
A wrong to Greece? Her saviour him I call,
As yet, I trust, his dictates will prevail.
Base-born the soul when folly is her sire.
Absurdity and malice no reply
Deserve from thee, Athenian! thee, more wise,
More valiant, more distinguish'd in thyself,
Than all the vaunted progeny of gods.
Did you not mourn, ye deities, to see
A nation, you created with their soil,
Forsake that ancient land? or not admire
Your greatest work, the conduct of that man,
114
Wives, husbands, elders, infants, maidens, youths,
In gen'rous quest of liberty could lead?
Do you not look indignant down to hear
Such venomous reproaches on his worth,
A wrong to Greece? Her saviour him I call,
As yet, I trust, his dictates will prevail.
While he declaim'd, Themistocles, who scorn'd
The insolent Corinthian, sat and scann'd
The looks of all; his penetrating sight
Could read the thoughts of men; the major part
He saw averse to battle, Sparta's chief
Uncertain, cold, and slow. Affecting here
Decisive looks, and scorn of more debate,
Thus brief he clos'd: Athenians still possess
A city buoyant on two hundred keels.
Thou, admiral of Sparta, frame thy choice;
Fight, and Athenians shall thy arm sustain;
Retreat, Athenians shall retreat to shores
Which bid them welcome, to Hesperian shores,
For them by ancient oracles reserv'd,
Safe from insulting foes, from false allies,
And Eleutherian Jove will bless their flight:
So said your own Leonidas, who died
For public welfare. You that glorious death
May render, Spartans, fruitless to yourselves.
The insolent Corinthian, sat and scann'd
The looks of all; his penetrating sight
Could read the thoughts of men; the major part
He saw averse to battle, Sparta's chief
Uncertain, cold, and slow. Affecting here
Decisive looks, and scorn of more debate,
Thus brief he clos'd: Athenians still possess
A city buoyant on two hundred keels.
Thou, admiral of Sparta, frame thy choice;
Fight, and Athenians shall thy arm sustain;
115
Which bid them welcome, to Hesperian shores,
For them by ancient oracles reserv'd,
Safe from insulting foes, from false allies,
And Eleutherian Jove will bless their flight:
So said your own Leonidas, who died
For public welfare. You that glorious death
May render, Spartans, fruitless to yourselves.
This said, he left the council; not to fly,
But with his wonted policy compel
The Greeks to battle. At a secret cove
He held in constant readiness a skiff,
In Persian colours mask'd; he there embark'd
The most entrusted of his household, charg'd
With these instructions: Now return my love,
Sicinus, born a Persian, of my house
Not as a slave long habitant, but friend,
My children's tutor, in my trust supreme.
To Xerxes' navy sail; accost her chief
In words like these—Themistocles, who leads
Athenian squadrons, is the monarch's friend,
Approv'd by this intelligence; the Greeks
In consternation shortly will resolve
To separate and fly; let Asia's fleet
Her numbers round in diligence extend,
Investing ev'ry passage; then, consus'd,
This whole confederated force of Greece
Will sooner yield than fight, and Xerxes close
At once so perilous a war.—He ceas'd.
But with his wonted policy compel
The Greeks to battle. At a secret cove
He held in constant readiness a skiff,
In Persian colours mask'd; he there embark'd
The most entrusted of his household, charg'd
With these instructions: Now return my love,
Sicinus, born a Persian, of my house
Not as a slave long habitant, but friend,
My children's tutor, in my trust supreme.
116
In words like these—Themistocles, who leads
Athenian squadrons, is the monarch's friend,
Approv'd by this intelligence; the Greeks
In consternation shortly will resolve
To separate and fly; let Asia's fleet
Her numbers round in diligence extend,
Investing ev'ry passage; then, consus'd,
This whole confederated force of Greece
Will sooner yield than fight, and Xerxes close
At once so perilous a war.—He ceas'd.
Meanwhile the council wasted precious hours,
Till Eurybiades at length alarm'd
Lest all th' Athenians should retreat incens'd,
Postpon'd the issue to th' ensuing day.
Till Eurybiades at length alarm'd
Lest all th' Athenians should retreat incens'd,
Postpon'd the issue to th' ensuing day.
Themistocles, retiring to his tent,
There found his wife; his stratagem on wings
Of execution, left his mind serene;
Relax'd in thought, he trifled with his boy,
Young child, who playful on the mother's lap,
Soon as of Xerxes earnest she enquir'd,
With frowning graces on his brow of down,
Clench'd fast his infant hands. The dame pursues:
There found his wife; his stratagem on wings
117
Relax'd in thought, he trifled with his boy,
Young child, who playful on the mother's lap,
Soon as of Xerxes earnest she enquir'd,
With frowning graces on his brow of down,
Clench'd fast his infant hands. The dame pursues:
O that the Greeks would emulate this child,
Clench fast their weapons, and confront the foe!
Did we abandon our paternal homes,
Our nuptial chambers, from the cradle snatch
Our helpless babes? Did tender maidens join
Unanimous the cry, ‘Embark, embark
‘For Salamis and freedom!’ to behold
The men debating (so the Attic wives
Are told) uncertain if to fight or serve?
Who are the cowards, rather traitors, say?
We will assail them, as the Trojan dames
Did Polymestor, royal thief, who broke
The holiest ties for gold.—Take comfort, love;
All shall be well, Themistocles replied.
Clench fast their weapons, and confront the foe!
Did we abandon our paternal homes,
Our nuptial chambers, from the cradle snatch
Our helpless babes? Did tender maidens join
Unanimous the cry, ‘Embark, embark
‘For Salamis and freedom!’ to behold
The men debating (so the Attic wives
Are told) uncertain if to fight or serve?
Who are the cowards, rather traitors, say?
We will assail them, as the Trojan dames
Did Polymestor, royal thief, who broke
118
All shall be well, Themistocles replied.
Yes, I in thee have comfort, she proceeds;
Thou canst devise some artifice to urge
Ev'n dastards on; Sicinus thou hast sent,
I ask not whither.—In a smile her lord:
Thou canst devise some artifice to urge
Ev'n dastards on; Sicinus thou hast sent,
I ask not whither.—In a smile her lord:
With thy permission, then, the gods remain
My confidents: to ease thee, I proclaim
This boy the first of Greeks; he governs thee,
Thou me, I Athens; who shall govern Greece,
As I am sure to circumvent the foes.
Retiring, seek the town; console the dames;
Thy husband never was so high in hope.
My confidents: to ease thee, I proclaim
This boy the first of Greeks; he governs thee,
Thou me, I Athens; who shall govern Greece,
As I am sure to circumvent the foes.
Retiring, seek the town; console the dames;
Thy husband never was so high in hope.
She pleas'd, departing, spake: To govern thee
Requires an art which never woman knew,
Nor man; most artful, thou controllest all,
Yet call'st, nay often seem'st, thyself controll'd.
Requires an art which never woman knew,
Nor man; most artful, thou controllest all,
Yet call'st, nay often seem'st, thyself controll'd.
119
She distant, thus he meditates alone:
True, when I seem controll'd by others most,
Then most assur'd my enterprize succeeds.
O lib'ral nature! science, arts acquir'd,
I little value; while thy light supplies
Profuse invention, let capricious chance
With obstacles and dangers gird me round,
I can surmount them all; nor peace, nor war,
Nor all the swift vicissitudes of time,
E'er gave emergency a birth too strong
For me to govern. On this crisis hangs
My future greatness; whether joy or grief
Shall close the term of being, none foreknow;
My penetrating spirit I will trust
Thus far prophetic; for a time, at least,
I will possess authority and pow'r
To fix a name enduring like the sun.
True, when I seem controll'd by others most,
Then most assur'd my enterprize succeeds.
O lib'ral nature! science, arts acquir'd,
I little value; while thy light supplies
Profuse invention, let capricious chance
With obstacles and dangers gird me round,
I can surmount them all; nor peace, nor war,
Nor all the swift vicissitudes of time,
E'er gave emergency a birth too strong
For me to govern. On this crisis hangs
My future greatness; whether joy or grief
Shall close the term of being, none foreknow;
My penetrating spirit I will trust
Thus far prophetic; for a time, at least,
I will possess authority and pow'r
To fix a name enduring like the sun.
Thus, in his own strong faculties secure,
To rest he tranquil sunk, and slept till dawn;
Then early rose. Advancing from the shore,
A manly figure he observes, the face
Wrapt in a mantle; as dividing clouds
Reveal th' unmuffled sun, the mantle cast
Aside discovers the majestic front
Of Aristides, who the silence breaks:
To rest he tranquil sunk, and slept till dawn;
120
A manly figure he observes, the face
Wrapt in a mantle; as dividing clouds
Reveal th' unmuffled sun, the mantle cast
Aside discovers the majestic front
Of Aristides, who the silence breaks:
Dissensions past, as puerile and vain,
Now to forget, and nobly strive who best
Shall serve his country, Aristides warns
His ancient foe Themistocles. I hear
Thou giv'st the best of councils, which the Greeks
Reject, through mean solicitude to fly;
Weak men! throughout these narrow seas the foe
Is station'd now, preventing all escape.
Now to forget, and nobly strive who best
Shall serve his country, Aristides warns
His ancient foe Themistocles. I hear
Thou giv'st the best of councils, which the Greeks
Reject, through mean solicitude to fly;
Weak men! throughout these narrow seas the foe
Is station'd now, preventing all escape.
Themistocles, though covetous of fame,
Though envying pow'r in others, was not bred
In horrid deserts, not with savage milk
Of tigers nurs'd, nor bore a ruthless heart.
Though envying pow'r in others, was not bred
In horrid deserts, not with savage milk
Of tigers nurs'd, nor bore a ruthless heart.
121
He thus replied: With gratitude this foe
Accepts thy welcome news, thy proffer'd aid,
Thy noble challenge; in this glorious race
Be all our strife each other to surpass.
First know my inmost secrets; if the streights
Are all invested with Barbarian ships,
The act is mine; of our intended flight
I through Sicinus have appris'd the foes;
Of his success thee messenger I hail.
Accepts thy welcome news, thy proffer'd aid,
Thy noble challenge; in this glorious race
Be all our strife each other to surpass.
First know my inmost secrets; if the streights
Are all invested with Barbarian ships,
The act is mine; of our intended flight
I through Sicinus have appris'd the foes;
Of his success thee messenger I hail.
The exile then: Such policy denotes
Themistocles; I praise, the Greeks have cause
To bless, thy conduct; teach me now what task
I can achieve; to labour, to advise
With thee commanding, solely to enjoy
The secret pleasure of preserving Greece,
Is my pursuit; the glory all be thine.
Themistocles; I praise, the Greeks have cause
To bless, thy conduct; teach me now what task
I can achieve; to labour, to advise
With thee commanding, solely to enjoy
The secret pleasure of preserving Greece,
Is my pursuit; the glory all be thine.
Before the council shew that honour'd face,
Rejoins the chief; report thy tidings there.
To preparation for immediate fight
Exhort; such notice they would slight in me,
In thee all men believe.—This said, they mov'd.
Rejoins the chief; report thy tidings there.
122
Exhort; such notice they would slight in me,
In thee all men believe.—This said, they mov'd.
Them on their way Myronides approach'd,
Xanthippus, Cimon, Æschylus, and all
The captains, fixing reverential eyes
On Aristides; this the wary son
Of Neocles remark'd; he gains the town
Of Salamis, the council there is met;
To them th' illustrious exile he presents,
At whose appearance all th' assembly rise,
Save Adimantus; fast by envy bound,
He sits morose; illib'ral then the word,
As Aristides was in act to speak,
Thus takes: Bœotia, Attica reduc'd,
The Dorians, Locrians, you already know;
To me this morn intelligence arriv'd,
That Thespia, that Platea were in flames,
All Phocis conquer'd; thus alone of Greece
The Isle of Pelops unsubdued remains.
For what is lost, ye Grecians, must we face
Such mightier numbers, while barbarian hate
Lurks in Psyttalia, watching for the wrecks
Of our defeated navy? Shall we pause
Now at the Isthmus with united force
To save a precious remnant? Landing there,
Your sailors turn to soldiers, oars to spears;
The only bulwark you have left, defend.
Xanthippus, Cimon, Æschylus, and all
The captains, fixing reverential eyes
On Aristides; this the wary son
Of Neocles remark'd; he gains the town
Of Salamis, the council there is met;
To them th' illustrious exile he presents,
At whose appearance all th' assembly rise,
Save Adimantus; fast by envy bound,
He sits morose; illib'ral then the word,
As Aristides was in act to speak,
Thus takes: Bœotia, Attica reduc'd,
The Dorians, Locrians, you already know;
To me this morn intelligence arriv'd,
That Thespia, that Platea were in flames,
123
The Isle of Pelops unsubdued remains.
For what is lost, ye Grecians, must we face
Such mightier numbers, while barbarian hate
Lurks in Psyttalia, watching for the wrecks
Of our defeated navy? Shall we pause
Now at the Isthmus with united force
To save a precious remnant? Landing there,
Your sailors turn to soldiers, oars to spears;
The only bulwark you have left, defend.
Then Aristides: Ignominious flight
Necessity forbids; Ægina's shore
Last night I left; from knowledge I report.
The hostile navy bars at either mouth
The narrow streight between Psyttalia's Isle
And Salamis, where lie your anchor'd ships.
But shall the Greeks be terrified? What more
Can they solicit of propitious heav'n,
Than such deluded enemies to face,
Who trust in numbers, yet provoke the fight
Where multitude is fruitless?—Closing here,
The unassuming exile straight retir'd.
Cleander ent'ring heard; while Corinth's chief,
Blind with malignity and pride, pursued:
Necessity forbids; Ægina's shore
Last night I left; from knowledge I report.
The hostile navy bars at either mouth
The narrow streight between Psyttalia's Isle
And Salamis, where lie your anchor'd ships.
But shall the Greeks be terrified? What more
Can they solicit of propitious heav'n,
124
Who trust in numbers, yet provoke the fight
Where multitude is fruitless?—Closing here,
The unassuming exile straight retir'd.
Cleander ent'ring heard; while Corinth's chief,
Blind with malignity and pride, pursued:
Her strength must Greece for Attica destroy'd
Waste on the credit of a single tongue,
From Athens banish'd? Swift Cleander spake:
Waste on the credit of a single tongue,
From Athens banish'd? Swift Cleander spake:
Is there in Greece who doubts that righteous tongue,
Save Adimantus? To suspect the truth
Of that illustrious exile, were to prove
Ourselves both false and timid. But enough
Of altercation; from the fleet I come,
The words of Aristides I confirm;
Prepare to fight; no passage have our ships
But through embattled foes.—The council rose.
Save Adimantus? To suspect the truth
Of that illustrious exile, were to prove
Ourselves both false and timid. But enough
Of altercation; from the fleet I come,
The words of Aristides I confirm;
Prepare to fight; no passage have our ships
But through embattled foes.—The council rose.
125
In this tremendous season, thronging round
Th' accomplish'd son of Neocles, their hopes
In his unerring conduct all repose.
Thus on Olympus round their father Jove
The deities collected, when the war
Of earth's gigantic offspring menac'd heav'n,
In his omnipotence of arm and mind
Confiding. Eurybiades supreme
In title, ev'ry leader speeds to act
What great Themistocles suggests; himself,
In all expedients copious, seeks his wife,
Whom he accosts, encircled where she stood
With Attic dames: Timothea, now rejoice!
The Greeks will fight; to-morrow's sun will give
A glorious day of liberty to Greece.
Assemble thou the women; let the dawn
Behold you spread the Salaminian beach;
In your selected ornaments attir'd,
As when superb processions to the gods
Your presence graces, with your children stand
Encompass'd; cull your fairest daughters, range
Them in the front; alluring be their dress,
Their beauties half discover'd, half conceal'd;
As when you practise on a lover's eye,
Through that soft portal to invade the heart;
So shall the faithful husband from his wife
Catch fire, the father from his blooming race,
The youthful warrior from the maid he loves:
Your looks will sharpen our vindictive swords.
Th' accomplish'd son of Neocles, their hopes
In his unerring conduct all repose.
Thus on Olympus round their father Jove
The deities collected, when the war
Of earth's gigantic offspring menac'd heav'n,
In his omnipotence of arm and mind
Confiding. Eurybiades supreme
In title, ev'ry leader speeds to act
What great Themistocles suggests; himself,
In all expedients copious, seeks his wife,
Whom he accosts, encircled where she stood
With Attic dames: Timothea, now rejoice!
The Greeks will fight; to-morrow's sun will give
A glorious day of liberty to Greece.
Assemble thou the women; let the dawn
Behold you spread the Salaminian beach;
In your selected ornaments attir'd,
As when superb processions to the gods
126
Encompass'd; cull your fairest daughters, range
Them in the front; alluring be their dress,
Their beauties half discover'd, half conceal'd;
As when you practise on a lover's eye,
Through that soft portal to invade the heart;
So shall the faithful husband from his wife
Catch fire, the father from his blooming race,
The youthful warrior from the maid he loves:
Your looks will sharpen our vindictive swords.
In all the grace of polish'd Athens thus
His charge pronouncing, with a kind embrace
He quits her bosom, nor th' encircling dames
Without respectful admonition leaves
To aid his consort. Grateful in itself
A task she soon begins, which pleases more
As pleasing him. A meadow fresh in green,
Between the sea-beat margin and the walls,
Which bore the island's celebrated name,
Extended large; there oft the Attic fair
In bevies met; Themistocles the ground
To them allotted, that communion soft,
Or pastime, sweetly cheating, might relieve
The sad remembrance of their native homes.
Here at Timothea's summons they conven'd
In multitude beyond the daisies, strewn
Thick o'er the verdure from the lap of spring,
When most profuse. The wives, the mothers here
Of present heroes, there in bud are seen
The future mothers of immortal sons,
Of Socrates, of Plato, who to birth
Had never sprung if Xerxes had prevail'd,
Or would have liv'd Barbarians. On a mount
Timothea plac'd, her graceful lips unclos'd:
His charge pronouncing, with a kind embrace
He quits her bosom, nor th' encircling dames
Without respectful admonition leaves
To aid his consort. Grateful in itself
A task she soon begins, which pleases more
As pleasing him. A meadow fresh in green,
Between the sea-beat margin and the walls,
127
Extended large; there oft the Attic fair
In bevies met; Themistocles the ground
To them allotted, that communion soft,
Or pastime, sweetly cheating, might relieve
The sad remembrance of their native homes.
Here at Timothea's summons they conven'd
In multitude beyond the daisies, strewn
Thick o'er the verdure from the lap of spring,
When most profuse. The wives, the mothers here
Of present heroes, there in bud are seen
The future mothers of immortal sons,
Of Socrates, of Plato, who to birth
Had never sprung if Xerxes had prevail'd,
Or would have liv'd Barbarians. On a mount
Timothea plac'd, her graceful lips unclos'd:
Ye wives, ye mothers, and ye fair betroth'd,
Your husbands, sons, and suitors claim that aid
You have to give, and never can so well.
A signal day of liberty to Greece
Expect to-morrow; of the glorious scene
Become spectators; in a bridal dress,
Ye wives, encompass'd with your tender babes,
Ye rev'rend matrons in your sumptuous robes,
As when superb processions to the gods
Your presence graces; but ye future brides,
Now maids, let all th' allurement of attire
Enhance your beauties to th' enamour'd eye:
So from the face he loves shall ev'ry youth
Catch fire, with animating passion look
On her, and conquer. Thus Cecropia's maids,
Who left their country rather than abide
Impure compulsion to Barbarian beds,
Or ply the foreign loom with servile hands,
Shall live to see their hymeneal morn;
Bless'd in heroic husbands, shall transmit
To late posterity the Attic name.
And you, whose exemplary steps began
Our glorious emigration, you shall see
Your lords, your sons, in triumph to your homes
Return, ye matrons—Or with them will die,
If fortune frown, Laodice aloud;
For this I hold a poniard; ere endure
A Persian yoke, will pierce this female heart.
Your husbands, sons, and suitors claim that aid
128
A signal day of liberty to Greece
Expect to-morrow; of the glorious scene
Become spectators; in a bridal dress,
Ye wives, encompass'd with your tender babes,
Ye rev'rend matrons in your sumptuous robes,
As when superb processions to the gods
Your presence graces; but ye future brides,
Now maids, let all th' allurement of attire
Enhance your beauties to th' enamour'd eye:
So from the face he loves shall ev'ry youth
Catch fire, with animating passion look
On her, and conquer. Thus Cecropia's maids,
Who left their country rather than abide
Impure compulsion to Barbarian beds,
Or ply the foreign loom with servile hands,
Shall live to see their hymeneal morn;
Bless'd in heroic husbands, shall transmit
To late posterity the Attic name.
129
Our glorious emigration, you shall see
Your lords, your sons, in triumph to your homes
Return, ye matrons—Or with them will die,
If fortune frown, Laodice aloud;
For this I hold a poniard; ere endure
A Persian yoke, will pierce this female heart.
Enthusiastic ardour seems to change
Their sex; with manlike firmness all consent
To meet Timothea there by early dawn
In chosen raiment, and with weapons arm'd,
As chance should furnish. Thus Timothea sway'd,
The emulator of her husband's art,
But ne'er beyond immaculate intent;
At her suggestion interpos'd her friend
Laodice, the consort young and fair
Of bold Aminias, train'd by naval Mars,
From the same bed with Æschylus deriv'd.
Their sex; with manlike firmness all consent
To meet Timothea there by early dawn
In chosen raiment, and with weapons arm'd,
As chance should furnish. Thus Timothea sway'd,
The emulator of her husband's art,
But ne'er beyond immaculate intent;
At her suggestion interpos'd her friend
Laodice, the consort young and fair
Of bold Aminias, train'd by naval Mars,
From the same bed with Æschylus deriv'd.
130
Trœzene's leader, passing by, admir'd
The gen'rous flame, but secretly rejoic'd
In Ariphilia at Calauria safe;
He to thy tent, Themistocles, was bound.
Thee to Sicinus list'ning, just return'd
From his successful course, Cleander found,
Thee of thy dear Timothea first inform'd,
While thou didst smile applause. The youth pursued:
The gen'rous flame, but secretly rejoic'd
In Ariphilia at Calauria safe;
He to thy tent, Themistocles, was bound.
Thee to Sicinus list'ning, just return'd
From his successful course, Cleander found,
Thee of thy dear Timothea first inform'd,
While thou didst smile applause. The youth pursued:
From Aristides I deputed come;
He will adventure from Psyttalia's isle
This night to chace the foe, if thou concur
In help and counsel: bands of Attic youth,
Superfluous force excluded from the fleet,
With ready arms the enterprize demand;
Them, with his troop, Oïlean Medon joins.
He will adventure from Psyttalia's isle
This night to chace the foe, if thou concur
In help and counsel: bands of Attic youth,
Superfluous force excluded from the fleet,
With ready arms the enterprize demand;
Them, with his troop, Oïlean Medon joins.
A noble Grecian, sage, experienc'd, brave,
Returns the chief; my answer is concise:
Sicinus, fly! their pinnaces and skiffs
Command th' Athenian vessels to supply
At Aristides' call; th' attempt is wise,
Becoming such a soldier; thou remain
With him, to bring me tidings of success.
Returns the chief; my answer is concise:
131
Command th' Athenian vessels to supply
At Aristides' call; th' attempt is wise,
Becoming such a soldier; thou remain
With him, to bring me tidings of success.
Swift as a stone from Balearic slings,
Sicinus hastens to th' Athenian fleet;
Cleander light th' important order bears
To Aristides, whose exalted voice
Collects the banding youth. So gen'rous hounds
The huntsman's call obey; with ringing peals
Their throats in tune delight Aurora's ear;
They pant impatient for the scented field,
Devour in thought the victims of their speed,
Nor dread the rav'nous wolf, nor tusky boar,
Nor lion, king of beasts. The exile feels
Returning warmth, like some neglected steed
Of noblest temper, from his wonted haunts
Who long hath languish'd in the lazy stall;
Call'd forth, he paws, he snuffs th' enliv'ning air,
His strength he proffers in a cheerful neigh
To scour the vale, to mount the shelving hill,
Or dash from thickets close the sprinkling dew.
Sicinus hastens to th' Athenian fleet;
Cleander light th' important order bears
To Aristides, whose exalted voice
Collects the banding youth. So gen'rous hounds
The huntsman's call obey; with ringing peals
Their throats in tune delight Aurora's ear;
They pant impatient for the scented field,
Devour in thought the victims of their speed,
Nor dread the rav'nous wolf, nor tusky boar,
Nor lion, king of beasts. The exile feels
Returning warmth, like some neglected steed
Of noblest temper, from his wonted haunts
132
Call'd forth, he paws, he snuffs th' enliv'ning air,
His strength he proffers in a cheerful neigh
To scour the vale, to mount the shelving hill,
Or dash from thickets close the sprinkling dew.
He thus to Medon: Of Psyttalia's shore
That eastern flat contains the Persian chief,
Known by his standard; with four thousand youths
Make thy impression there; the western end
Our foes neglect, a high and craggy part;
But nature there through perforated rock
Hath left a passage, with its mouth above
Conceal'd in bushes; this, to me well known,
I will possess; thence rushing, will surround
The unsuspecting Persian. Darkness falls;
Let all embark; at midnight ply the oar.
That eastern flat contains the Persian chief,
Known by his standard; with four thousand youths
Make thy impression there; the western end
Our foes neglect, a high and craggy part;
But nature there through perforated rock
Hath left a passage, with its mouth above
Conceal'd in bushes; this, to me well known,
I will possess; thence rushing, will surround
The unsuspecting Persian. Darkness falls;
Let all embark; at midnight ply the oar.
They hear and march; allotted seats they take
Aboard the skiffs Sicinus had prepar'd,
Impatient waiting, but impatience keeps
Her peace. The second watch is now elaps'd,
That baneful season, mark'd in legends old,
When death-controlling sorcery compell'd
Unwilling spirits back to mortal clay
Entomb'd, when dire Thessalian charmers call'd
Down from her orb the pallid queen of night,
And hell's tremendous avenues unclos'd;
To Asia's mothers now of real bane,
Who soon must wail ten thousand slaughter'd sons.
The boats in order move; full-fac'd the moon
Extends the shadows of a thousand masts
Across the mirror of cerulean floods,
Which feel no ruffling wind. A western course
With his division Aristides steers,
The Locrian eastward; by whose dashing oars
A guard is rous'd, not timely to obstruct
His firm descent, yet ready on the strand
To give him battle. Medon's spear by fate
Is wielded; Locrians and Athenians sweep
The foes before them; numbers fresh maintain
Unceasing conflict, till on ev'ry side
His reinforcement Aristides pours,
And turns the fight to carnage: by his arm
Before a tent of stately structure sinks
Autarctus brave in death. The twilight breaks
On heaps of slaughter; not a Persian lives
But Artamanes, from whose youthful brow
The beaver sever'd by th' auspicious steel
Of Medon, shew'd a well-remember'd face;
The Locrian swift embrac'd him, and began:
Aboard the skiffs Sicinus had prepar'd,
133
Her peace. The second watch is now elaps'd,
That baneful season, mark'd in legends old,
When death-controlling sorcery compell'd
Unwilling spirits back to mortal clay
Entomb'd, when dire Thessalian charmers call'd
Down from her orb the pallid queen of night,
And hell's tremendous avenues unclos'd;
To Asia's mothers now of real bane,
Who soon must wail ten thousand slaughter'd sons.
The boats in order move; full-fac'd the moon
Extends the shadows of a thousand masts
Across the mirror of cerulean floods,
Which feel no ruffling wind. A western course
With his division Aristides steers,
The Locrian eastward; by whose dashing oars
A guard is rous'd, not timely to obstruct
His firm descent, yet ready on the strand
To give him battle. Medon's spear by fate
134
The foes before them; numbers fresh maintain
Unceasing conflict, till on ev'ry side
His reinforcement Aristides pours,
And turns the fight to carnage: by his arm
Before a tent of stately structure sinks
Autarctus brave in death. The twilight breaks
On heaps of slaughter; not a Persian lives
But Artamanes, from whose youthful brow
The beaver sever'd by th' auspicious steel
Of Medon, shew'd a well-remember'd face;
The Locrian swift embrac'd him, and began:
Deserve my kindness by some grateful news
Of Melibœus and the Delphian priest;
Not Æschylus in pity shall exceed
My care in this thy second captive state.
Of Melibœus and the Delphian priest;
Not Æschylus in pity shall exceed
My care in this thy second captive state.
His grateful news the Persian thus repeats:
Nicæa, fort of Locris, them contains;
Though pris'ners, happy in the guardian care
Of Artemisia. What disastrous sight!
Autarctus there lies prostrate in his blood.
Oh, I must throw me at the victor's feet!
Nicæa, fort of Locris, them contains;
135
Of Artemisia. What disastrous sight!
Autarctus there lies prostrate in his blood.
Oh, I must throw me at the victor's feet!
He went, by Medon introduc'd, to kneel;
Forbid by Aristides, he began:
Forbid by Aristides, he began:
My own compassion to solicit yours,
Without disgrace might bend a satrap's knee;
I have a tale of sorrow to unfold,
Might soften hearts less humaniz'd and just
Than yours, O gen'rous Grecians! In that tent
The widow'd wife of this late envied prince,
Young, royal matron—twenty annual suns
She hath not told—three infants . . . At these words
The righteous man of Athens stays to hear
No more; he gains the tent, he enters, views
Sandauce, silent in majestic woe,
With her three children in their eastern vests
Of gems and gold; urbanity forbids
To interrupt the silence of her grief;
Sicinus, waiting nigh, he thus enjoins:
Without disgrace might bend a satrap's knee;
I have a tale of sorrow to unfold,
Might soften hearts less humaniz'd and just
Than yours, O gen'rous Grecians! In that tent
The widow'd wife of this late envied prince,
Young, royal matron—twenty annual suns
She hath not told—three infants . . . At these words
The righteous man of Athens stays to hear
No more; he gains the tent, he enters, views
Sandauce, silent in majestic woe,
136
Of gems and gold; urbanity forbids
To interrupt the silence of her grief;
Sicinus, waiting nigh, he thus enjoins:
Thou, born a Persian, from a ghastly stage
Of massacre and terrour these transport
To thy own lord, Themistocles; the spoils
Are his, not mine. Could words of comfort heal
Calamity thus sudden and severe,
I would instruct thy tongue; but mute respect
Is all thy pow'r can give, or she receive.
Apprise the gen'ral that Psyttalia's coast
I will maintain with Medon, from the wrecks
To save our friends, our enemies destroy.
Of massacre and terrour these transport
To thy own lord, Themistocles; the spoils
Are his, not mine. Could words of comfort heal
Calamity thus sudden and severe,
I would instruct thy tongue; but mute respect
Is all thy pow'r can give, or she receive.
Apprise the gen'ral that Psyttalia's coast
I will maintain with Medon, from the wrecks
To save our friends, our enemies destroy.
He then withdraws; Athenians he commands
Autarctus' body to remove from sight;
When her pavilion now Sandauce leaves,
Preceded by Sicinus. On the ground
She bends her aspect, not a tear she drops
To ease her swelling heart; by eunuchs led,
Her infants follow; while a troop of slaves,
With folded arms across their heaving breasts,
The sad procession close. To Medon here
Spake Artamanes: O humane! permit
Me to attend this princess, and console
At least, companion of her woes, bewail
A royal woman from Darius sprung.
Autarctus' body to remove from sight;
When her pavilion now Sandauce leaves,
137
She bends her aspect, not a tear she drops
To ease her swelling heart; by eunuchs led,
Her infants follow; while a troop of slaves,
With folded arms across their heaving breasts,
The sad procession close. To Medon here
Spake Artamanes: O humane! permit
Me to attend this princess, and console
At least, companion of her woes, bewail
A royal woman from Darius sprung.
Him not a moment now his friend detains;
At this affecting season he defers
Enquiry more of Melibœus, known
Safe in Nicæa; Persia's youth departs;
The mournful train for Salamis embark.
At this affecting season he defers
Enquiry more of Melibœus, known
Safe in Nicæa; Persia's youth departs;
The mournful train for Salamis embark.
End of the Fifth Book.
138
BOOK the Sixth.
Bright pow'r, whose presence wakens on the face
Of nature all her beauties, gilds the floods,
The crags and forests, vine-clad hills and fields,
Where Ceres, Pan, and Bacchus in thy beams
Rejoice; O Sun! thou o'er Athenian tow'rs,
The citadel and fanes in ruin huge,
Dost rising now illuminate a scene
More new, more wondrous, to thy piercing eye,
Than ever time disclos'd. Phaleron's wave
Presents three thousand barks in pendants rich;
Spectators, clust'ring like Hymettian bees,
Hang on the burden'd shrouds, the bending yards,
The reeling masts; the whole Cecropian strand,
Far as Eleusis, seat of mystic rites,
Is throng'd with millions, male and female race
Of Asia and of Libya, rank'd on foot,
On horses, camels, cars. Ægaleos tall,
Half down his long declivity where spreads
A mossy level, on a throne of gold
Displays the king environ'd by his court
In oriental pomp; the hill behind,
By warriors cover'd, like some trophy huge
Ascends in varied arms and banners clad;
Below the monarch's feet th' immortal guard,
Line under line, erect their gaudy spears;
Th' arrangement, shelving downward to the beach,
Is edg'd by chosen horse. With blazing steel
Of Attic arms encircled, from the deep
Psyttalia lifts her surface to the sight,
Like Ariadne's heav'n-bespangling crown,
A wreath of stars; beyond, in dread array,
The Grecian fleet, four hundred gallies, fill
The Salaminian streights; barbarian prows
In two divisions point to either mouth
Six hundred brazen beaks of tow'r-like ships,
Unwieldy bulks; the gently-swelling soil
Of Salamis, rich island, bounds the view.
Along her silver-sanded verge array'd,
The men at arms exalt their naval spears
Of length terrific. All the tender sex,
Rank'd by Timothea, from a green ascent
Look down in beauteous order on their sires,
Their husbands, lovers, brothers, sons, prepar'd
To mount the rolling deck. The younger dames
In bridal robes are clad; the matrons sage
In solemn raiment, worn on sacred days;
But white in vesture like their maiden breasts,
Where Zephyr plays, uplifting with his breath
The loosely-waving folds, a chosen line
Of Attic graces in the front is plac'd;
From each fair head the tresses fall, entwin'd
With newly-gather'd flowrets; chaplets gay
The snowy hand sustains; the native curls,
O'ershading half, augment their pow'rful charms;
While Venus, temper'd by Minerva, fills
Their eyes with ardour, pointing ev'ry glance
To animate, not soften. From on high
Her large controlling orbs Timothea rolls,
Supassing all in stature, not unlike
In majesty of shape the wife of Jove,
Presiding o'er the empyreal fair.
Below, her consort in resplendent arms
Stands near an altar; there the victim bleeds,
The entrails burn; the fervent priest invokes
The Eleutherian pow'rs. Sicinus comes,
Sandauce follows; and in sumptuous vests,
Like infant Castor and his brother fair,
Two boys; a girl like Helen, ere she threw
Delicious poison from her fatal eyes,
But tripp'd in blameless childhood o'er the meads
Of sweet Amyclæ, her maternal seat:
Nor less with beauty was Sandauce grac'd
Than Helen's mother, Leda, who enthrall'd
Th' Olympian god. A starting look the priest
Cast on the children; eager by the hand
Themistocles he grasp'd, and thus aloud:
Of nature all her beauties, gilds the floods,
The crags and forests, vine-clad hills and fields,
Where Ceres, Pan, and Bacchus in thy beams
Rejoice; O Sun! thou o'er Athenian tow'rs,
The citadel and fanes in ruin huge,
Dost rising now illuminate a scene
More new, more wondrous, to thy piercing eye,
Than ever time disclos'd. Phaleron's wave
139
Spectators, clust'ring like Hymettian bees,
Hang on the burden'd shrouds, the bending yards,
The reeling masts; the whole Cecropian strand,
Far as Eleusis, seat of mystic rites,
Is throng'd with millions, male and female race
Of Asia and of Libya, rank'd on foot,
On horses, camels, cars. Ægaleos tall,
Half down his long declivity where spreads
A mossy level, on a throne of gold
Displays the king environ'd by his court
In oriental pomp; the hill behind,
By warriors cover'd, like some trophy huge
Ascends in varied arms and banners clad;
Below the monarch's feet th' immortal guard,
Line under line, erect their gaudy spears;
Th' arrangement, shelving downward to the beach,
Is edg'd by chosen horse. With blazing steel
Of Attic arms encircled, from the deep
140
Like Ariadne's heav'n-bespangling crown,
A wreath of stars; beyond, in dread array,
The Grecian fleet, four hundred gallies, fill
The Salaminian streights; barbarian prows
In two divisions point to either mouth
Six hundred brazen beaks of tow'r-like ships,
Unwieldy bulks; the gently-swelling soil
Of Salamis, rich island, bounds the view.
Along her silver-sanded verge array'd,
The men at arms exalt their naval spears
Of length terrific. All the tender sex,
Rank'd by Timothea, from a green ascent
Look down in beauteous order on their sires,
Their husbands, lovers, brothers, sons, prepar'd
To mount the rolling deck. The younger dames
In bridal robes are clad; the matrons sage
In solemn raiment, worn on sacred days;
But white in vesture like their maiden breasts,
141
The loosely-waving folds, a chosen line
Of Attic graces in the front is plac'd;
From each fair head the tresses fall, entwin'd
With newly-gather'd flowrets; chaplets gay
The snowy hand sustains; the native curls,
O'ershading half, augment their pow'rful charms;
While Venus, temper'd by Minerva, fills
Their eyes with ardour, pointing ev'ry glance
To animate, not soften. From on high
Her large controlling orbs Timothea rolls,
Supassing all in stature, not unlike
In majesty of shape the wife of Jove,
Presiding o'er the empyreal fair.
Below, her consort in resplendent arms
Stands near an altar; there the victim bleeds,
The entrails burn; the fervent priest invokes
The Eleutherian pow'rs. Sicinus comes,
Sandauce follows; and in sumptuous vests,
142
Two boys; a girl like Helen, ere she threw
Delicious poison from her fatal eyes,
But tripp'd in blameless childhood o'er the meads
Of sweet Amyclæ, her maternal seat:
Nor less with beauty was Sandauce grac'd
Than Helen's mother, Leda, who enthrall'd
Th' Olympian god. A starting look the priest
Cast on the children; eager by the hand
Themistocles he grasp'd, and thus aloud:
Accept this omen! At th' auspicious sight
Of these young captives, from the off'ring burst
Unwonted light; Fate's volume is unroll'd,
Where victory is written in their blood.
To Bacchus, styl'd Devourer, on this isle,
Amid surrounding gloom, a temple hoar
By time remains; to Bacchus I devote
These splendid victims; while his altar smokes,
With added force thy prow shall pierce the foe,
And conquest sit triumphant on thy mast.
Of these young captives, from the off'ring burst
Unwonted light; Fate's volume is unroll'd,
Where victory is written in their blood.
To Bacchus, styl'd Devourer, on this isle,
Amid surrounding gloom, a temple hoar
By time remains; to Bacchus I devote
These splendid victims; while his altar smokes,
143
And conquest sit triumphant on thy mast.
So spake religious lips; the people heard,
Believing heard:—To Bacchus, Bacchus give
The splendid victims, hoarse acclaim resounds.
Myronides, Xanthippus, Cimon good,
Brave Æschylus, each leader is unmann'd
By horror, save the cool, sagacious son
Of Neocles; the prophet he accosts:
Believing heard:—To Bacchus, Bacchus give
The splendid victims, hoarse acclaim resounds.
Myronides, Xanthippus, Cimon good,
Brave Æschylus, each leader is unmann'd
By horror, save the cool, sagacious son
Of Neocles; the prophet he accosts:
Wise, Euphrantides, are thy holy words!
To that propitious god these children bear;
Due time apply from each Barbarian stain
To purify their limbs; attentive watch
The signal rais'd for onset; then employ
Thy pious knife to win the grace of heav'n.
To that propitious god these children bear;
Due time apply from each Barbarian stain
To purify their limbs; attentive watch
The signal rais'd for onset; then employ
Thy pious knife to win the grace of heav'n.
The chiefs amaz'd, the priest applauding look'd.
A young, a beauteous mother at this doom
Of her dear babes is present. Not her locks
She tore, nor beat in agony her breast,
Nor shriek'd in frenzy; frozen, mute, she stands,
Like Niobe just changing into stone,
Ere yet sad moisture had a passage found
To flow, the emblem of maternal grief:
At length the rigour of her tender limbs
Dissolving, Artamanes bears away
Her fainting burden, while th' inhuman seer
To slaughter leads her infants. Ev'ry eye
On them is turn'd. Themistocles, unmark'd
By others, beck'ning draws Sicinus nigh,
In secret thus commission'd: Chuse a band
From my entrusted menials; swift o'ertake,
Like an assistant join this holy man;
Not dead, but living, shall these infant heads
Avail the Grecians. When the direful grove,
Impenetrably dark'ning, black with night,
That antiquated seat of horrid rites,
You reach, bid Euphrantides, in my name,
This impious, fruitless homicide forbear;
If he refuse, his savage zeal restrain
By force.—This said, his disencumber'd thoughts
For instant fight prepare; with matchless art
To rouse the tend'rest passions of the soul
In aid of duty, from the altar's height,
His voice persuasive, audible, and smooth,
To battle thus his countrymen inflames:
A young, a beauteous mother at this doom
144
She tore, nor beat in agony her breast,
Nor shriek'd in frenzy; frozen, mute, she stands,
Like Niobe just changing into stone,
Ere yet sad moisture had a passage found
To flow, the emblem of maternal grief:
At length the rigour of her tender limbs
Dissolving, Artamanes bears away
Her fainting burden, while th' inhuman seer
To slaughter leads her infants. Ev'ry eye
On them is turn'd. Themistocles, unmark'd
By others, beck'ning draws Sicinus nigh,
In secret thus commission'd: Chuse a band
From my entrusted menials; swift o'ertake,
Like an assistant join this holy man;
Not dead, but living, shall these infant heads
Avail the Grecians. When the direful grove,
Impenetrably dark'ning, black with night,
That antiquated seat of horrid rites,
145
This impious, fruitless homicide forbear;
If he refuse, his savage zeal restrain
By force.—This said, his disencumber'd thoughts
For instant fight prepare; with matchless art
To rouse the tend'rest passions of the soul
In aid of duty, from the altar's height,
His voice persuasive, audible, and smooth,
To battle thus his countrymen inflames:
Ye pious sons of Athens, on that slope
Behold your mothers! husbands, fathers, see
Your wives and race! before such objects dear,
Such precious lives defending, you must wield
The pond'rous naval spear; ye gallant youths,
Look on those lovely maids, your destin'd brides,
Who of their pride have disarray'd the meads
To bind your temples with triumphal wreaths;
Can you do less than conquer in their sight,
Or conquer'd perish? Women ne'er deserv'd
So much from men; yet what their present claim?
That by your prowess their maternal seat
They may revisit; that Cecropia's gates
May yield them entrance to their own abodes,
There meritorious to reside in peace,
Who cheerful, who magnanimous, those homes
To hostile flames, their tender limbs resign'd
To all the hardships of this crowded spot,
For preservation of the Attic name,
Laws, rites, and manners. Do your women ask
Too much, along their native streets to move
With grateful chaplets for Minerva's shrine,
To view th' august acropolis again,
And in procession celebrate your deeds?
Ye men of Athens! shall those blooming buds
Of innocence and beauty, who disclose
Their snowy charms by chastity reserv'd
For your embraces, shall those spotless maids
Abide compulsion to Barbarian beds?
Their Attic arts and talents be debas'd
In Persian bondage? Shall Cephissian banks,
Callirhoë's fountain, and Ilissus pure,
Shall sweet Hymettus never hear again
Their graceful step rebounding from the turf,
With you companions in the choral dance,
Enamour'd youths, who court their nuptial hands?
Behold your mothers! husbands, fathers, see
Your wives and race! before such objects dear,
Such precious lives defending, you must wield
The pond'rous naval spear; ye gallant youths,
Look on those lovely maids, your destin'd brides,
Who of their pride have disarray'd the meads
To bind your temples with triumphal wreaths;
Can you do less than conquer in their sight,
146
So much from men; yet what their present claim?
That by your prowess their maternal seat
They may revisit; that Cecropia's gates
May yield them entrance to their own abodes,
There meritorious to reside in peace,
Who cheerful, who magnanimous, those homes
To hostile flames, their tender limbs resign'd
To all the hardships of this crowded spot,
For preservation of the Attic name,
Laws, rites, and manners. Do your women ask
Too much, along their native streets to move
With grateful chaplets for Minerva's shrine,
To view th' august acropolis again,
And in procession celebrate your deeds?
Ye men of Athens! shall those blooming buds
Of innocence and beauty, who disclose
Their snowy charms by chastity reserv'd
For your embraces, shall those spotless maids
147
Their Attic arts and talents be debas'd
In Persian bondage? Shall Cephissian banks,
Callirhoë's fountain, and Ilissus pure,
Shall sweet Hymettus never hear again
Their graceful step rebounding from the turf,
With you companions in the choral dance,
Enamour'd youths, who court their nuptial hands?
A gen'ral pæan intercepts his voice;
On ringing shields the spears in cadence beat;
While notes more soft, but, issued from such lips,
Far more inspiring, to the martial song
Unnumber'd daughters of Cecropia join.
Such interruption pleas'd the artful chief,
Who said no more. Descending, swift he caught
The favourable moment; he embark'd,
All ardent follow'd; on his deck conven'd,
Myronides, Xanthippus, Cimon bold,
Aminias, Æschylus, he thus exhorts:
On ringing shields the spears in cadence beat;
While notes more soft, but, issued from such lips,
Far more inspiring, to the martial song
Unnumber'd daughters of Cecropia join.
Such interruption pleas'd the artful chief,
Who said no more. Descending, swift he caught
The favourable moment; he embark'd,
All ardent follow'd; on his deck conven'd,
Myronides, Xanthippus, Cimon bold,
Aminias, Æschylus, he thus exhorts:
148
My brave associates, publish o'er the fleet,
That I have won the Asian Greeks, whom force
Not choice against us ranges, to retain
Their weapons sheath'd, unting'd with kindred blood.
That I have won the Asian Greeks, whom force
Not choice against us ranges, to retain
Their weapons sheath'd, unting'd with kindred blood.
Not less magnanimous, and more inflam'd,
Mardonius too ascends the stately deck
Of Ariabignes; there each leader, call'd
To hear the royal mandate, he address'd:
Mardonius too ascends the stately deck
Of Ariabignes; there each leader, call'd
To hear the royal mandate, he address'd:
Behold your king, inclos'd by watchful scribes,
Unfolding volumes like the rolls of fate!
The brave, the fearful, character'd will stand
By name, by lineage there; his searching eye
Will note your actions, to dispense rewards
Of wealth and rank, or punishment and shame
Irrevocably doom. But see a spoil
Beyond the pow'r of Xerxes to bestow,
By your own prowess singly to be won,
Those beauteous women; emblems they of Greece,
Shew what a country you are come to share.
Can victory be doubtful in this cause?
Who can be slow when riches, honours, fame,
His sov'reign's smile, and beauty, are the prize?
Now lift the signal for immediate fight.
Unfolding volumes like the rolls of fate!
The brave, the fearful, character'd will stand
By name, by lineage there; his searching eye
Will note your actions, to dispense rewards
Of wealth and rank, or punishment and shame
Irrevocably doom. But see a spoil
Beyond the pow'r of Xerxes to bestow,
By your own prowess singly to be won,
149
Shew what a country you are come to share.
Can victory be doubtful in this cause?
Who can be slow when riches, honours, fame,
His sov'reign's smile, and beauty, are the prize?
Now lift the signal for immediate fight.
He spake applauded; in his rapid skiff
Was wafted back to Xerxes, who enthron'd
High on Ægaleos anxious sat to view
A scene which nature never yet display'd,
Nor fancy feign'd. The theatre was Greece,
Mankind spectators; equal to that stage
Themistocles, great actor! by the pow'r
Of fiction present in his teeming soul,
Blends confidence with courage, on the Greeks
Imposing firm belief in heav'nly aid.
Was wafted back to Xerxes, who enthron'd
High on Ægaleos anxious sat to view
A scene which nature never yet display'd,
Nor fancy feign'd. The theatre was Greece,
Mankind spectators; equal to that stage
Themistocles, great actor! by the pow'r
Of fiction present in his teeming soul,
Blends confidence with courage, on the Greeks
Imposing firm belief in heav'nly aid.
I see, I see divine Eleusis shoot
A spiry flame auspicious tow'rds the fleet,
I see the bless'd Æacidæ; the ghosts
Of Telamon and Peleus, Ajax there,
There bright Achilles buoyant on the gale,
Stretch from Ægina their propitious hands.
I see a woman! It is Pallas! Hark!
She calls! How long, insensate men, your prows
Will you keep back, and victory suspend?
A spiry flame auspicious tow'rds the fleet,
150
Of Telamon and Peleus, Ajax there,
There bright Achilles buoyant on the gale,
Stretch from Ægina their propitious hands.
I see a woman! It is Pallas! Hark!
She calls! How long, insensate men, your prows
Will you keep back, and victory suspend?
He gives the signal. With impetuous heat
Of zeal and valour, urging sails and oars,
Th' Athenians dash the waters, which disturb'd,
Combine their murmur with unnumber'd shouts;
The gallies rush along like gliding clouds,
That utter hollow thunder as they sweep
A distant ridge of hills. The crowded lines
Of Xerxes' navy, in the streights confus'd,
Through their own weight and multitude ill steer'd,
Are pierc'd by diff'rent squadrons, which their chiefs,
Each with his tribe, to dreadful onset led.
Th' unerring skill of Pallas seem'd to form,
Then guide their just arrangement. None surpass'd
The effort bold of Æschylus; two ships
Of large construction, boast of naval Tyre,
His well-directed beak, o'erlaid with brass,
Transpierces; Attic Neptune whelms his floods
O'er either found'ring bulk. Three more, by flight
Wreck'd on Psyttalia, yield their victim crews
To Aristides; vigilant and dire
Against the ravager of Greece he stood,
Like that Hesperian dragon, wakeful guard
To Atlantēan fruit. Th' intrepid son
Of Neocles, disdaining meaner spoil
Than Asia's king-born admiral, with sails
Outspread to fresh'ning breezes, swiftly steer'd
By Ariabignes, crashing as he pass'd
The triple tire of oars; then grappling, pour'd
His fierce assailants on the splendid poop.
To this attack the gallant prince oppos'd
His royal person; three Athenians bleed
Beneath him; but Themistocles he meets.
Seed of Darius, Ariabignes falls
In Xerxes' view, by that unrivall'd chief
Whose arm, whose conduct, Destiny that day
Obey'd, while fortune steady on her wheel
Look'd smiling down. The regal flag descends,
The democratic standard is uprear'd,
Where that proud name of Eleutheria shines
In characters of silver. Xerxes feels
A thrilling horror, such as pierc'd the soul
Of pale Belshazzar, last on Ninus' throne,
When in the pleasures of his festive board
He saw the hand portentous on the wall
Of Babylon's high palace write his doom,
With great Assyria's downfal. Caria's queen
Not long continues in a distant post,
Where blood-stain'd billows on her active oars
Dash thick-adhering foam; tremendous sight
To Adimantus, who before her flies
With his dismay'd Corinthians! She suspends
Pursuit; her sov'reign's banner to redeem
Advances; furious in her passage sends
Two ships to perish in the green abyss
With all their numbers; this her sov'reign sees,
Exclaiming loud, my women fight like men,
The men like women. Fruitless yet her skill,
Her courage vain; Themistocles was there;
Cilicians, Cyprians shunn'd his tow'ring flag
On Ariabignes' mast. The efforts joint
Of gallant Trœzen and Ægina broke
Th' Ægyptian line, whose chief-commanding deck
Presents a warrior to Cleander's eye,
A warrior bright in gold, for valour more
Conspicuous still than radiancy of arms.
Cleander him assails; now front to front,
Each on his grappled gunnel firm maintains
A fight still dubious, when their pointed beaks
Auxiliar Æschylus and Cimon strike
Deep in the hostile ship, whose found'ring weight,
Swift from her grapples loosen'd by the shock,
Th' affrighted master on Psyttalia drives
A prey to Medon. Then th' Ægyptians fly,
Phœnicians, fam'd on oriental waves,
Resign the day. Myronides in chace,
Xanthippus, Cimon, bold Aminias gor'd
The shatter'd planks; the undefended decks
Ran purple. Boist'rous hurricanes, which sweep
In blasts unknown to European climes
The western world remote, had nature call'd
Their furies hither, so with wrecks and dead
Had strewn the floods, disfigur'd thus the strands.
Of zeal and valour, urging sails and oars,
Th' Athenians dash the waters, which disturb'd,
Combine their murmur with unnumber'd shouts;
The gallies rush along like gliding clouds,
That utter hollow thunder as they sweep
A distant ridge of hills. The crowded lines
Of Xerxes' navy, in the streights confus'd,
Through their own weight and multitude ill steer'd,
Are pierc'd by diff'rent squadrons, which their chiefs,
Each with his tribe, to dreadful onset led.
151
Then guide their just arrangement. None surpass'd
The effort bold of Æschylus; two ships
Of large construction, boast of naval Tyre,
His well-directed beak, o'erlaid with brass,
Transpierces; Attic Neptune whelms his floods
O'er either found'ring bulk. Three more, by flight
Wreck'd on Psyttalia, yield their victim crews
To Aristides; vigilant and dire
Against the ravager of Greece he stood,
Like that Hesperian dragon, wakeful guard
To Atlantēan fruit. Th' intrepid son
Of Neocles, disdaining meaner spoil
Than Asia's king-born admiral, with sails
Outspread to fresh'ning breezes, swiftly steer'd
By Ariabignes, crashing as he pass'd
The triple tire of oars; then grappling, pour'd
His fierce assailants on the splendid poop.
To this attack the gallant prince oppos'd
152
Beneath him; but Themistocles he meets.
Seed of Darius, Ariabignes falls
In Xerxes' view, by that unrivall'd chief
Whose arm, whose conduct, Destiny that day
Obey'd, while fortune steady on her wheel
Look'd smiling down. The regal flag descends,
The democratic standard is uprear'd,
Where that proud name of Eleutheria shines
In characters of silver. Xerxes feels
A thrilling horror, such as pierc'd the soul
Of pale Belshazzar, last on Ninus' throne,
When in the pleasures of his festive board
He saw the hand portentous on the wall
Of Babylon's high palace write his doom,
With great Assyria's downfal. Caria's queen
Not long continues in a distant post,
Where blood-stain'd billows on her active oars
Dash thick-adhering foam; tremendous sight
153
With his dismay'd Corinthians! She suspends
Pursuit; her sov'reign's banner to redeem
Advances; furious in her passage sends
Two ships to perish in the green abyss
With all their numbers; this her sov'reign sees,
Exclaiming loud, my women fight like men,
The men like women. Fruitless yet her skill,
Her courage vain; Themistocles was there;
Cilicians, Cyprians shunn'd his tow'ring flag
On Ariabignes' mast. The efforts joint
Of gallant Trœzen and Ægina broke
Th' Ægyptian line, whose chief-commanding deck
Presents a warrior to Cleander's eye,
A warrior bright in gold, for valour more
Conspicuous still than radiancy of arms.
Cleander him assails; now front to front,
Each on his grappled gunnel firm maintains
A fight still dubious, when their pointed beaks
154
Deep in the hostile ship, whose found'ring weight,
Swift from her grapples loosen'd by the shock,
Th' affrighted master on Psyttalia drives
A prey to Medon. Then th' Ægyptians fly,
Phœnicians, fam'd on oriental waves,
Resign the day. Myronides in chace,
Xanthippus, Cimon, bold Aminias gor'd
The shatter'd planks; the undefended decks
Ran purple. Boist'rous hurricanes, which sweep
In blasts unknown to European climes
The western world remote, had nature call'd
Their furies hither, so with wrecks and dead
Had strewn the floods, disfigur'd thus the strands.
Behold Cleander from achievements high
Bears down with all Trœzene's conq'ring line
On Artemisia: yet she stops awhile,
In pious care to save the floating corse
Of Ariabignes; this perform'd, retreats;
With her last effort whelming, as she steer'd,
One Grecian more beneath devouring waves,
Retreats illustrious. So in trails of light
To night's embrace departs the golden sun,
Still in remembrance shining; none believe
His rays impair'd, none doubt his rise again
In wonted splendour to emblaze the sky.
Bears down with all Trœzene's conq'ring line
On Artemisia: yet she stops awhile,
In pious care to save the floating corse
155
With her last effort whelming, as she steer'd,
One Grecian more beneath devouring waves,
Retreats illustrious. So in trails of light
To night's embrace departs the golden sun,
Still in remembrance shining; none believe
His rays impair'd, none doubt his rise again
In wonted splendour to emblaze the sky.
Laconian Eurybiades engag'd
Secure of conquest; his division held
The eastern streights, where loose Pamphylians spread
A timid canvass, Hellespontine Greeks,
Ionians, Dorians, and Æolians rear'd
Unwilling standards. A Phœnician crew,
Cast on the strand, approach th' imperial throne,
Accusing these of treachery. By chance
A bold Ionian, active in the fight,
To Xerxes true, that moment in his ken
Bears down an Attic ship.—Aloud the king:
Secure of conquest; his division held
The eastern streights, where loose Pamphylians spread
A timid canvass, Hellespontine Greeks,
Ionians, Dorians, and Æolians rear'd
Unwilling standards. A Phœnician crew,
Cast on the strand, approach th' imperial throne,
Accusing these of treachery. By chance
A bold Ionian, active in the fight,
156
Bears down an Attic ship.—Aloud the king:
Scribes, write the name of that Ionic chief,
His town, his lineage. Guards, surround these slaves,
Who, fugitive themselves, traduce the brave;
Cut off their heads: the order is perform'd.
A favour'd lord, expressing in his look
A sign of pity, to partake their doom
The tyrant wild commands. Argestes' heart
Admits a secret joy at Persia's foil;
He trusts that, blind by fear, th' uncertain prince
To him his wonted favour would restore,
Would crush Mardonius, author of the war,
Beneath his royal vengeance; or that chief,
By adverse fate oppress'd, his sway resign.
But as the winds or thunders never shook
Deep-rooted Ætna, nor the pregnant clouds
Discharg'd a flood extinguishing his fires,
Which inexhausted boil the surging mass
Of fumy sulphur; so this grim event
Shook not Mardonius, in whose bosom glow'd
His courage still unquench'd, despising chance
With all her band of evils. In himself
Collected, on calamity he founds
A new, heroic structure in his mind,
A plan of glory forms to conquer Greece
By his own prowess, or by death atone
For his unprosp'rous counsels. Xerxes now,
Amid the wrecks and slaughter in his sight,
Distracted vents his disappointed pride:
His town, his lineage. Guards, surround these slaves,
Who, fugitive themselves, traduce the brave;
Cut off their heads: the order is perform'd.
A favour'd lord, expressing in his look
A sign of pity, to partake their doom
The tyrant wild commands. Argestes' heart
Admits a secret joy at Persia's foil;
He trusts that, blind by fear, th' uncertain prince
To him his wonted favour would restore,
Would crush Mardonius, author of the war,
Beneath his royal vengeance; or that chief,
By adverse fate oppress'd, his sway resign.
But as the winds or thunders never shook
Deep-rooted Ætna, nor the pregnant clouds
Discharg'd a flood extinguishing his fires,
157
Of fumy sulphur; so this grim event
Shook not Mardonius, in whose bosom glow'd
His courage still unquench'd, despising chance
With all her band of evils. In himself
Collected, on calamity he founds
A new, heroic structure in his mind,
A plan of glory forms to conquer Greece
By his own prowess, or by death atone
For his unprosp'rous counsels. Xerxes now,
Amid the wrecks and slaughter in his sight,
Distracted vents his disappointed pride:
Have I not sever'd from the side of Thrace
Mount Athos? bridg'd the Hellespont? Go, fill
Yon sea; construct a causeway broad and firm;
As o'er a plain my army shall advance
To overwhelm th' Athenians in their isle.
Mount Athos? bridg'd the Hellespont? Go, fill
Yon sea; construct a causeway broad and firm;
As o'er a plain my army shall advance
To overwhelm th' Athenians in their isle.
158
He rises; back to Athens he repairs.
Sequester'd, languid, him Mardonius finds,
Deliv'ring bold this soldierly address:
Sequester'd, languid, him Mardonius finds,
Deliv'ring bold this soldierly address:
Be not discourag'd, sov'reign of the world!
Not oars, not sails and timber, can decide
Thy enterprize sublime. In shifting strife,
By winds and billows govern'd, may contend
The sons of traffic; on the solid plain
The gen'rous steed and soldier; they alone
Thy glory must establish, where no swell
Of fickle floods, nor breath of casual gales,
Assist the skilful coward, and controul,
By nature's wanton but resistless might,
The brave man's arm. Unaided by her hand,
Not one of these light mariners will face
Thy regal presence at the Isthmian fence
To that small part of yet unconquer'd Greece
The land of Pelops. Seek the Spartans there;
There let the slain Leonidas revive
With all his warriors whom thy pow'r destroy'd;
A second time their gen'rous blood shall dye
The sword of Asia. Sons of those who tore
Th' Assyrian, Lydian scepters from their kings,
Thy Medes and Persians, whose triumphant arms
From distant shores of Hellespont have tam'd
Such martial nations, have thy trophies rais'd
In Athens, bold aggressor; they shall plant
Before thy sight, on fam'd Eurota's shore,
Th' imperial standard, and repair the shame
Of that uncertain flutt'ring naval flag,
The sport of winds. The monarch's look betray'd
That to expose his person was the least
Of his resolves. Mardonius pierc'd his thoughts,
And thus in manly policy pursued:
Not oars, not sails and timber, can decide
Thy enterprize sublime. In shifting strife,
By winds and billows govern'd, may contend
The sons of traffic; on the solid plain
The gen'rous steed and soldier; they alone
Thy glory must establish, where no swell
Of fickle floods, nor breath of casual gales,
Assist the skilful coward, and controul,
By nature's wanton but resistless might,
The brave man's arm. Unaided by her hand,
Not one of these light mariners will face
Thy regal presence at the Isthmian fence
To that small part of yet unconquer'd Greece
The land of Pelops. Seek the Spartans there;
159
With all his warriors whom thy pow'r destroy'd;
A second time their gen'rous blood shall dye
The sword of Asia. Sons of those who tore
Th' Assyrian, Lydian scepters from their kings,
Thy Medes and Persians, whose triumphant arms
From distant shores of Hellespont have tam'd
Such martial nations, have thy trophies rais'd
In Athens, bold aggressor; they shall plant
Before thy sight, on fam'd Eurota's shore,
Th' imperial standard, and repair the shame
Of that uncertain flutt'ring naval flag,
The sport of winds. The monarch's look betray'd
That to expose his person was the least
Of his resolves. Mardonius pierc'd his thoughts,
And thus in manly policy pursued:
If Susa, long forlorn, at length may claim
The royal presence; if the gracious thought
Of his return inspire my sov'reign's breast
Throughout his empire to rekindle joy;
Let no dishonour on thy Persians fall,
Thy Medes; not they accomplices in flight
With vile Ægyptians, with Cilicians base,
Pamphylians, Cyprians. Let not Greece deride
A baffled effort in a gallant race
Who under Cyrus triumph'd, whom to fame
Darius led, and thou with recent wreaths,
O conqueror of Athens! hast adorn'd.
Since they are blameless, though thy will decree
Thy own return, and wisely would secure
Superfluous millions in their native homes,
Before chill winter in his barren arms
Constrain the genial earth; yet leave behind
But thirty myriads of selected bands
To my command, I pledge my head that Greece
Shall soon be Persia's vassal. Xerxes pleas'd,
Concealing yet that pleasure, artful thus:
The royal presence; if the gracious thought
160
Throughout his empire to rekindle joy;
Let no dishonour on thy Persians fall,
Thy Medes; not they accomplices in flight
With vile Ægyptians, with Cilicians base,
Pamphylians, Cyprians. Let not Greece deride
A baffled effort in a gallant race
Who under Cyrus triumph'd, whom to fame
Darius led, and thou with recent wreaths,
O conqueror of Athens! hast adorn'd.
Since they are blameless, though thy will decree
Thy own return, and wisely would secure
Superfluous millions in their native homes,
Before chill winter in his barren arms
Constrain the genial earth; yet leave behind
But thirty myriads of selected bands
To my command, I pledge my head that Greece
Shall soon be Persia's vassal. Xerxes pleas'd,
Concealing yet that pleasure, artful thus:
161
Deliberation to thy counsel due
Shall be devoted; call the Carian queen.
Shall be devoted; call the Carian queen.
She then was landed; through Cecropia's streets
A solemn bier she follow'd, where the corse
Of Ariabignes lay. Mardonius met,
And thus address'd her: Meritorious dame,
Of all the myriads whom retreat hath sav'd,
Hail! crown'd with honour! Xerxes thro' my voice
Requires thy counsel to decide on mine.
I add no more; thy wisdom, candour, faith
I trust; without a murmur will submit
To thy decision, but to thine alone.
My care shall tend that clay, among the dead
Perhaps the only glorious.—She departs.
He seeks the Magi, greeted in these words:
A solemn bier she follow'd, where the corse
Of Ariabignes lay. Mardonius met,
And thus address'd her: Meritorious dame,
Of all the myriads whom retreat hath sav'd,
Hail! crown'd with honour! Xerxes thro' my voice
Requires thy counsel to decide on mine.
I add no more; thy wisdom, candour, faith
I trust; without a murmur will submit
To thy decision, but to thine alone.
My care shall tend that clay, among the dead
Perhaps the only glorious.—She departs.
He seeks the Magi, greeted in these words:
Receive this body, all which now remains
Of Ariabigues; let no dirge deplore
Him as unhappy; Horomazes smiles
On such a death; your lamentations vent
On human nature, humbled and debas'd
By cowards, traitors, who surviv'd this day,
Ne'er to outlive their shame. Ye vet'ran bands
Of Medes and Persians, who surround in tears
These honour'd reliques; warriors who subdued
The banks of Nile, where Hyperanthes fought,
And late with me through Macedon and Thrace
Swept like a whirlwind; change your grief to rage,
To confidence that, unresisted still,
You on the plain recov'ring what by sea
Is lost, avenging this illustrious dead,
From this enthrall'd metropolis of Greece
Shall carry devastation, sword, and flames
To Lacedæmon, now your only foe.
Of Ariabigues; let no dirge deplore
162
On such a death; your lamentations vent
On human nature, humbled and debas'd
By cowards, traitors, who surviv'd this day,
Ne'er to outlive their shame. Ye vet'ran bands
Of Medes and Persians, who surround in tears
These honour'd reliques; warriors who subdued
The banks of Nile, where Hyperanthes fought,
And late with me through Macedon and Thrace
Swept like a whirlwind; change your grief to rage,
To confidence that, unresisted still,
You on the plain recov'ring what by sea
Is lost, avenging this illustrious dead,
From this enthrall'd metropolis of Greece
Shall carry devastation, sword, and flames
To Lacedæmon, now your only foe.
The native Medes and Persians at his words
Are fir'd, in strength, in courage, not unlike
Their brave commander, who in scorn beheld
Th' inferior herds of nations. Now the sun
Glows on the ocean. To his tent retires
Mardonius; sternly in his wounded soul
The late disgrace of Xerxes he revolves,
Yet soothes his anguish by enliv'ning hope
Of glory. Thus the tawny king of beasts
Who o'er Numidian wastes hath lost a day
In fruitless chace, of wonted food depriv'd,
Growls in his den; but meditates a range,
Enlarg'd and ceaseless, through unbounded woods,
To glut his empty maw. Her charge perform'd,
Before him sudden Artemisia stands.
As Cynthia steps unveil'd from sable clouds
On some benighted traveller, who beats
A path untried, but persevering firm
With undiminish'd vigour, well deserves
Her succ'ring light,—the queen in cheering smiles
Accosts the hero: I have seen the king,
Have heard thy counsel, have approv'd, confirm'd.
Thy spirit, son of Gobryas, I applaud.
Thou, not discourag'd by our foul defeat,
From this unwieldy multitude the brave
Wouldst separate, and boldly at their head
Thy life adventure. Xerxes may assume
A doubtful aspect. Counsel given by thee,
By me approv'd, Argestes may oppose
With all his malice. Only thou suppress
The fiery sparks which animate thy blood;
In patience wait; thy dictates will prevail,
Our common vengeance too that traitor feel,
Whom I saw lurking near the king's retreat.
Farewel.—She leaves him happy in her voice
Of approbation, happier in her eye,
Which spoke for his prosperity a wish;
That eye, enlight'ning her majestic face
With added lustre, from his grateful sense
Of her transcendent talents thus applied
To his behoof. His manly bosom feels,
Beyond a veneration of her worth,
Beyond a friendship to her friendship due,
Desire of her society in war,
Perhaps in peace. Participated thoughts
With her, united counsels, he esteems
A gain to both. His high-aspiring soul
Enjoys the thought, nor entertains a shade
Of jealousy or envy at her fame.
Are fir'd, in strength, in courage, not unlike
163
Th' inferior herds of nations. Now the sun
Glows on the ocean. To his tent retires
Mardonius; sternly in his wounded soul
The late disgrace of Xerxes he revolves,
Yet soothes his anguish by enliv'ning hope
Of glory. Thus the tawny king of beasts
Who o'er Numidian wastes hath lost a day
In fruitless chace, of wonted food depriv'd,
Growls in his den; but meditates a range,
Enlarg'd and ceaseless, through unbounded woods,
To glut his empty maw. Her charge perform'd,
Before him sudden Artemisia stands.
As Cynthia steps unveil'd from sable clouds
On some benighted traveller, who beats
A path untried, but persevering firm
With undiminish'd vigour, well deserves
Her succ'ring light,—the queen in cheering smiles
Accosts the hero: I have seen the king,
164
Thy spirit, son of Gobryas, I applaud.
Thou, not discourag'd by our foul defeat,
From this unwieldy multitude the brave
Wouldst separate, and boldly at their head
Thy life adventure. Xerxes may assume
A doubtful aspect. Counsel given by thee,
By me approv'd, Argestes may oppose
With all his malice. Only thou suppress
The fiery sparks which animate thy blood;
In patience wait; thy dictates will prevail,
Our common vengeance too that traitor feel,
Whom I saw lurking near the king's retreat.
Farewel.—She leaves him happy in her voice
Of approbation, happier in her eye,
Which spoke for his prosperity a wish;
That eye, enlight'ning her majestic face
With added lustre, from his grateful sense
Of her transcendent talents thus applied
165
Beyond a veneration of her worth,
Beyond a friendship to her friendship due,
Desire of her society in war,
Perhaps in peace. Participated thoughts
With her, united counsels, he esteems
A gain to both. His high-aspiring soul
Enjoys the thought, nor entertains a shade
Of jealousy or envy at her fame.
He ruminates: Observing her advice,
I shall succeed. Then starting—Earth and heaven!
Where is Masistius? Oh ungen'rous heart!
Which on the scent of its ambitious chace
Forgot that best of counsellors and guides,
Friend of my infant, youthful, manly age!
If he be lost!—Oh ominous the thought!
Masistius lost!—My fortune, hopes, and joys,
My virtues are no more!—He rushes wild
Abroad; commands a gen'ral search; himself
Down to the port precipitates his course.
I shall succeed. Then starting—Earth and heaven!
Where is Masistius? Oh ungen'rous heart!
Which on the scent of its ambitious chace
Forgot that best of counsellors and guides,
Friend of my infant, youthful, manly age!
If he be lost!—Oh ominous the thought!
Masistius lost!—My fortune, hopes, and joys,
My virtues are no more!—He rushes wild
166
Down to the port precipitates his course.
The son of Gobryas and the Carian queen
Were thus remov'd. Argestes in that hour
Obtain'd access to Xerxes. Cold with fear,
By fortune tam'd, tormented still by pride,
Th' uncertain king to him their counsel told;
When thus Argestes, feigning wonder, spake:
Were thus remov'd. Argestes in that hour
Obtain'd access to Xerxes. Cold with fear,
By fortune tam'd, tormented still by pride,
Th' uncertain king to him their counsel told;
When thus Argestes, feigning wonder, spake:
Dost thou appoint Mardonius king in Greece?
O liberal prince! what servant in thy train
Would not confront all danger to possess
An empire, which the Hellespont alone
Will bound? Already Macedonia's lord,
Young Alexander, all the Thracian chiefs,
Like humble vassals to Mardonius bend.
Why should the king himself not conquer Greece,
Now more than half reduc'd? Complete the work
Appointed; choak the Salaminian floods;
O'erwhelm th' Athenians in their isle, and reign
Thyself supreme. The monarch starts, and wild
In look, commands Argestes to pursue
Th' impracticable toil with all the host;
Then, stretch'd along, in vain solicits rest.
O liberal prince! what servant in thy train
Would not confront all danger to possess
An empire, which the Hellespont alone
Will bound? Already Macedonia's lord,
Young Alexander, all the Thracian chiefs,
Like humble vassals to Mardonius bend.
Why should the king himself not conquer Greece,
Now more than half reduc'd? Complete the work
167
O'erwhelm th' Athenians in their isle, and reign
Thyself supreme. The monarch starts, and wild
In look, commands Argestes to pursue
Th' impracticable toil with all the host;
Then, stretch'd along, in vain solicits rest.
End of the Sixth Book.
168
BOOK the Seventh.
Meantime while Venus from her Colian dome,
Which o'er Phaleron cast a holy shade,
Beheld the shatter'd fleet of Xerxes driv'n
To refuge there precarious; from pursuit
Recall'd, the Greeks, observant of their laws,
Applied their pious labour to collect
Their floating dead, and send with honours due
Such glorious manes to the blest abodes.
With artful assiduity remain'd
Themistocles presiding, so to court
Religion's favour. From the solemn toil,
Accomplish'd now, to Salaminian strands
He veers; the slain are landed; then his deck
Himself forsakes. As Neptune, when the winds,
His ministers of anger to o'erwhelm
The pride of daring mortals, have fulfill'd
His stern behests, and shook the vast profound,
At length composing his afflicted reign,
Serene from sated vengeance seeks the arms
Of Amphitrite, watching his return
With soft impatience in her placid grot
Amidst encircling Nereids; so the chief
To his Timothea in triumphant pace
Advances. She that day had never left
The beach; surrounded by Athenian fair,
She rushes forward to his wish'd embrace.
He stops; defil'd by slaughter, robs his heart
Of such delights, and elegantly thus:
Which o'er Phaleron cast a holy shade,
Beheld the shatter'd fleet of Xerxes driv'n
To refuge there precarious; from pursuit
Recall'd, the Greeks, observant of their laws,
Applied their pious labour to collect
Their floating dead, and send with honours due
Such glorious manes to the blest abodes.
With artful assiduity remain'd
169
Religion's favour. From the solemn toil,
Accomplish'd now, to Salaminian strands
He veers; the slain are landed; then his deck
Himself forsakes. As Neptune, when the winds,
His ministers of anger to o'erwhelm
The pride of daring mortals, have fulfill'd
His stern behests, and shook the vast profound,
At length composing his afflicted reign,
Serene from sated vengeance seeks the arms
Of Amphitrite, watching his return
With soft impatience in her placid grot
Amidst encircling Nereids; so the chief
To his Timothea in triumphant pace
Advances. She that day had never left
The beach; surrounded by Athenian fair,
She rushes forward to his wish'd embrace.
He stops; defil'd by slaughter, robs his heart
Of such delights, and elegantly thus:
170
O all-surpassing woman, do not dye
That lovely bosom in Barbarian gore;
The blood of Ariabignes, not my own,
Encrusts thy husband's cuirass. She replies:
That lovely bosom in Barbarian gore;
The blood of Ariabignes, not my own,
Encrusts thy husband's cuirass. She replies:
Since not thy own, but hostile crimson stains
Thy manly chest, Timothea will partake
The honourable dye. O man divine!
Thus for the public with a public kiss
Thee I salute, thee saviour of all Greece,
Thee scourge of Asia; thus will ev'ry wife
Her husband; sisters, daughters thus infold
Their brothers, sires; their tender hands like mine,
Like mine their panting breasts, in transport bear
These glorous marks of victory. Behold
Those damsels pure, whose maidenly reserve
Forbids such rapture; they in smiles, in tears
Of gratitude and gladness, on the heads
Of gallant youths triumphal garlands place.
Thy manly chest, Timothea will partake
The honourable dye. O man divine!
Thus for the public with a public kiss
Thee I salute, thee saviour of all Greece,
Thee scourge of Asia; thus will ev'ry wife
Her husband; sisters, daughters thus infold
Their brothers, sires; their tender hands like mine,
Like mine their panting breasts, in transport bear
These glorous marks of victory. Behold
Those damsels pure, whose maidenly reserve
Forbids such rapture; they in smiles, in tears
Of gratitude and gladness, on the heads
Of gallant youths triumphal garlands place.
171
Laodice is nigh; she quits th' embrace
Of her Aminias, and accosts the chief:
Of her Aminias, and accosts the chief:
Think'st thou, O son of Neocles, the dames
Of Athens shrink to see Barbarian blood,
Who would have spilt their own, had fortune frown'd;
Had you, our slaughter'd husbands, left your wives
No other choice than servitude or death?
Of Athens shrink to see Barbarian blood,
Who would have spilt their own, had fortune frown'd;
Had you, our slaughter'd husbands, left your wives
No other choice than servitude or death?
Fair dame, united to the bravest chief,
In smiles he answers, fortune more benign
Preserv'd those husbands for the happiest lot,
Society with you. In holy brine
Of Neptune's flood permit them now to lave,
That love in bridal decency may greet
Athenian wives. Ye men of Athens, vote
That ev'ry youth and ev'ry maid betroth'd
To-night be wedded. This the gen'ral voice
Confirms a law. His winning words dispers'd
Th' obedient fair; each warrior in the deep
Immers'd his limbs, while Phœbe's argent wheels
Their track pursuing through unclouded skies,
Diffuse around serenity and light.
In smiles he answers, fortune more benign
Preserv'd those husbands for the happiest lot,
Society with you. In holy brine
Of Neptune's flood permit them now to lave,
That love in bridal decency may greet
Athenian wives. Ye men of Athens, vote
That ev'ry youth and ev'ry maid betroth'd
To-night be wedded. This the gen'ral voice
Confirms a law. His winning words dispers'd
172
Immers'd his limbs, while Phœbe's argent wheels
Their track pursuing through unclouded skies,
Diffuse around serenity and light.
To his Timothea's mansion soon repair'd
Themistocles; Sicinus there he found,
Who earnest thus address'd him: Thrice I hail
My lord victorious; from thy servant's lips
Now hear a tale to melt the stoniest hearts
Of all but Euphrantides, yet with joy
Reward compassion—To the sable grove,
Where yew and cypress veil'd the hoary walls
Of homicidal Bacchus, swift I led
My choice companions; to the seer I told
Thy pleasure; he indignant heard, and forc'd
The victims forward to the fane abhorr'd.
I follow'd careful, still in patient hope
That he, though slow, would uncompell'd submit
To thy commanding will; we enter'd all;
Sandauce there at length her silence broke,
Whom from her infants none so fell to part.
Themistocles; Sicinus there he found,
Who earnest thus address'd him: Thrice I hail
My lord victorious; from thy servant's lips
Now hear a tale to melt the stoniest hearts
Of all but Euphrantides, yet with joy
Reward compassion—To the sable grove,
Where yew and cypress veil'd the hoary walls
Of homicidal Bacchus, swift I led
My choice companions; to the seer I told
Thy pleasure; he indignant heard, and forc'd
The victims forward to the fane abhorr'd.
I follow'd careful, still in patient hope
That he, though slow, would uncompell'd submit
173
Sandauce there at length her silence broke,
Whom from her infants none so fell to part.
O house of great Darius! where will end
Thy woes? How many of thy sons are fall'n!
Sad Ariana, sacrifice to love!
Thou sleep'st; thy wretched sister lives to see
Her children butcher'd—On the pavement damp
She threw her limbs, she clasp'd her lovely babes;
They shudd'ring view Sandauce in distress;
Too young to know their danger, they bewail
Their mother, not themselves. The captive youth,
Still sedulous and tender, from the spot,
Where as in shackles of despair she lay,
Essay'd in vain to raise her. Now the seer;
Who in my look determination saw,
Approach'd the loathsome idol, foul by age,
In fell presumption utt'ring thus his wrath:
Thy woes? How many of thy sons are fall'n!
Sad Ariana, sacrifice to love!
Thou sleep'st; thy wretched sister lives to see
Her children butcher'd—On the pavement damp
She threw her limbs, she clasp'd her lovely babes;
They shudd'ring view Sandauce in distress;
Too young to know their danger, they bewail
Their mother, not themselves. The captive youth,
Still sedulous and tender, from the spot,
Where as in shackles of despair she lay,
Essay'd in vain to raise her. Now the seer;
Who in my look determination saw,
Approach'd the loathsome idol, foul by age,
In fell presumption utt'ring thus his wrath:
174
These victims, Bacchus, did my voice devote
To thy neglected altar; of thy spoil
Themistocles defrauds thee; on his head
Let fall thy vengeance, not on mine, stern god!
To thy neglected altar; of thy spoil
Themistocles defrauds thee; on his head
Let fall thy vengeance, not on mine, stern god!
This heard, the willing captives I remov'd
From that grim seat of terror to these walls
Of hospitality. Sicinus clos'd,
When Aristides enter'd. Hail, he said,
Well hast thou done, Themistocles! behold
Me come attendant on illustrious dead,
Whom on Psyttalia cast I bring to share
The public funeral honours.—I salute
Thee too, the son of Neocles returns;
Our noble strife to serve the public best
We both have well commenc'd. Prepare thee now
To give thy counsel on my new device
For better service still. Our climate holds
All Asia now, her princes, wealth, and arms;
I can detain her, till consuming time
By famine, sword and pestilence, exhaust
Her strength, and cover Greece with Persian graves.
From that grim seat of terror to these walls
Of hospitality. Sicinus clos'd,
When Aristides enter'd. Hail, he said,
Well hast thou done, Themistocles! behold
Me come attendant on illustrious dead,
Whom on Psyttalia cast I bring to share
The public funeral honours.—I salute
Thee too, the son of Neocles returns;
Our noble strife to serve the public best
We both have well commenc'd. Prepare thee now
To give thy counsel on my new device
For better service still. Our climate holds
All Asia now, her princes, wealth, and arms;
175
By famine, sword and pestilence, exhaust
Her strength, and cover Greece with Persian graves.
Too high thy ardour mounts, replies the sage;
Forbear to think of strength'ning such a pow'r
By desperation. To the feeble brute
Necessity gives courage. Such a host
Of men and steeds innum'rous on our fields,
By nature's stimulating wants compell'd
To fight for life, might blast our budding hopes.
Ah! rather some new stratagem devise
To send the Persians back; let famine, want,
Let pestilence pursue their tedious flight,
Depriv'd of succour from their vanquish'd fleet,
Which do thou chace and bury in the waves.
Farewell! my post demands me. Since their soil,
I have observ'd the cnemies employ'd
In wild attempts to fill the streight profound
Between Psyttalia and th' Athenian shore.
Forbear to think of strength'ning such a pow'r
By desperation. To the feeble brute
Necessity gives courage. Such a host
Of men and steeds innum'rous on our fields,
By nature's stimulating wants compell'd
To fight for life, might blast our budding hopes.
Ah! rather some new stratagem devise
To send the Persians back; let famine, want,
Let pestilence pursue their tedious flight,
Depriv'd of succour from their vanquish'd fleet,
Which do thou chace and bury in the waves.
Farewell! my post demands me. Since their soil,
I have observ'd the cnemies employ'd
In wild attempts to fill the streight profound
Between Psyttalia and th' Athenian shore.
176
He gone, these thoughts Themistocles revolves:
I will adopt his counsel, safe for Greece,
Nor less for me; his banishment prolong'd
Will discontent the people, and repeal'd
Place him commander in th' Athenian camp
To rival me. Discouraging the war
By land, confining to the sea our strength,
I shall secure pre-eminence. From thought
To action turn'd, Sicinus he bespake:
I will adopt his counsel, safe for Greece,
Nor less for me; his banishment prolong'd
Will discontent the people, and repeal'd
Place him commander in th' Athenian camp
To rival me. Discouraging the war
By land, confining to the sea our strength,
I shall secure pre-eminence. From thought
To action turn'd, Sicinus he bespake:
Before my presence all the captives bring.
As Bacchus, not Devourer, in a smile
Of heav'nly sweetness, proffer'd soft relief
To Ariadne, when forlorn she sat,
Her fate deploring on the Naxian rock;
So gracious, so consoling were the looks
Themistocles assum'd, in soothing phrase
Accosting thus Sandauce: Thou shalt prove,
So shall thy royal house, afflicted fair!
A cordial friend in me. Sicinus, haste;
Equip the bark which eastern colours dress,
That, ere the moon forsake her lucid path,
Thou mayst transport this princess to the king,
Her infant train, and this ingenuous youth,
With my best greetings. Say, the Athenian chief,
Themistocles, these pledges of his truth
And friendship sends; them rescued I restore,
Him next will save. His Hellespontine bridge
The Greeks vindictive menace to destroy,
An enterprize of horror; this my pow'r,
My dictates singly can and shall impede,
Till he in safety hath regain'd his throne.
As Bacchus, not Devourer, in a smile
Of heav'nly sweetness, proffer'd soft relief
To Ariadne, when forlorn she sat,
Her fate deploring on the Naxian rock;
So gracious, so consoling were the looks
Themistocles assum'd, in soothing phrase
Accosting thus Sandauce: Thou shalt prove,
So shall thy royal house, afflicted fair!
177
Equip the bark which eastern colours dress,
That, ere the moon forsake her lucid path,
Thou mayst transport this princess to the king,
Her infant train, and this ingenuous youth,
With my best greetings. Say, the Athenian chief,
Themistocles, these pledges of his truth
And friendship sends; them rescued I restore,
Him next will save. His Hellespontine bridge
The Greeks vindictive menace to destroy,
An enterprize of horror; this my pow'r,
My dictates singly can and shall impede,
Till he in safety hath regain'd his throne.
Sandauce answers: O thou gen'rous Greek,
To thee, to thine, may fortune ne'er be cold.
But I, partaker of imperial pomp,
In ease, in safety nurtur'd, who have deem'd
My state above the sorrows which torment
Inferior mortals, when my soul reflects
On this new lesson by misfortune taught,
Reflects how lately on a field of blood,
Young as I am, I saw my husband fall,
My children doom'd to sacrifice, myself
To endless bondage, had not heav'n achiev'd
This marvel of compassion in a foe,
I, (O forgive me!) I suspect the lot
Of all, ev'n thine. O prosp'rous, godlike man,
May Horomazes from thy head avert
Vicissitudes like mine! may envious fate
Ne'er bring Sandauce's gratitude to proof!
Thou never want the pity thou hast shewn!
To thee, to thine, may fortune ne'er be cold.
But I, partaker of imperial pomp,
In ease, in safety nurtur'd, who have deem'd
My state above the sorrows which torment
178
On this new lesson by misfortune taught,
Reflects how lately on a field of blood,
Young as I am, I saw my husband fall,
My children doom'd to sacrifice, myself
To endless bondage, had not heav'n achiev'd
This marvel of compassion in a foe,
I, (O forgive me!) I suspect the lot
Of all, ev'n thine. O prosp'rous, godlike man,
May Horomazes from thy head avert
Vicissitudes like mine! may envious fate
Ne'er bring Sandauce's gratitude to proof!
Thou never want the pity thou hast shewn!
She ceas'd; she wept. When Artamanes spake:
Her debt Sandauce can discharge alone
By grateful tears; but I can promise more.
In Persian thraldom lies a beauteous Greek,
Nam'd Amarantha, Delphian Timon's child;
For that bright maid's redemption I am pledg'd
To her afflicted sire. Thy goodness shower'd
On this excelling princess, shall augment
My zeal the obligation to repay
By Amarantha's freedom; till that hour
Of retribution to thy virtues comes,
We will proclaim them; nations shall admire
Themistocles, and ev'ry heart abhor
Inhuman Euphrantides. Now return'd
Sicinus; him they follow'd. On her breast
The lovely mother hush'd her female babe;
But cold with horror at remembrance deep
Of her unmatch'd calamities that day,
She feebly falter'd o'er the iandy beach;
While Artamanes led in either hand
The tripping boys. Themistocles remain'd
In these reflections, flowing from this proof
Of fortune's changes: Few in Athens long
Sustain their greatness—but to muse on ills
Before they come, both time and thought I waste;
Content at present that esteem procur'd,
By this fair Persian, in her brother's court,
May prove a gain. Timothea now approach'd;
His hand affectionate she press'd and spake:
Her debt Sandauce can discharge alone
By grateful tears; but I can promise more.
In Persian thraldom lies a beauteous Greek,
Nam'd Amarantha, Delphian Timon's child;
179
To her afflicted sire. Thy goodness shower'd
On this excelling princess, shall augment
My zeal the obligation to repay
By Amarantha's freedom; till that hour
Of retribution to thy virtues comes,
We will proclaim them; nations shall admire
Themistocles, and ev'ry heart abhor
Inhuman Euphrantides. Now return'd
Sicinus; him they follow'd. On her breast
The lovely mother hush'd her female babe;
But cold with horror at remembrance deep
Of her unmatch'd calamities that day,
She feebly falter'd o'er the iandy beach;
While Artamanes led in either hand
The tripping boys. Themistocles remain'd
In these reflections, flowing from this proof
Of fortune's changes: Few in Athens long
Sustain their greatness—but to muse on ills
180
Content at present that esteem procur'd,
By this fair Persian, in her brother's court,
May prove a gain. Timothea now approach'd;
His hand affectionate she press'd and spake:
How sudden thou my hospitable cares
Of their endearing object hast depriv'd!
In woe how graceful is that eastern dame!
How young a mother! On a widow'd bed
How early cast by fortune! Thou hast sent
Sicinus with her; ever-watchful man,
Some new contrivance thou dost bring to birth;
Thou smil'st in silence; listen then to me.
Since Aristides on this isle hath shewn
That face rever'd, when banish'd, his recal
The men of Athens, nay the women wish.
This by Aminias to th' assembled tribes,
Laodice informs me, will be mov'd;
In this expect Myronides the brave,
Xanthippus, Cimon, Æschylus will join.—
So will thy husband, interpos'd the chief;
I will forestall them, not to others leave
Such merit with our people.—She rejoin'd:
Of their endearing object hast depriv'd!
In woe how graceful is that eastern dame!
How young a mother! On a widow'd bed
How early cast by fortune! Thou hast sent
Sicinus with her; ever-watchful man,
Some new contrivance thou dost bring to birth;
Thou smil'st in silence; listen then to me.
Since Aristides on this isle hath shewn
That face rever'd, when banish'd, his recal
The men of Athens, nay the women wish.
This by Aminias to th' assembled tribes,
Laodice informs me, will be mov'd;
181
Xanthippus, Cimon, Æschylus will join.—
So will thy husband, interpos'd the chief;
I will forestall them, not to others leave
Such merit with our people.—She rejoin'd:
All will applaud thee. Now, my anxious lord,
The second watch its measure hath consum'd;
The moon descends, the sprightly birds are still;
Dead sleep hath laid the soldier on his shield;
The active sailor slumbers; all forget
The hardships, rage, and tumult of the day;
All but thyself reposing. Shall that mind
Continue ranging o'er the field of thought,
In pregnancy exhaustless, till the lark
Salute the day-spring with his early song?
Till thou unresting, unrefresh'd, resume
The statesman's troubles, and the soldier's toils?
Be counsell'd; oft the thunder-bearing god
To Juno listens; thou my voice obey.
The second watch its measure hath consum'd;
The moon descends, the sprightly birds are still;
Dead sleep hath laid the soldier on his shield;
The active sailor slumbers; all forget
The hardships, rage, and tumult of the day;
All but thyself reposing. Shall that mind
Continue ranging o'er the field of thought,
In pregnancy exhaustless, till the lark
Salute the day-spring with his early song?
Till thou unresting, unrefresh'd, resume
The statesman's troubles, and the soldier's toils?
Be counsell'd; oft the thunder-bearing god
To Juno listens; thou my voice obey.
182
He hears; serene conducts her to repose.
As Jove on Ida, by Saturnia charm'd,
Confess'd a rapture never felt before,
While lucid dew of odours from a cloud
Of gold distill'd around him; from the turf
Beneath his feet while hyacinths upsprung,
The unctuous lotos, and the crocus gay,
To grace his secret tabernacle there
Of love celestial; so the Attic chief
To his Timothea, in her chamber pure,
With bridal honours deck'd, perfum'd with flow'rs,
Whate'er the meads of Salamis supplied,
His tender flame in winning language breath'd:
As Jove on Ida, by Saturnia charm'd,
Confess'd a rapture never felt before,
While lucid dew of odours from a cloud
Of gold distill'd around him; from the turf
Beneath his feet while hyacinths upsprung,
The unctuous lotos, and the crocus gay,
To grace his secret tabernacle there
Of love celestial; so the Attic chief
To his Timothea, in her chamber pure,
With bridal honours deck'd, perfum'd with flow'rs,
Whate'er the meads of Salamis supplied,
His tender flame in winning language breath'd:
Whoe'er had whisper'd on our nuptial day
That I should view thee, in a time remote
From that sweet æra, with superior joy,
I should have held him ignorant of love.
What is the cause, Timothea, that I feel
My bosom pierc'd by transport yet unknown?
That eastern fair, deliver'd from distress,
Appearing then the fairest of her sex,
Thou dost exceed. Timothea smiling spake:
That I should view thee, in a time remote
From that sweet æra, with superior joy,
I should have held him ignorant of love.
What is the cause, Timothea, that I feel
183
That eastern fair, deliver'd from distress,
Appearing then the fairest of her sex,
Thou dost exceed. Timothea smiling spake:
O thou artificer of sweetest wiles,
Wouldst thou seduce me into vain belief,
That I exceed Sandauce's youthful charms?
But wouldst thou know, my husband (solemn here
She modulates her accents), wouldst thou know
Why thou survey'st me with uncommon joy?
It is the conscience of a noble deed,
Of gather'd trophies never match'd before,
Creates this change. The perils of this day
Were new to Athens, to thy race, and me;
Thy sword hath rescued all, increas'd thy fame,
Thy heart exalted; with increas'd delight,
Thro' that bright medium of a happy mind,
Thou look'st on ev'ry object—sure on me
Not less than others. Artless were these words,
By nature prompted, nature's noblest fire.
Wouldst thou seduce me into vain belief,
That I exceed Sandauce's youthful charms?
But wouldst thou know, my husband (solemn here
She modulates her accents), wouldst thou know
Why thou survey'st me with uncommon joy?
It is the conscience of a noble deed,
Of gather'd trophies never match'd before,
Creates this change. The perils of this day
Were new to Athens, to thy race, and me;
Thy sword hath rescued all, increas'd thy fame,
Thy heart exalted; with increas'd delight,
Thro' that bright medium of a happy mind,
Thou look'st on ev'ry object—sure on me
184
By nature prompted, nature's noblest fire.
They ceas'd discourse. Her loftiness of mind,
His valour, talents, policy, to love
Subside. Perhaps the first of human pairs,
Who in the bless'd Assyrian garden met,
Were not more happy in their first embrace,
Than fair Timothea and her conqu'ring lord!
His valour, talents, policy, to love
Subside. Perhaps the first of human pairs,
Who in the bless'd Assyrian garden met,
Were not more happy in their first embrace,
Than fair Timothea and her conqu'ring lord!
A pleasing stillness on the water sleeps;
The land is hush'd; from either host proceeds
No sound, no murmur. With his precious charge
Embark'd, Sicinus gently steers along;
The dip of oars in unison awake
Without alarming silence; while the moon,
From her descending, horizontal car,
Shoots lambent silver on the humid blades
Which cleave the curling flood. On carpets soft
Sandauce's babes devoid of sorrow lie,
In sweet oblivious innocence compos'd
To smiling slumber. But the mother's breast
Admits no consolation; when they skim
Psyttalia's frith, at memory severe
Of that disast'rous isle, she sudden sinks
A lifeless image in the watchful arms
Of Artamanes, who had studied well
Her sorrows, knew each tender thought and care,
Humanity his tutor. Swift he calls
Sicinus: Friendly pilot, stay thy course;
We must not leave Autarctus in his gore
Behind, lest grief incurable reside
In this fair breast, perhaps eternal shade
In these extinguish'd eyes. Sicinus feels
A sympathizing pain, of Persian stock
Himself a branch, in Attic soil matur'd;
He stops the bark and lands. The Asian tents
Were still erect, whence Aristides comes
In steel accoutred, to salute the dawn,
Then breaking. Him Sicinus humbly greets,
Requests, obtains the body, which convey'd
On board he careful on the deck bespreads
With canvass new. Impell'd by active strokes
Of oars resum'd, the bounding vessel gains
Phaleron's haven. Artemisia there,
Whose vigilance, augmented by defeat,
Had kenn'd the bark while distant, now arrests
Her further progress; but no sooner hears
The sad intelligence Sicinus gives,
Than swift descending where Sandauce lay,
That mourning fair in friendly strains accosts:
The land is hush'd; from either host proceeds
No sound, no murmur. With his precious charge
Embark'd, Sicinus gently steers along;
The dip of oars in unison awake
Without alarming silence; while the moon,
From her descending, horizontal car,
Shoots lambent silver on the humid blades
Which cleave the curling flood. On carpets soft
185
In sweet oblivious innocence compos'd
To smiling slumber. But the mother's breast
Admits no consolation; when they skim
Psyttalia's frith, at memory severe
Of that disast'rous isle, she sudden sinks
A lifeless image in the watchful arms
Of Artamanes, who had studied well
Her sorrows, knew each tender thought and care,
Humanity his tutor. Swift he calls
Sicinus: Friendly pilot, stay thy course;
We must not leave Autarctus in his gore
Behind, lest grief incurable reside
In this fair breast, perhaps eternal shade
In these extinguish'd eyes. Sicinus feels
A sympathizing pain, of Persian stock
Himself a branch, in Attic soil matur'd;
He stops the bark and lands. The Asian tents
Were still erect, whence Aristides comes
186
Then breaking. Him Sicinus humbly greets,
Requests, obtains the body, which convey'd
On board he careful on the deck bespreads
With canvass new. Impell'd by active strokes
Of oars resum'd, the bounding vessel gains
Phaleron's haven. Artemisia there,
Whose vigilance, augmented by defeat,
Had kenn'd the bark while distant, now arrests
Her further progress; but no sooner hears
The sad intelligence Sicinus gives,
Than swift descending where Sandauce lay,
That mourning fair in friendly strains accosts:
O lift thy head, thou daughter of a king!
Our sov'reign's sister, sister to the man
My soul rever'd, to Hyperanthes good,
The flow'r of Asia's princes! In thy woes
I sharing cordial, cordially rejoice
In thy redemption. Leave this doleful keel;
Think of thy duty to approach the king;
Thy other cares entrust to me.—She said;
They row to shore. To Xerxes, then retir'd,
The queen conducts Sandauce and her train.
The princess thus to him amaz'd began:
Our sov'reign's sister, sister to the man
My soul rever'd, to Hyperanthes good,
The flow'r of Asia's princes! In thy woes
I sharing cordial, cordially rejoice
187
Think of thy duty to approach the king;
Thy other cares entrust to me.—She said;
They row to shore. To Xerxes, then retir'd,
The queen conducts Sandauce and her train.
The princess thus to him amaz'd began:
A widow'd sister, late a wretched slave,
With these three orphans just redeem'd from death,
Sandauce greets her brother; but her tongue
Would be disloyal to obtrude her tale,
Her tedious tale of sorrows on his ear.
The preservation of her king demands
His first attention; that attention grant
To him who comes deputed by a Greek,
Thy friend, my guardian, saviour of those babes;
Oh listen! thy salvation from his lips
Receive. Fast bound by terror was the mouth
Of Xerxes.—Then Sicinus: He who ranks
Among the Greeks superior in command,
In talents, prudence, policy, and arms,
Themistocles, these pledges of his truth
And friendship sends; them rescued he restores;
Thee next will save. Thy Hellespontine bridge
The Greeks vindictive menace to destroy;
An enterprize of horror, which his pow'r,
His dictates singly can and will impede,
Till thou in safety hast regain'd thy throne.
With these three orphans just redeem'd from death,
Sandauce greets her brother; but her tongue
Would be disloyal to obtrude her tale,
Her tedious tale of sorrows on his ear.
The preservation of her king demands
His first attention; that attention grant
To him who comes deputed by a Greek,
Thy friend, my guardian, saviour of those babes;
Oh listen! thy salvation from his lips
Receive. Fast bound by terror was the mouth
Of Xerxes.—Then Sicinus: He who ranks
188
In talents, prudence, policy, and arms,
Themistocles, these pledges of his truth
And friendship sends; them rescued he restores;
Thee next will save. Thy Hellespontine bridge
The Greeks vindictive menace to destroy;
An enterprize of horror, which his pow'r,
His dictates singly can and will impede,
Till thou in safety hast regain'd thy throne.
All from his presence straight the king commands,
Save Artemisia; her in broken tones
Addresses: Queen of Caria, singly wise
Among my council, pity, not upbraid
Thy master, suff'ring by his rash neglect
Of thy sage voice unutterable pangs.
Save Artemisia; her in broken tones
Addresses: Queen of Caria, singly wise
Among my council, pity, not upbraid
Thy master, suff'ring by his rash neglect
Of thy sage voice unutterable pangs.
He paus'd in torture. Prudent, she replied:
Without a cause the lord of nations droops;
Mardonius well hath counsel'd thy retreat,
Who undertakes to finish, what his sword
Hath well begun thro' Macedon and Thrace,
This mighty war. Thy servant may succeed;
In whose behalf? His master's: Thou wilt reap
His fruits of glory; if Mardonius fail,
He the disgrace. Thy march commence by dawn;
Appoint the fleet's departure swift this night,
To guard with force collected and repair'd
The Hellespontine bridge; with grace accept
The proffer'd service of th' Athenian chief;
Load his returning messenger with gifts
Of royal price, and, O my gracious lord!
Fraternal kindness on Sandauce show'r.
Her gallant lord hath perish'd in thy cause,
Herself been menac'd by a barb'rous priest
To see her children sacrific'd; a doom
Themistocles withstood, and set them free.
As when a timid child perceives a cloud
Obscure the sky, and hears the thunder's peal,
He weeps, he trembles, but the cloud dispers'd,
The clamour ceasing, and the sun restor'd,
His wonted sport resumes, forgetting fear;
So chang'd the monarch. Artemisia, go,
He said; the satraps instantly convene;
Th' Athenian messenger, Argestes' son,
Again before us with Sandauce call;
Ne'er will I deviate from thy counsels more.
Without a cause the lord of nations droops;
189
Who undertakes to finish, what his sword
Hath well begun thro' Macedon and Thrace,
This mighty war. Thy servant may succeed;
In whose behalf? His master's: Thou wilt reap
His fruits of glory; if Mardonius fail,
He the disgrace. Thy march commence by dawn;
Appoint the fleet's departure swift this night,
To guard with force collected and repair'd
The Hellespontine bridge; with grace accept
The proffer'd service of th' Athenian chief;
Load his returning messenger with gifts
Of royal price, and, O my gracious lord!
Fraternal kindness on Sandauce show'r.
Her gallant lord hath perish'd in thy cause,
Herself been menac'd by a barb'rous priest
To see her children sacrific'd; a doom
Themistocles withstood, and set them free.
190
Obscure the sky, and hears the thunder's peal,
He weeps, he trembles, but the cloud dispers'd,
The clamour ceasing, and the sun restor'd,
His wonted sport resumes, forgetting fear;
So chang'd the monarch. Artemisia, go,
He said; the satraps instantly convene;
Th' Athenian messenger, Argestes' son,
Again before us with Sandauce call;
Ne'er will I deviate from thy counsels more.
First to Sicinus ent'ring he began:
Say to thy sender, I accept well pleas'd
His service pass'd and proffers; thou return;
To him ten golden talents thou shalt bear.
Thee from the depths of sorrow shall the king,
Sandauce, raise; demand a present boon;
Thou canst not ask what Xerxes will refuse.
Say to thy sender, I accept well pleas'd
His service pass'd and proffers; thou return;
To him ten golden talents thou shalt bear.
Thee from the depths of sorrow shall the king,
Sandauce, raise; demand a present boon;
Thou canst not ask what Xerxes will refuse.
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By gratitude surmounting grief inspir'd,
Mov'd to retaliate kindness in the shape
Herself had prov'd, the gen'rous suppliant thus:
Mov'd to retaliate kindness in the shape
Herself had prov'd, the gen'rous suppliant thus:
In Persian thraldom is a Grecian maid
Of Delphian lineage, Amarantha nam'd;
Her I demand of Xerxes, that my hand
A captive daughter to a tender sire
May render back; from bondage free his head,
Now in Nicæa, and thus far my debt
Of gratitude discharge. In transport here,
Admiring such perfection of the heart,
Spake Artamanes: Ever live the king!
There is a captive whom the princess nam'd—
Of Delphian lineage, Amarantha nam'd;
Her I demand of Xerxes, that my hand
A captive daughter to a tender sire
May render back; from bondage free his head,
Now in Nicæa, and thus far my debt
Of gratitude discharge. In transport here,
Admiring such perfection of the heart,
Spake Artamanes: Ever live the king!
There is a captive whom the princess nam'd—
Fly thou in search of this requested slave,
Son of Argestes, interrupts the king;
Let none withold her from Sandauce's pow'r.
The female train before the cumb'rous host
Shall move by dawn for Thessaly, there join
The rest of Asia's dames behind us left
On our late march; the guard, ten thousand horse,
Thou, Artamanes, shalt command.—He said;
They all retir'd. A pensive grief o'ercasts
Sandauce, moving with her children slow,
By slaves attended, to the vacant tent
Autarctus late possess'd. Argestes' son
Observes her anguish, penetrates her thoughts,
In guarded words then prossers this relief:
Son of Argestes, interrupts the king;
Let none withold her from Sandauce's pow'r.
The female train before the cumb'rous host
192
The rest of Asia's dames behind us left
On our late march; the guard, ten thousand horse,
Thou, Artamanes, shalt command.—He said;
They all retir'd. A pensive grief o'ercasts
Sandauce, moving with her children slow,
By slaves attended, to the vacant tent
Autarctus late possess'd. Argestes' son
Observes her anguish, penetrates her thoughts,
In guarded words then prossers this relief:
O fairest princess, whose external form
But half displays thy excellence of mind,
Wilt thou forgive thy servant, if he feels
With thee a present sorrow, which the heart
Fobids the tongue to name? Sandauce, trust
My pious service, and those thoughts compose.
But half displays thy excellence of mind,
Wilt thou forgive thy servant, if he feels
With thee a present sorrow, which the heart
Fobids the tongue to name? Sandauce, trust
My pious service, and those thoughts compose.
She, weeping, looks assent; he speeds away,
But meets the body of Autarctus borne
By Artemisia's soldiers. She at first,
With care conceal'd, had order'd from the bark
His precious reliques; these the noble youth
With equal care delivers to that skill,
Which with Sabæan gums, and scented growths
Of bless'd Arabia, purifies the clay
Depriv'd of life, and Time's consuming breath
Repels. A regal car he next provides,
In full apparel of funereal pomp.
But meets the body of Autarctus borne
193
With care conceal'd, had order'd from the bark
His precious reliques; these the noble youth
With equal care delivers to that skill,
Which with Sabæan gums, and scented growths
Of bless'd Arabia, purifies the clay
Depriv'd of life, and Time's consuming breath
Repels. A regal car he next provides,
In full apparel of funereal pomp.
End of the Seventh Book.
194
BOOK the Eighth.
The satraps now and leaders, at the call
Of Artemisia, were collected round
Their monarch. Seated on his throne, he spake:
Of Artemisia, were collected round
Their monarch. Seated on his throne, he spake:
Ye princes, satraps, heed our fix'd decree.
Our native Asia wants her king; by morn
To Susa we return, but leave behind
In Greece Mardonius, and a chosen host
Of thirty myriads. With command supreme,
With our imperial equipage and state,
Him we invest; to him submission pay
As to our presence. Artemisia, bear
Our sov'reign pleasure to the naval chiefs,
That all abandon, e'er the dawn return,
Phaleron's port, and hoist their sails to guard
The Hellespont. But thou, entrusted queen,
Thy own tried squadron to Spercheos bring;
Whence thou must wast to Ephesus a charge
Of high import, the children of thy king.
Our native Asia wants her king; by morn
To Susa we return, but leave behind
In Greece Mardonius, and a chosen host
Of thirty myriads. With command supreme,
With our imperial equipage and state,
195
As to our presence. Artemisia, bear
Our sov'reign pleasure to the naval chiefs,
That all abandon, e'er the dawn return,
Phaleron's port, and hoist their sails to guard
The Hellespont. But thou, entrusted queen,
Thy own tried squadron to Spercheos bring;
Whence thou must wast to Ephesus a charge
Of high import, the children of thy king.
He ceas'd. A stranger, cas'd in steel, approach'd,
In look ferocious, limbs and shape robust,
Of stature huge; the satraps look'd amaz'd,
As were th' immortals, when, th' Olympian steep
Ascending, grim Briareus first produc'd
His mountain-bulk, and spread his hundred hands,
Auxiliary to Jove. The warrior stood,
Unbending, far as nature would permit,
His rugged brow; when, crouching to the king,
O Xerxes, live for ever, he began:
I am Eubœan Demonax, the prince
Of Oreus late, who earth and water sent,
Acknowledging thy empire; from my throne
By curs'd Themistocles expell'd, I join'd
Thy shelt'ring fleet; at Salamis I fought.
An aid of troops and treasure can replace
Me thy true vassal, who will soon reduce
The granary of Athens to thy sway,
Eubœa, sertile, populous, and rich.
In look ferocious, limbs and shape robust,
Of stature huge; the satraps look'd amaz'd,
As were th' immortals, when, th' Olympian steep
Ascending, grim Briareus first produc'd
His mountain-bulk, and spread his hundred hands,
Auxiliary to Jove. The warrior stood,
Unbending, far as nature would permit,
His rugged brow; when, crouching to the king,
196
I am Eubœan Demonax, the prince
Of Oreus late, who earth and water sent,
Acknowledging thy empire; from my throne
By curs'd Themistocles expell'd, I join'd
Thy shelt'ring fleet; at Salamis I fought.
An aid of troops and treasure can replace
Me thy true vassal, who will soon reduce
The granary of Athens to thy sway,
Eubœa, sertile, populous, and rich.
The monarch thus: Mardonius, thou hast heard;
Begin to use thy plenitude of pow'r;
Reject or favour at thy will this pray'r.
Begin to use thy plenitude of pow'r;
Reject or favour at thy will this pray'r.
Mardonius then: My sov'reign liege, the truth
Flows from his lips; twelve thousand of thy host,
With Mindarus commanding, and of gold
A hundred talents, would be well bestow'd
On this important Greek. The king assents;
He rises; all disperse. Mardonius now
Accosts the queen, descending to the port:
Flows from his lips; twelve thousand of thy host,
With Mindarus commanding, and of gold
A hundred talents, would be well bestow'd
197
He rises; all disperse. Mardonius now
Accosts the queen, descending to the port:
Alas! how uncontrollable the will
Of Xerxes! must thou leave me? Since the day
Of Salamis, my best belov'd of friends,
Masistius, whether by the waves devour'd,
Or slain, or captive, to my search is lost.
Foe to inaction, though compos'd and wise,
Of courage prone to perilous attempts,
He would embark; permitted by the king,
Against my warm remonstrance would partake
The naval conflict. Drooping, while I doubt
His preservation, must I further lose
Thy fellowship, auspicious, generous queen!
Yet stop, a moment listen. On the march
To Athens first, reposing in a cave,
I had a dream, perhaps a vision saw,
To me presaging glory—but success
Was wrap'd in clouded mystery. My heart
Teems with ill-boding thoughts, yet shall not faint;
At least impart thy wishes ere thou sail'st,
Thy last instructions! Fortunate thy voice,
Benign to me; repeat one parting strain!
If I successful to thy presence bring
The palms of conquest, say, accomplish'd queen,
Thou wilt accept them with a gracious hand;
If unsuccessful I the forfeit pay
Of this frail being, as becomes the brave,
Say, thou wilt praise Mardonius. Sage and grave
She answers: First, despair not to regain
The good Masistius; at the worst endure,
That common lot, the death of dearest friends,
With patience; long thy courage I have prais'd,
Now moderate the flame against a foe
Not less discreet, than disciplin'd and bold;
Nor let the gloom of superstition awe
Thy noble ardour. On the sharpest sword,
The strongest arm, on prudence, martial skill,
Not dreams and visions, looks the goddess Fame.
If Artemisia's wishes can avail,
Be sure to prosper, prosp'ring here to soar
Above the flight of Cyrus.—She departs.
Behind her, like the sinking globe of day,
She leaves a trail of radiance on his soul;
But, to protect him from returning shade,
Her light should ne'er forsake him, never set.
Of Xerxes! must thou leave me? Since the day
Of Salamis, my best belov'd of friends,
Masistius, whether by the waves devour'd,
Or slain, or captive, to my search is lost.
Foe to inaction, though compos'd and wise,
Of courage prone to perilous attempts,
He would embark; permitted by the king,
Against my warm remonstrance would partake
The naval conflict. Drooping, while I doubt
His preservation, must I further lose
Thy fellowship, auspicious, generous queen!
Yet stop, a moment listen. On the march
To Athens first, reposing in a cave,
I had a dream, perhaps a vision saw,
198
Was wrap'd in clouded mystery. My heart
Teems with ill-boding thoughts, yet shall not faint;
At least impart thy wishes ere thou sail'st,
Thy last instructions! Fortunate thy voice,
Benign to me; repeat one parting strain!
If I successful to thy presence bring
The palms of conquest, say, accomplish'd queen,
Thou wilt accept them with a gracious hand;
If unsuccessful I the forfeit pay
Of this frail being, as becomes the brave,
Say, thou wilt praise Mardonius. Sage and grave
She answers: First, despair not to regain
The good Masistius; at the worst endure,
That common lot, the death of dearest friends,
With patience; long thy courage I have prais'd,
Now moderate the flame against a foe
Not less discreet, than disciplin'd and bold;
Nor let the gloom of superstition awe
199
The strongest arm, on prudence, martial skill,
Not dreams and visions, looks the goddess Fame.
If Artemisia's wishes can avail,
Be sure to prosper, prosp'ring here to soar
Above the flight of Cyrus.—She departs.
Behind her, like the sinking globe of day,
She leaves a trail of radiance on his soul;
But, to protect him from returning shade,
Her light should ne'er forsake him, never set.
O'er gen'rous cares not thus Argestes broods;
Within his tent he meditates conceal'd;
By struggling pride tormented, thus he strives
To sooth her pangs: I see my pow'r eclips'd;
Mardonius governs. Pow'r, thou fleeting gleam,
Thee I possess no longer; why regret,
When Amarantha's beauty can exchange
Thy thorns for lilies? To my own domain
I will transport her; Sipylus hath flow'rs
To drop perfumes in Amarantha's walk;
Pactolus, Hermus, my subjected streams,
Shall furnish gold; her gems shall India send
To deck that form, and I in pleasure's folds
Forget ambition, stranger to the peace
Which honour yields. Libidinous in thought,
The statesman thus would cheat his baffled pride;
Accurs'd of men! who borrow'd from one vice
His med'cine for another (both deform
His ravag'd bosom in alternate strife)
Flagitious parent! rivalling in love
His eldest born! prepost'rous passion, big
With horror! while the youngest, lov'd by all,
By Xerxes favour'd, to Mardonius dear,
He held in detestation for his worth,
Nor knew the comfort of a virtuous child.
Within his tent he meditates conceal'd;
By struggling pride tormented, thus he strives
To sooth her pangs: I see my pow'r eclips'd;
Mardonius governs. Pow'r, thou fleeting gleam,
Thee I possess no longer; why regret,
When Amarantha's beauty can exchange
Thy thorns for lilies? To my own domain
200
To drop perfumes in Amarantha's walk;
Pactolus, Hermus, my subjected streams,
Shall furnish gold; her gems shall India send
To deck that form, and I in pleasure's folds
Forget ambition, stranger to the peace
Which honour yields. Libidinous in thought,
The statesman thus would cheat his baffled pride;
Accurs'd of men! who borrow'd from one vice
His med'cine for another (both deform
His ravag'd bosom in alternate strife)
Flagitious parent! rivalling in love
His eldest born! prepost'rous passion, big
With horror! while the youngest, lov'd by all,
By Xerxes favour'd, to Mardonius dear,
He held in detestation for his worth,
Nor knew the comfort of a virtuous child.
With diff'rent thoughts that sleepless youth employ'd
The night, serenely happy in the charge
Humanity impos'd. Before the dawn
His band is arm'd, Sandauce in her car,
Among innumerable fair the chief
In state and woe. Tears trickle at the sight
Of great Autarctus in his fun'ral pomp
Down ev'ry cheek; a solemn sadness reigns;
So oft Aurora, sable-suited, leads
A train of clouds, dissolving as they pass
In silent show'rs. Through Attica's waste fields,
Through half Bœotia, ere his ev'ning clos'd,
The second sun conducts them to the gates
Of antient Thebes. They enter; they ascend
The citadel; they find commanding there,
New from the ruins of unpeopled towns,
Fierce Mithridates. With a kind embrace,
To him the gentle Artamanes thus:
The night, serenely happy in the charge
201
His band is arm'd, Sandauce in her car,
Among innumerable fair the chief
In state and woe. Tears trickle at the sight
Of great Autarctus in his fun'ral pomp
Down ev'ry cheek; a solemn sadness reigns;
So oft Aurora, sable-suited, leads
A train of clouds, dissolving as they pass
In silent show'rs. Through Attica's waste fields,
Through half Bœotia, ere his ev'ning clos'd,
The second sun conducts them to the gates
Of antient Thebes. They enter; they ascend
The citadel; they find commanding there,
New from the ruins of unpeopled towns,
Fierce Mithridates. With a kind embrace,
To him the gentle Artamanes thus:
Hail! brother: twice a captive since we last
At Delphi parted, I would gladly know
Thy fortune. Tell me, where that beauteous maid,
Whom thou didst carry from the Delphian walls?
At Delphi parted, I would gladly know
202
Whom thou didst carry from the Delphian walls?
The grim Barbarian spoiler, quick reply'd:
Curs'd be her name, her beauty, which could melt
A heart like mine! Accurs'd my father's lust,
Which seiz'd my captive! Guarded by a troop
Of jealous eunuchs, and attendants arm'd,
Her in this citadel he still detains.
If I resign her, may Platæa's tow'rs,
May Thespia's hostile walls by me o'erthrown,
A second time to brave me rise from dust.
Curs'd be her name, her beauty, which could melt
A heart like mine! Accurs'd my father's lust,
Which seiz'd my captive! Guarded by a troop
Of jealous eunuchs, and attendants arm'd,
Her in this citadel he still detains.
If I resign her, may Platæa's tow'rs,
May Thespia's hostile walls by me o'erthrown,
A second time to brave me rise from dust.
Oh! unbecoming strife, the brother cry'd,
Which startles nature! Thanks to Heav'n, the king
Hath now decided Amarantha's fate;
Her to his royal sister he hath giv'n,
A promis'd boon. Sandauce, by the foe
Restor'd to freedom, will requite that grace,
By rend'ring up this damsel to her sire,
Himself a pris'ner in Nicæa's fort,
Then both release from bondage. Further know,
In Thebes to morrow Xerxes will appear
On his retreat to Susa. I conduct
This train of eastern dames. By rising dawn
To her protection will the princess take
The Delphian maiden, then proceed. These words
Sting Mithridates; an atrocious deed
He meditates, but artful thus conceals:
Which startles nature! Thanks to Heav'n, the king
Hath now decided Amarantha's fate;
Her to his royal sister he hath giv'n,
A promis'd boon. Sandauce, by the foe
Restor'd to freedom, will requite that grace,
By rend'ring up this damsel to her sire,
203
Then both release from bondage. Further know,
In Thebes to morrow Xerxes will appear
On his retreat to Susa. I conduct
This train of eastern dames. By rising dawn
To her protection will the princess take
The Delphian maiden, then proceed. These words
Sting Mithridates; an atrocious deed
He meditates, but artful thus conceals:
Not to my father, to the king I yield.
This said, they parted. Mithridates held
The town; his brother's squadrons lay encamp'd
Without the walls. The citadel contain'd
A fane of Juno, there Sandauce rests.
To Œdipus devoted was a dome,
Which Artamanes enter'd, while his heart
Ran cold and shudder'd at a brother fell,
And treach'rous sire, competitors in love;
Abominable strife! His eyes he cast
O'er all the structure, lighted by the gleams
Of tapers blue attending; he surveys,
Insculptur'd round, the horrors which befel
The house of Laius; there th' ill-fated son
His father slays; incestuous there ascends
His mother's chamber; daughters he begets,
His sisters, sons his brothers; blameless he,
A man of virtues by despair oppress'd,
Rends forth his eyeballs, on the pavement dash'd.
There sev'n dire captains, leagu'd by horrid oaths
Which startled Heav'n, are figur'd; down to Hell
Amphiarāus on his martial car,
Through earth's dividing entrails, there descends;
Here Capaneus, blaspheming Jove, expires
Amid vindictive lightnings; mangled there,
Eteocles and Polynices fall,
Each other's victim to fraternal hate.
Full of these hideous images the youth
Reclines disturb'd, unvisited by sleep,
Till awful midnight; broken slumber, adds
To his disquiet. In a thrilling dream
The eyeless ghost of Œdipus ascends;
The vacant sockets, where the orbs of sight
Once beam'd, are bleeding fresh; a Stygian pall
Infolds the wither'd, pale, sepulchral form;
The arms are stretch'd abroad: Forever Thebes
Must thou to horror be the guilty stage!
It said, and vanish'd. By the phantom wak'd,
Or by a sudden clash of mingling swords,
With skrieks and tumult, Artamanes rose,
Unsheath'd his sabre, grip'd his target fast,
And issued swift. Before his startled eyes
A beauteous woman, of majestic form,
In garb disorder'd, and with ringlets fall'n,
Sustains aloft a poinard newly drawn
From Mithridates' heart, who, sinking, breathes
His last beneath her feet. So Phœbe pierc'd
Orion; so the groaning earth receiv'd
His giant bulk, which insolently dar'd
Attempt that child immaculate of Jove
With violence of love. Now spake the fair:
This said, they parted. Mithridates held
The town; his brother's squadrons lay encamp'd
Without the walls. The citadel contain'd
A fane of Juno, there Sandauce rests.
To Œdipus devoted was a dome,
Which Artamanes enter'd, while his heart
Ran cold and shudder'd at a brother fell,
And treach'rous sire, competitors in love;
204
O'er all the structure, lighted by the gleams
Of tapers blue attending; he surveys,
Insculptur'd round, the horrors which befel
The house of Laius; there th' ill-fated son
His father slays; incestuous there ascends
His mother's chamber; daughters he begets,
His sisters, sons his brothers; blameless he,
A man of virtues by despair oppress'd,
Rends forth his eyeballs, on the pavement dash'd.
There sev'n dire captains, leagu'd by horrid oaths
Which startled Heav'n, are figur'd; down to Hell
Amphiarāus on his martial car,
Through earth's dividing entrails, there descends;
Here Capaneus, blaspheming Jove, expires
Amid vindictive lightnings; mangled there,
Eteocles and Polynices fall,
Each other's victim to fraternal hate.
Full of these hideous images the youth
205
Till awful midnight; broken slumber, adds
To his disquiet. In a thrilling dream
The eyeless ghost of Œdipus ascends;
The vacant sockets, where the orbs of sight
Once beam'd, are bleeding fresh; a Stygian pall
Infolds the wither'd, pale, sepulchral form;
The arms are stretch'd abroad: Forever Thebes
Must thou to horror be the guilty stage!
It said, and vanish'd. By the phantom wak'd,
Or by a sudden clash of mingling swords,
With skrieks and tumult, Artamanes rose,
Unsheath'd his sabre, grip'd his target fast,
And issued swift. Before his startled eyes
A beauteous woman, of majestic form,
In garb disorder'd, and with ringlets fall'n,
Sustains aloft a poinard newly drawn
From Mithridates' heart, who, sinking, breathes
His last beneath her feet. So Phœbe pierc'd
206
His giant bulk, which insolently dar'd
Attempt that child immaculate of Jove
With violence of love. Now spake the fair:
If to defend her chastity and fame
Becomes a woman, self approv'd at least
I stand, great Timon's daughter, from a line
Heroic sprung, in holy Delphi born;
If to have slain a ruffian be a crime
Among the Persians, give me instant death,
Such as becomes my dignity and sex.
Becomes a woman, self approv'd at least
I stand, great Timon's daughter, from a line
Heroic sprung, in holy Delphi born;
If to have slain a ruffian be a crime
Among the Persians, give me instant death,
Such as becomes my dignity and sex.
Her words, her looks, impress'd on ev'ry heart
Amaze, and tam'd the savages combin'd
With Mithridates in his impious act.
So when, majestic on the choral scene,
Her tragic pomp Melpomene displays,
In awe profound she hushes rudest minds,
While terror humbles tyrants. Gather'd round
Were numbers now; a thousand torches blaz'd;
Sandauce last, environ'd by her guard,
Approach'd alarm'd. A wounded eunuch stepp'd
Before the princess; I will cloath in truth
My voice, he said. Argestes to my care
Entrusted Amarantha; from that lord,
Solicitations, threat'nings, gifts she spurn'd,
While I admir'd: Sure virtue hath a ray
To strike the meanest eye. To-night his son
Assail'd our dwelling; with my fellow slaves,
All butcher'd, I defended long my charge,
By Mithridates from the mansion forc'd;
Her chastity the noble maid hath sav'd,
Her poniard stretch'd the ravisher in blood.
Amaze, and tam'd the savages combin'd
With Mithridates in his impious act.
So when, majestic on the choral scene,
Her tragic pomp Melpomene displays,
In awe profound she hushes rudest minds,
207
Were numbers now; a thousand torches blaz'd;
Sandauce last, environ'd by her guard,
Approach'd alarm'd. A wounded eunuch stepp'd
Before the princess; I will cloath in truth
My voice, he said. Argestes to my care
Entrusted Amarantha; from that lord,
Solicitations, threat'nings, gifts she spurn'd,
While I admir'd: Sure virtue hath a ray
To strike the meanest eye. To-night his son
Assail'd our dwelling; with my fellow slaves,
All butcher'd, I defended long my charge,
By Mithridates from the mansion forc'd;
Her chastity the noble maid hath sav'd,
Her poniard stretch'd the ravisher in blood.
To Artamanes, weeping o'er the corse,
Sandauce then: To thy consoling words
I oft have listen'd, listen thou to mine;
Forgive the maid; illustrious is her deed
For every maid to imitate. With me,
Come Amarantha; thou art mine; not long
Shalt so continue; at Nicæa's fort
I will restore thee to a joyful sire,
And both to freedom. Morning breaks; the cars,
The troops attend; the royal dame renews
Her progress; seated at her footstool weeps,
In speechless gratitude, the Delphian fair.
Sandauce then: To thy consoling words
I oft have listen'd, listen thou to mine;
208
For every maid to imitate. With me,
Come Amarantha; thou art mine; not long
Shalt so continue; at Nicæa's fort
I will restore thee to a joyful sire,
And both to freedom. Morning breaks; the cars,
The troops attend; the royal dame renews
Her progress; seated at her footstool weeps,
In speechless gratitude, the Delphian fair.
By public duty Artamanes rous'd,
Not long remains. This last fare well he sighs:
Not long remains. This last fare well he sighs:
Oh! early fall'n! Oh! cut from proudest hopes!
Thee, Horomazes, may a brother's tears
For him propitiate! he hath none to shed.
These silent ruins to our father shew,
Thou faithful eunuch. May he feel like me!
Thee, Horomazes, may a brother's tears
For him propitiate! he hath none to shed.
These silent ruins to our father shew,
Thou faithful eunuch. May he feel like me!
209
His steed he mounts, and rapidly o'ertakes
The squadrons, op'ning on Cadmean plains.
The squadrons, op'ning on Cadmean plains.
Now Amarantha lifts her grateful head,
Intent to speak; but, heavy on the front
Of her protectress, heavier in her breast
Sat grief, each sense devouring, and her frame
Enfeebling; which, too delicately wrought,
Endures not ev'n remembrance of distress
So new, so strange in her exalted state,
To youth untry'd by evils. She forgets
Her late benignant act, till chance directs
Her eye to Amarantha; when her heart,
Sooth'd by the conscience of a gen'rous deed,
Her faded cheeks relumines with a smile.
Intent to speak; but, heavy on the front
Of her protectress, heavier in her breast
Sat grief, each sense devouring, and her frame
Enfeebling; which, too delicately wrought,
Endures not ev'n remembrance of distress
So new, so strange in her exalted state,
To youth untry'd by evils. She forgets
Her late benignant act, till chance directs
Her eye to Amarantha; when her heart,
Sooth'd by the conscience of a gen'rous deed,
Her faded cheeks relumines with a smile.
Then spake the prudent virgin: Persian queen,
(Sure such thou art) what marvellous event
Gave thee a knowledge of my sire, his place
Of residence, and my disastrous fate?
Sense of thy goodness, from my breast would chace
The memory of troubles, if alas!
I did not see thy countenance o'ercast.
If thou repent thee, of thy favour deem
Me undeserving, send me to abide
The punishment ordain'd by Persian laws;
But if thy sorrows are thy own, unmix'd
With my misfortunes, let assiduous zeal,
Let tenderest service of my grateful hand
Strive to relieve the burdens which oppress
My benefactress. In the captive's hand
Sandauce drops her own; in sighs replies:
(Sure such thou art) what marvellous event
Gave thee a knowledge of my sire, his place
210
Sense of thy goodness, from my breast would chace
The memory of troubles, if alas!
I did not see thy countenance o'ercast.
If thou repent thee, of thy favour deem
Me undeserving, send me to abide
The punishment ordain'd by Persian laws;
But if thy sorrows are thy own, unmix'd
With my misfortunes, let assiduous zeal,
Let tenderest service of my grateful hand
Strive to relieve the burdens which oppress
My benefactress. In the captive's hand
Sandauce drops her own; in sighs replies:
O! by thy aspect of superior mold
To all I e'er beheld of regal race,
Resembling me in fortune, lend an ear;
My soul conceives a melancholy wish
That thou shouldst hear my story, I to thine
Alternate listen. Mournful converse soon
Between these fairest in their native climes
Began, continued; sev'n diurnal rounds
The sun perform'd, till intercourse of grief,
Communicated sighs, unite their minds
In tender friendship. Diff'rent yet their lots;
On Amarantha's cheek the bloom revives;
A joyful sire, perhaps a dear betroth'd,
Her fortune promis'd. In Sandauce's train
A husband follow'd on his fun'ral bier;
Her fleeting hue a sickly paleness taints,
Which Artamanes with a sad'ning eye
Observes, portent of malady. Now rose
The eighth sad morn, revealing to their sight
Nicæa's neighb'ring gate. Sandauce then
To Artamanes: Take this virtuous maid;
To her my promise, to her father thine
Fulfill; conduct her. Amarantha dear,
From thee I part, rejoicing in thy joy;
Amid thy comforts in a fire's embrace,
Or bliss more tender with a destin'd spouse,
Forget not me. Autarchus near the tomb
Of Ariana by these widow'd hands
Deposited—She stops; the weaken'd pow'rs
Of health relax, nor furnish sound to grief:
Mute too is Delphi's maid. The Persian youth,
To leave a moment in her sick'ning state
The princess, feels a struggle, but resolves
In rapid haste her mandate to obey.
To all I e'er beheld of regal race,
Resembling me in fortune, lend an ear;
My soul conceives a melancholy wish
That thou shouldst hear my story, I to thine
211
Between these fairest in their native climes
Began, continued; sev'n diurnal rounds
The sun perform'd, till intercourse of grief,
Communicated sighs, unite their minds
In tender friendship. Diff'rent yet their lots;
On Amarantha's cheek the bloom revives;
A joyful sire, perhaps a dear betroth'd,
Her fortune promis'd. In Sandauce's train
A husband follow'd on his fun'ral bier;
Her fleeting hue a sickly paleness taints,
Which Artamanes with a sad'ning eye
Observes, portent of malady. Now rose
The eighth sad morn, revealing to their sight
Nicæa's neighb'ring gate. Sandauce then
To Artamanes: Take this virtuous maid;
To her my promise, to her father thine
Fulfill; conduct her. Amarantha dear,
From thee I part, rejoicing in thy joy;
212
Or bliss more tender with a destin'd spouse,
Forget not me. Autarchus near the tomb
Of Ariana by these widow'd hands
Deposited—She stops; the weaken'd pow'rs
Of health relax, nor furnish sound to grief:
Mute too is Delphi's maid. The Persian youth,
To leave a moment in her sick'ning state
The princess, feels a struggle, but resolves
In rapid haste her mandate to obey.
Nicæa's gate he enters; Timon soon
He finds: receive thy daughter, swift he spake;
Receive thy freedom from the bounteous hand
Of Xerxes' sister; but a short farewell
My urgent cares allow; to set thee free
At thy own time I hasten to enjoin
The chief commander here. He said, and turn'd
Precipitate away, unheard, unmark'd
By Timon, who no other voice nor form
Than Amarantha's heeds. In Carian steel
Now Melibœus from the gymnic school,
Where he was daily exercis'd in arms,
Approach'd; to him in transport Timon spake:
He finds: receive thy daughter, swift he spake;
Receive thy freedom from the bounteous hand
Of Xerxes' sister; but a short farewell
My urgent cares allow; to set thee free
At thy own time I hasten to enjoin
The chief commander here. He said, and turn'd
Precipitate away, unheard, unmark'd
213
Than Amarantha's heeds. In Carian steel
Now Melibœus from the gymnic school,
Where he was daily exercis'd in arms,
Approach'd; to him in transport Timon spake:
Behold my daughter!—Instant from the port
Appears Aronces, who proclaims the news
Of Artemisia landed. She had left
Phaleron; station'd in the Malian bay,
She waits the king's arrival, not remote
Now with his army; all advance to meet
The Carian queen; when sudden clouds of dust
The sky envelop; loud the hollow sound
Of trampling hoofs is heard. The portal pass'd
By Artamanes fac'd the southern sun;
An entrance eastward rudely is possess'd
By Caspian horsemen, in the hairy skins
Of goats all horrid; round their brawny loins
From shaggy belts keen cimeters depend;
Well-furnish'd quivers rattle on their backs.
Now fifty grim-fac'd savages dismount
To seize on Amarantha. Then his arm
New-train'd to battle Melibœus proves;
With native strength, agility and fire,
He springs, confronts the Caspians; from the first
He lops the ruffian hand; by diff'rent wounds
Five more lie prostrate. As a vessel new,
Compact and strong, impetuous from the dock
In her first launch divides the troubled waves,
On either side recoiling, till the weight
Of reuniting waters stops her course,
And beats her lofty ribs; so valour drives
The warrior on, till rallying numbers join'd,
Arrest his progress; fearless yet he stands
A while defensive. Timon from the dead
Lifts two forsaken cimeters; both hands
His indignation arms; he sends to hell
Three miscreants gasping at his daughter's feet.
With aiding Theseus, so Pirithous heap'd
With centaurs slain the Lapithæan hall,
When in flagitious tumult they deform'd
The nuptial banquet, and his fair espous'd
With violation menac'd. But the eye
Of Amarantha mark'd th' unequal fight;
Her poniard drawn, the only succour left,
She holds intrepid, resolute on death,
No second thraldom; when th' auspicious sight
Of Caria's queen revives her fainting hopes.
Appears Aronces, who proclaims the news
Of Artemisia landed. She had left
Phaleron; station'd in the Malian bay,
She waits the king's arrival, not remote
Now with his army; all advance to meet
The Carian queen; when sudden clouds of dust
The sky envelop; loud the hollow sound
Of trampling hoofs is heard. The portal pass'd
By Artamanes fac'd the southern sun;
An entrance eastward rudely is possess'd
By Caspian horsemen, in the hairy skins
Of goats all horrid; round their brawny loins
214
Well-furnish'd quivers rattle on their backs.
Now fifty grim-fac'd savages dismount
To seize on Amarantha. Then his arm
New-train'd to battle Melibœus proves;
With native strength, agility and fire,
He springs, confronts the Caspians; from the first
He lops the ruffian hand; by diff'rent wounds
Five more lie prostrate. As a vessel new,
Compact and strong, impetuous from the dock
In her first launch divides the troubled waves,
On either side recoiling, till the weight
Of reuniting waters stops her course,
And beats her lofty ribs; so valour drives
The warrior on, till rallying numbers join'd,
Arrest his progress; fearless yet he stands
A while defensive. Timon from the dead
Lifts two forsaken cimeters; both hands
His indignation arms; he sends to hell
215
With aiding Theseus, so Pirithous heap'd
With centaurs slain the Lapithæan hall,
When in flagitious tumult they deform'd
The nuptial banquet, and his fair espous'd
With violation menac'd. But the eye
Of Amarantha mark'd th' unequal fight;
Her poniard drawn, the only succour left,
She holds intrepid, resolute on death,
No second thraldom; when th' auspicious sight
Of Caria's queen revives her fainting hopes.
Stern Artemisia, rapid on the call
Of vigilant Aronces, now approach'd
In awful tone the Caspians: Sheath your blades,
Ye fierce in look, not courage, or this arm
(Her falchion here she waves) shall hide these streets
With your vile carrion. Despicable herd
Of rebels, led by what presumptuous fiend
Dare you invade a fortress of your king,
Ev'n in my presence, he perhaps in sight?
Of vigilant Aronces, now approach'd
In awful tone the Caspians: Sheath your blades,
Ye fierce in look, not courage, or this arm
(Her falchion here she waves) shall hide these streets
With your vile carrion. Despicable herd
Of rebels, led by what presumptuous fiend
216
Ev'n in my presence, he perhaps in sight?
They hear; they pause. Inclos'd by thick'ning guards,
In multitude confiding, urg'd by lust,
Which lends a courage new, Argestes fell,
Inciting loud his ruffians to persist,
Strikes her indignant eye. What wrath, what hopes
Of just, of long-sought vengeance swell her breast!
As when the mother of a lion brood,
From wonted chace returning, sees a wolf,
Or treach'rous tiger stealing towards her den,
Who in her absence would securely prey
On her defenceless whelps, her eyeballs roll
In fire, she rushes on th' insidious foe
With fangs resistless; he contends in vain,
His chest she rends asunder, and his heart
Devours unsated; so incens'd the queen,
Begirt by Carians terrible in war,
To each Barbarian terrible who saw
Their high exploits on Salaminian waves,
Rush'd on Argestes; Melibœus brave
March'd by her side a second, whom the god
Of arms might rank among his foremost sons.
The Caspians shrunk; by desperation bold,
The satrap spurr'd his courser on the queen,
And whirl'd a javelin shiv'ring on her shield;
She on the forehead smote the restiff horse,
Who, rearing, hurl'd his rider to the ground,
Then points her dreadful weapon tow'rds the breast
Of her detested foe, intent to pierce
The trait'rous heart. This invocation first
She solemn utters: Manes of the brave!
Whom he devoted on the Malian fields
Unpitied victims of his hate to me,
To you, my subjects, this malignant head
I immolate. Hence satrap, once the chief
In pow'r and state, in vice and falsehood chief,
Seek Rhadamanthus; tell him, while he frowns
On his tribunal, Themis to my hand
Her sword resign'd to cut thy treason short.
In multitude confiding, urg'd by lust,
Which lends a courage new, Argestes fell,
Inciting loud his ruffians to persist,
Strikes her indignant eye. What wrath, what hopes
Of just, of long-sought vengeance swell her breast!
As when the mother of a lion brood,
From wonted chace returning, sees a wolf,
Or treach'rous tiger stealing towards her den,
Who in her absence would securely prey
On her defenceless whelps, her eyeballs roll
In fire, she rushes on th' insidious foe
With fangs resistless; he contends in vain,
His chest she rends asunder, and his heart
Devours unsated; so incens'd the queen,
217
To each Barbarian terrible who saw
Their high exploits on Salaminian waves,
Rush'd on Argestes; Melibœus brave
March'd by her side a second, whom the god
Of arms might rank among his foremost sons.
The Caspians shrunk; by desperation bold,
The satrap spurr'd his courser on the queen,
And whirl'd a javelin shiv'ring on her shield;
She on the forehead smote the restiff horse,
Who, rearing, hurl'd his rider to the ground,
Then points her dreadful weapon tow'rds the breast
Of her detested foe, intent to pierce
The trait'rous heart. This invocation first
She solemn utters: Manes of the brave!
Whom he devoted on the Malian fields
Unpitied victims of his hate to me,
To you, my subjects, this malignant head
I immolate. Hence satrap, once the chief
218
Seek Rhadamanthus; tell him, while he frowns
On his tribunal, Themis to my hand
Her sword resign'd to cut thy treason short.
Her vengeance levels now the mortal blow,
When dignity restrains her. Rise, she said,
Thou criminal, unworthy by this arm
To die; preserve him, Carians, to abide
The ignominous lot, by justice doom'd
To common villains. Melibœus, change
Thy name; I clasp thee Haliartus now,
My brother, prov'd by gallant deeds; at least
No evidence but virtue I require
For nobler union than congenial birth,
By friendship's sacred ties to call thee mine.
When dignity restrains her. Rise, she said,
Thou criminal, unworthy by this arm
To die; preserve him, Carians, to abide
The ignominous lot, by justice doom'd
To common villains. Melibœus, change
Thy name; I clasp thee Haliartus now,
My brother, prov'd by gallant deeds; at least
No evidence but virtue I require
For nobler union than congenial birth,
By friendship's sacred ties to call thee mine.
She scarce had finish'd, when a second troop
Of horsemen through the southern portal spread
New terror. In their front a splendid chief,
Who wears a regal circle; round he casts
A searching eye, impatient soon beholds
Bright Amarantha, where she stands beset
By Caspians, strangers to their leader's fate,
Persisting still in pertinacious strife
Against Aronces, and her manly sire;
Then swift as sulph'rous ether, when its flame
Divides a knotted oak or cleaves a tow'r,
Flies on the ruffians: Do ye lift, he cries,
Your hands profane against the destin'd queen
Of Macedon? a carnage wide he spreads
Beneath his trampling steed and pond'rous blade.
Dismounting victor, he unclasps his helm,
Her dear betroth'd to Amarantha shews
In Alexander, Macedonia's king.
Ne'er yet so comely, so endearing look'd
A lover; rescu'd from Barbarian spoil
She meets his arms, while Timon weeps in joy.
Of horsemen through the southern portal spread
219
Who wears a regal circle; round he casts
A searching eye, impatient soon beholds
Bright Amarantha, where she stands beset
By Caspians, strangers to their leader's fate,
Persisting still in pertinacious strife
Against Aronces, and her manly sire;
Then swift as sulph'rous ether, when its flame
Divides a knotted oak or cleaves a tow'r,
Flies on the ruffians: Do ye lift, he cries,
Your hands profane against the destin'd queen
Of Macedon? a carnage wide he spreads
Beneath his trampling steed and pond'rous blade.
Dismounting victor, he unclasps his helm,
Her dear betroth'd to Amarantha shews
In Alexander, Macedonia's king.
Ne'er yet so comely, so endearing look'd
A lover; rescu'd from Barbarian spoil
She meets his arms, while Timon weeps in joy.
220
With Melibœus, from a stage of blood,
The Carian queen approach'd, while thus the king
His servent soul was opening: Oh! my love,
My Amarantha! my affianc'd love!
I feel, but cannot paint, my sorrows past,
My present joys. The day, the appointed day
To solemnize our nuptial rites was nigh,
I left my kingdom, flew to Delphi's walls;
Thou wast not there. What horror, when I heard
Thou wast a captive! by what barb'rous hand
None could inform me; thence from march to march
I track'd the Persians; tidings of thy fate
No tongue could tell; through Attica I rang'd,
Bœotia, Phocis, Doris; Locris still
Was left to search. Disconsolate I join'd
The royal camp last ev'ning; there I heard
Of Mithridates by thy virtue slain;
At Thebes, of curs'd Argestes, who had held
Thee pris'ner there; of thy departure thence
With kind Sandauce to Nicæa's fort;
But further told, that base Argestes led
The Caspian horse forerunners of the host,
Alarm'd, my troop I gather'd, I pursu'd,
Am come to save thee, nor one hour withhold
The full protection of my nuptial hand.
The Carian queen approach'd, while thus the king
His servent soul was opening: Oh! my love,
My Amarantha! my affianc'd love!
I feel, but cannot paint, my sorrows past,
My present joys. The day, the appointed day
To solemnize our nuptial rites was nigh,
I left my kingdom, flew to Delphi's walls;
Thou wast not there. What horror, when I heard
Thou wast a captive! by what barb'rous hand
None could inform me; thence from march to march
I track'd the Persians; tidings of thy fate
No tongue could tell; through Attica I rang'd,
Bœotia, Phocis, Doris; Locris still
Was left to search. Disconsolate I join'd
The royal camp last ev'ning; there I heard
Of Mithridates by thy virtue slain;
At Thebes, of curs'd Argestes, who had held
Thee pris'ner there; of thy departure thence
221
But further told, that base Argestes led
The Caspian horse forerunners of the host,
Alarm'd, my troop I gather'd, I pursu'd,
Am come to save thee, nor one hour withhold
The full protection of my nuptial hand.
Th' illustrious virgin answer'd in a sigh:
O Alexander, I am thine, thou mine
By sacred vows; yet thou a foe to Greece!
O Alexander, I am thine, thou mine
By sacred vows; yet thou a foe to Greece!
Then Artemisia: Noble maid, I praise
That zeal for Greece, thy country; but forbear
At this momentous crisis to combine
Thy preservation with a public care;
Thou need'st protection both of rank and pow'r.
Few can resist the lustre of thy form,
Which, left unguarded thro' the lawless course
Of war, might light, in others less deprav'd
Than foul Argestes and his barb'rous son,
New flames to burst in violence again.
That zeal for Greece, thy country; but forbear
At this momentous crisis to combine
Thy preservation with a public care;
Thou need'st protection both of rank and pow'r.
Few can resist the lustre of thy form,
Which, left unguarded thro' the lawless course
Of war, might light, in others less deprav'd
222
New flames to burst in violence again.
She ceases; Timon ratifies her words.
A mother's office now the queen performs
In preparation for connubial rites;
Nor old Aronces, nor th' acknowledg'd heir
Of Lygdamis are slow. With human blood
Impure, the streets are cleans'd, the slain remov'd;
Flow'rs pluck'd for chaplets, nuptial torches burn,
The altars smoke with odours, sternest hearts
Grow mild, Bellona's furies sleep forgot,
Her fifes and clarions soften to delight
The ear of Hymen; joy concludes the day.
A mother's office now the queen performs
In preparation for connubial rites;
Nor old Aronces, nor th' acknowledg'd heir
Of Lygdamis are slow. With human blood
Impure, the streets are cleans'd, the slain remov'd;
Flow'rs pluck'd for chaplets, nuptial torches burn,
The altars smoke with odours, sternest hearts
Grow mild, Bellona's furies sleep forgot,
Her fifes and clarions soften to delight
The ear of Hymen; joy concludes the day.
End of the Eighth Book.
223
BOOK the Ninth.
Soft rose the morn, and still; the azure flood
In gentle volumes, undisturb'd with tides,
But heav'd by zephyrs, glaz'd the pebbled shore;
When Caria's princess, visiting the beach
With Haliartus, and her son belov'd,
Her bosom thus disclos'd: O brother! friend
In danger tried, not yet are Asia's woes
Complete; to Greece new trophies I forbode.
Oh! soon transported o'er these hostile waves,
May Artemisia rest her wearied head
At length in peace, and thou, so late redeem'd,
With her partake the blessing! Ah! thy looks
Reject the proffer-yet some rev'rence bear
To Artemisia, some fraternal love.
How shall I plead? will haughty Greece admit
Thee to her honours, thee in humblest state,
Tho' meriting the highest, known so long?
Halicarnassus, an illustrious town,
Among her noblest citizens will rank
The son avow'd of Lygdamis. O cast
A kindred eye on this my orphan boy!
Who must become his guardian, who supply
My care, should fate precipitate my doom?
In gentle volumes, undisturb'd with tides,
But heav'd by zephyrs, glaz'd the pebbled shore;
When Caria's princess, visiting the beach
With Haliartus, and her son belov'd,
Her bosom thus disclos'd: O brother! friend
In danger tried, not yet are Asia's woes
Complete; to Greece new trophies I forbode.
Oh! soon transported o'er these hostile waves,
May Artemisia rest her wearied head
224
With her partake the blessing! Ah! thy looks
Reject the proffer-yet some rev'rence bear
To Artemisia, some fraternal love.
How shall I plead? will haughty Greece admit
Thee to her honours, thee in humblest state,
Tho' meriting the highest, known so long?
Halicarnassus, an illustrious town,
Among her noblest citizens will rank
The son avow'd of Lygdamis. O cast
A kindred eye on this my orphan boy!
Who must become his guardian, who supply
My care, should fate precipitate my doom?
Tears down the beard of Haliartus flow'd,
Afflicted, tho' determin'd. On his hand
Leander hung; the captivating mien
Of Melibœus had at once allur'd
The tender youth to entertain belief
In old Aronces, when he first proclaim'd
The swain true son of Lygdamis. These words
From Haliartus broke: Thy birth, thy name,
Thy virtues, queen, I rev'rence; of thy blood
Acknowledg'd, more ennobled in thy praise,
I feel my elevation; but thy ear
Approving lend. Three suns are now elaps'd
Since gen'rous Medon, by a faithful mouth,
Convey'd his promise to redeem my head,
Exchang'd for splendid captives, by his arm
In fight acquir'd; I hourly watch to hail
His peaceful mast, perhaps yon distant keel
Contains his person. To forsake this friend,
Whose kindness bless'd my former humble state,
Friend of my childhood, youth, and ripen'd years,
Would be an act, O thou of purest fame,
To plunge thy brother in the lowest depth
Of human baseness, baseness of the mind,
Thy long-lost brother, found too soon a stain
To Lygdamis and thee. Concluding here,
He eyes the vessel bounding to the port,
With branches green of olive on her head,
Her poop, and mast; the Carian sailors hail
The fair, pacific signal. On the beach
The warrior leaps, when Haliartus cries,
I see my patron! with expanded arms
Flies to embrace him. Medon stops, and speaks:
Afflicted, tho' determin'd. On his hand
Leander hung; the captivating mien
Of Melibœus had at once allur'd
The tender youth to entertain belief
225
The swain true son of Lygdamis. These words
From Haliartus broke: Thy birth, thy name,
Thy virtues, queen, I rev'rence; of thy blood
Acknowledg'd, more ennobled in thy praise,
I feel my elevation; but thy ear
Approving lend. Three suns are now elaps'd
Since gen'rous Medon, by a faithful mouth,
Convey'd his promise to redeem my head,
Exchang'd for splendid captives, by his arm
In fight acquir'd; I hourly watch to hail
His peaceful mast, perhaps yon distant keel
Contains his person. To forsake this friend,
Whose kindness bless'd my former humble state,
Friend of my childhood, youth, and ripen'd years,
Would be an act, O thou of purest fame,
To plunge thy brother in the lowest depth
Of human baseness, baseness of the mind,
Thy long-lost brother, found too soon a stain
226
He eyes the vessel bounding to the port,
With branches green of olive on her head,
Her poop, and mast; the Carian sailors hail
The fair, pacific signal. On the beach
The warrior leaps, when Haliartus cries,
I see my patron! with expanded arms
Flies to embrace him. Medon stops, and speaks:
In splendid mail is Melibœus cas'd?
Are these not Persian standards flying round?
Art thou enroll'd an enemy to Greece?
Are these not Persian standards flying round?
Art thou enroll'd an enemy to Greece?
No, interpos'd the queen, behold him free,
To thee, to Greece unchang'd, in arms my gift;
He is my brother, brother to the queen
Of Caria. Medon here: Immortal pow'rs!
Do I survey the wonder of her sex,
That heroine of Asia, who alone,
While now the fate of empire balanc'd hangs,
Contributes virtue to the Persian scale?
My friend to such a sister I resign.
To thee, to Greece unchang'd, in arms my gift;
He is my brother, brother to the queen
Of Caria. Medon here: Immortal pow'rs!
Do I survey the wonder of her sex,
That heroine of Asia, who alone,
227
Contributes virtue to the Persian scale?
My friend to such a sister I resign.
Ah! never, never, Haliartus cried,
Shalt thou resign me; nor th' Oïlean house
Will I forsake; in that belov'd abode
I was too happy for aspiring thoughts.
First to redeem thy Locris I devote
These arms; will perish there before thy foes,
If such my fate, if victor in thy ranks,
Hang in thy mansion my reposing shield,
There make my home. Yet often will I court
Thy welcome, princess, on the Carian shore
To worship still thy virtue, on thy son
Still pour the blessings of parental love.
Shalt thou resign me; nor th' Oïlean house
Will I forsake; in that belov'd abode
I was too happy for aspiring thoughts.
First to redeem thy Locris I devote
These arms; will perish there before thy foes,
If such my fate, if victor in thy ranks,
Hang in thy mansion my reposing shield,
There make my home. Yet often will I court
Thy welcome, princess, on the Carian shore
To worship still thy virtue, on thy son
Still pour the blessings of parental love.
The Carian queen subjoins: I must approve,
To such clear honour yield; bring Timon, call
The king; Time presses, we must all depart;
A sacred Delphian too from bondage freed
Thou shalt receive, O Medon. Swift the chief
To disembark his captives gave command;
Five was their number; one beyond the rest
In stature tower'd, his armour was unspoil'd,
Though rich in burnish'd gold, emboss'd with gems
Of starry light; his dignity and form
The victors rev'renc'd. Medon to the queen:
To such clear honour yield; bring Timon, call
228
A sacred Delphian too from bondage freed
Thou shalt receive, O Medon. Swift the chief
To disembark his captives gave command;
Five was their number; one beyond the rest
In stature tower'd, his armour was unspoil'd,
Though rich in burnish'd gold, emboss'd with gems
Of starry light; his dignity and form
The victors rev'renc'd. Medon to the queen:
These Aristides, at my efforts pleas'd,
Gave to my choice from numbers; an exchange
For Melibœus and the Delphian priest
These I design'd; my friends thy bounty frees;
Take these unransom'd from a grateful hand.
Gave to my choice from numbers; an exchange
For Melibœus and the Delphian priest
These I design'd; my friends thy bounty frees;
Take these unransom'd from a grateful hand.
O lib'ral man! the Carian princess here:
Thou dost produce Masistius; virtuous lord!
How will Mardonius in thy sight rejoice,
How lift his hopes! To her Masistius bow'd,
To Medon spake: O Grecian! if a thought
To die thy debtor could debase my soul,
I should deserve till death all human woes.
Demand, obtain; to Asia I am dear,
Lov'd by Mardonius, honour'd by the king,
I cannot ask what either would refuse
To him who gave me liberty and life.
Thou dost produce Masistius; virtuous lord!
How will Mardonius in thy sight rejoice,
229
To Medon spake: O Grecian! if a thought
To die thy debtor could debase my soul,
I should deserve till death all human woes.
Demand, obtain; to Asia I am dear,
Lov'd by Mardonius, honour'd by the king,
I cannot ask what either would refuse
To him who gave me liberty and life.
Thou canst, rejoins the chief, obtain a grace
To me of precious worth, to Xerxes none;
Nor golden stores nor gems attract my eye;
I have a sister, dearer than the mines
Of Ind, or wealth of Susa, who resides
A priestess pure, on that Oetæan ridge
Which overlooks Thermopylæ, her name
Melissa; there an ancient fane is plac'd,
No splendid seat oracular, enrich'd
By proud donations, but a mossy pile,
Where ev'ry Grecian hath from age to age
Ador'd the muses. Lift thy hand to swear,
Thou wilt implore of Xerxes a decree,
Irrevocable like a Median law,
Forbidding all to climb that holy crag.
To me of precious worth, to Xerxes none;
Nor golden stores nor gems attract my eye;
I have a sister, dearer than the mines
Of Ind, or wealth of Susa, who resides
A priestess pure, on that Oetæan ridge
Which overlooks Thermopylæ, her name
Melissa; there an ancient fane is plac'd,
No splendid seat oracular, enrich'd
By proud donations, but a mossy pile,
230
Ador'd the muses. Lift thy hand to swear,
Thou wilt implore of Xerxes a decree,
Irrevocable like a Median law,
Forbidding all to climb that holy crag.
To him Masistius: Not the Delian isle,
By Persians held inviolate of old,
Shall boast of safety like Melissa's hill;
For my performance, lo! I lift my hand
To Horomazes. Thou, return'd, salute
Athenian Aristides in my name;
From me, his captive in that direful hour
Of carnage round Psyttalia's bloody strand,
Say, that my thankful tongue will never cease
Extolling his beneficence and thine.
To him far more than liberty and life
I owe; in bondage precious were the hours,
With him the hours of converse, who enlarg'd,
Illum'd my heart and mind; his captive freed,
I go a wiser, and a better man.
By Persians held inviolate of old,
Shall boast of safety like Melissa's hill;
For my performance, lo! I lift my hand
To Horomazes. Thou, return'd, salute
Athenian Aristides in my name;
From me, his captive in that direful hour
Of carnage round Psyttalia's bloody strand,
Say, that my thankful tongue will never cease
Extolling his beneficence and thine.
To him far more than liberty and life
I owe; in bondage precious were the hours,
With him the hours of converse, who enlarg'd,
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I go a wiser, and a better man.
Now with his consort Macedonia's king,
And Timon were in sight; a sad'ning look
Fair Amarantha mute on Timon fix'd,
On her the father: We must part, he said;
Alas! too many of thy father's days
Captivity hath wasted, sorrow more
Deploring thee, my child, while other Greeks,
Erecting brilliant trophies, have obtain'd
Eternal praise. Thee, Amarantha, found,
Thee wedded, happy in thy choice and mine,
I quit, my tarnish'd honours to retrieve.
And Timon were in sight; a sad'ning look
Fair Amarantha mute on Timon fix'd,
On her the father: We must part, he said;
Alas! too many of thy father's days
Captivity hath wasted, sorrow more
Deploring thee, my child, while other Greeks,
Erecting brilliant trophies, have obtain'd
Eternal praise. Thee, Amarantha, found,
Thee wedded, happy in thy choice and mine,
I quit, my tarnish'd honours to retrieve.
She then: In him a husband I avow
Felicity unstain'd; in him ally
To Persia's tyrant I am left unbless'd.
Malignant fortune still pursues thy child;
Before me holds a consort and a sire
In adverse ranks contending. He rejoins:
Felicity unstain'd; in him ally
To Persia's tyrant I am left unbless'd.
Malignant fortune still pursues thy child;
232
In adverse ranks contending. He rejoins:
I know thee, daughter, like the manliest Greek
The wrongs of Greece resenting, but thy heart
Keep in subjection to a tender spouse
Of constancy approv'd, whose house with mine,
From eldest times, by mutual tokens pass'd
In sacred hospitality is link'd.
Thy pow'r of beauty never for thyself
Employ, be all compliance; use that charm,
As kind occasion whispers, in behalf
Of Greece alone; by counsel sweetly breath'd,
Diffuse remembrance of his Grecian blood
Thro' Alexander's heart. While these converse
Apart, the keels are launch'd; now all embark;
Aboard his vessel Medon leads the son
Of Lygdamis with Timon; on her own
Imperial deck th' attentive queen dispos'd
The Macedonian with his beauteous bride,
And Persians freed by Medon, chief of these
Masistius merits her peculiar care;
Confin'd, Argestes trembles at his doom
From Xerxes' ire. Along thy rocky verge,
Thermopylæ, with sails and shrouds relax'd,
Smooth glide the Carian gallies thro' a calm,
Which o'er the Malian surface sleeps unmov'd,
Unless by measur'd strokes of sounding oars,
Or foam-besilver'd prows. A royal guard,
Preceding Xerxes, through that dreaded pass
Were then advancing, not in order'd pomp,
As on his march to Athens; now behind
The regal chariot panic fear impell'd
On its encumber'd wheels disorder'd throngs,
As if Leonidas had ris'n and shook
The snaky shield of Gorgon, or his sword,
Stain'd with Psyttalian havoc, o'er their heads
The living arm of Aristides wav'd.
On sight of Oeta Carian's queen relates
To her illustrious passengers the deeds
Which signaliz'd that rock, nor leaves untold
The fate of Teribazus, nor the wound
Of Ariana, victims both to love.
The wrongs of Greece resenting, but thy heart
Keep in subjection to a tender spouse
Of constancy approv'd, whose house with mine,
From eldest times, by mutual tokens pass'd
In sacred hospitality is link'd.
Thy pow'r of beauty never for thyself
Employ, be all compliance; use that charm,
As kind occasion whispers, in behalf
Of Greece alone; by counsel sweetly breath'd,
Diffuse remembrance of his Grecian blood
Thro' Alexander's heart. While these converse
Apart, the keels are launch'd; now all embark;
Aboard his vessel Medon leads the son
Of Lygdamis with Timon; on her own
Imperial deck th' attentive queen dispos'd
233
And Persians freed by Medon, chief of these
Masistius merits her peculiar care;
Confin'd, Argestes trembles at his doom
From Xerxes' ire. Along thy rocky verge,
Thermopylæ, with sails and shrouds relax'd,
Smooth glide the Carian gallies thro' a calm,
Which o'er the Malian surface sleeps unmov'd,
Unless by measur'd strokes of sounding oars,
Or foam-besilver'd prows. A royal guard,
Preceding Xerxes, through that dreaded pass
Were then advancing, not in order'd pomp,
As on his march to Athens; now behind
The regal chariot panic fear impell'd
On its encumber'd wheels disorder'd throngs,
As if Leonidas had ris'n and shook
The snaky shield of Gorgon, or his sword,
Stain'd with Psyttalian havoc, o'er their heads
The living arm of Aristides wav'd.
234
To her illustrious passengers the deeds
Which signaliz'd that rock, nor leaves untold
The fate of Teribazus, nor the wound
Of Ariana, victims both to love.
Now, where Spercheos from his spumy jaws
A tribute large delivers to the bay,
They land; Mardonius, passing tow'rds a tent
Magnificent, erected for the king,
Arriv'd but newly, on his way perceives
Masistius; transport locks his tongue; he flies,
Hangs on his friend, unutterable joy
His tears alone discover. More compos'd,
Though not less cordial, with a close embrace,
First spake the late redeem'd: Receive thy friend,
Whom wreck'd and captive on Psyttalia's isle,
An Attic leader, Aristides nam'd,
Restores unspoil'd, unransom'd, undisgrac'd!
A tribute large delivers to the bay,
They land; Mardonius, passing tow'rds a tent
Magnificent, erected for the king,
Arriv'd but newly, on his way perceives
Masistius; transport locks his tongue; he flies,
Hangs on his friend, unutterable joy
His tears alone discover. More compos'd,
Though not less cordial, with a close embrace,
First spake the late redeem'd: Receive thy friend,
Whom wreck'd and captive on Psyttalia's isle,
An Attic leader, Aristides nam'd,
Restores unspoil'd, unransom'd, undisgrac'd!
235
Mardonius quick: Thy unexpected sight,
By an Athenian all unsought restor'd,
Presages all the good my warmest hopes
Could e'er suggest; the omen I enjoy;
For this shall Athens, to my friendship won,
Possess her laws, her freedom, with increase
Of rich dominion. Artemisia then:
By an Athenian all unsought restor'd,
Presages all the good my warmest hopes
Could e'er suggest; the omen I enjoy;
For this shall Athens, to my friendship won,
Possess her laws, her freedom, with increase
Of rich dominion. Artemisia then:
Behold, the king of Macedon, his wife
In Amarantha. Wond'ring at her form,
Exclaims the Persian hero; of one crime
I now acquit Argestes and his son;
What ice of virtue could resist that face!
In Amarantha. Wond'ring at her form,
Exclaims the Persian hero; of one crime
I now acquit Argestes and his son;
What ice of virtue could resist that face!
Again the queen: For other crimes my ship
Detains Argestes; him before the king
To charge, immediate audience we demand.
Detains Argestes; him before the king
To charge, immediate audience we demand.
Mardonius guides them to the royal tent.
With half his chiefs the monarch anxious sat,
His swift departure by the break of dawn
Arranging. Amarantha, in her shape
A deity, among them sudden spreads
A blaze of beauty, like the sun at noon
In dazzling state amidst an ether blue
Of torrid climates: admiration loud
Wounds her offended ear. She thus began:
With half his chiefs the monarch anxious sat,
236
Arranging. Amarantha, in her shape
A deity, among them sudden spreads
A blaze of beauty, like the sun at noon
In dazzling state amidst an ether blue
Of torrid climates: admiration loud
Wounds her offended ear. She thus began:
What you admire, ye Persians, O that Heav'n
Had ne'er conferr'd! the cause of woe to me,
Of guilt in others; then a maiden hand
Had ne'er been dipp'd in slaughter, nor these eyes
Survey'd the pavement of Nicæa strewn
With subjects made rebellious by my fate,
Thy subjects, monarch. With a Caspian troop
Argestes forc'd thy castle me to seize,
Th' affianc'd bride of Macedonia's king,
Me, to Sandauce giv'n a royal boon,
Me, then in freedom by the gracious will
Of thy imperial sister. Help, unhop'd
From Artemisia, from my husband came;
Me they preserv'd, Argestes pris'ner bring
To undergo thy justice. Caria's queen
With Macedon's indignant prince confirm
This accusation. On his own retreat
Secure to Susa Xerxes all intent,
Turns to Mardonius: thou be judge, he said;
Take to thyself the forfeits of this crime.
Had ne'er conferr'd! the cause of woe to me,
Of guilt in others; then a maiden hand
Had ne'er been dipp'd in slaughter, nor these eyes
Survey'd the pavement of Nicæa strewn
With subjects made rebellious by my fate,
Thy subjects, monarch. With a Caspian troop
Argestes forc'd thy castle me to seize,
Th' affianc'd bride of Macedonia's king,
Me, to Sandauce giv'n a royal boon,
Me, then in freedom by the gracious will
237
From Artemisia, from my husband came;
Me they preserv'd, Argestes pris'ner bring
To undergo thy justice. Caria's queen
With Macedon's indignant prince confirm
This accusation. On his own retreat
Secure to Susa Xerxes all intent,
Turns to Mardonius: thou be judge, he said;
Take to thyself the forfeits of this crime.
The king commands his servant shall be judge,
Mardonius answer'd; chief among my foes
Hath been Argestes, therefore must not die
By my decree. Let Cyra, fort remote
On Iaxartes hide his banish'd head;
That care to Artemisia I commit;
His satrapy, his treasure and domain
To Artamanes his remaining son,
Thy meritorious vassal, I ordain.
Mardonius answer'd; chief among my foes
Hath been Argestes, therefore must not die
By my decree. Let Cyra, fort remote
On Iaxartes hide his banish'd head;
That care to Artemisia I commit;
His satrapy, his treasure and domain
To Artamanes his remaining son,
Thy meritorious vassal, I ordain.
238
This judgment pass'd, a murmur nigh the tent,
Denouncing an ambassador, is heard;
Ambassador of Sparta. Soon appears
The manly frame of Aemnestus bold,
Surpassing all his countrymen in arms,
An Ephorus in office, function high;
Whose jealous vigilance imprison'd kings
Unjust, or impious, or assuming pow'r
Unwarranted by laws. No train attends;
He asks for Xerxes, when Mardonius stern:
Denouncing an ambassador, is heard;
Ambassador of Sparta. Soon appears
The manly frame of Aemnestus bold,
Surpassing all his countrymen in arms,
An Ephorus in office, function high;
Whose jealous vigilance imprison'd kings
Unjust, or impious, or assuming pow'r
Unwarranted by laws. No train attends;
He asks for Xerxes, when Mardonius stern:
Before the future sov'reign of the world,
With princes round him, single dost thou bring
An embassy from Sparta? Spartans hold
One man with one sufficient in discourse,
Cry'd Aemnestus. Xerxes interpos'd:
With princes round him, single dost thou bring
An embassy from Sparta? Spartans hold
One man with one sufficient in discourse,
Cry'd Aemnestus. Xerxes interpos'd:
Reveal thy errand, stranger: He reply'd.
Admonish'd by an oracle, the state
Of Lacedæmon, and the race divine
There dwelling, sprung from Hercules, demand
Of thee atonement for a slaughter'd king,
Leonidas, whom multitude oppress'd,
While he defended Greece; whate'er thou giv'st
I will accept. The monarch to his cheek
A shew of laughter calls; awhile is mute;
Then, breaking silence, to Mardonius points.
Admonish'd by an oracle, the state
239
There dwelling, sprung from Hercules, demand
Of thee atonement for a slaughter'd king,
Leonidas, whom multitude oppress'd,
While he defended Greece; whate'er thou giv'st
I will accept. The monarch to his cheek
A shew of laughter calls; awhile is mute;
Then, breaking silence, to Mardonius points.
They shall receive th' atonement they deserve
From him: Thou hear'st, Mardonius. Then, with looks
Of scorn and menace: Yes, the Spartan said,
Thee I accept my victim to appease
Leonidas; disdainful then his foot
He turns away, nor fears th' unnumber'd guard.
From him: Thou hear'st, Mardonius. Then, with looks
Of scorn and menace: Yes, the Spartan said,
Thee I accept my victim to appease
Leonidas; disdainful then his foot
He turns away, nor fears th' unnumber'd guard.
Meantime the royal progeny is brought
To Artemisia; urgent time requires,
Their Father's fears the embarkation press
For Ephesus that night. Them down the beach
Mardonius follows, and the Carian queen
In secret thus addresses: Didst thou mark
That Spartan's threat'ning words and haughty mien?
An oracle suggested this demand,
Strange and mysterious. On the martial field
Him I can single from Laconian ranks,
Audacious challenger! but something more
Behind the veil of destiny may lurk
Unseen by me. Mardonius, she replied;
Look only where no mystery can lurk,
On ev'ry manly duty; nothing dark
O'ershades the track of virtue; plain her path;
But superstition chosen for a guide,
Misleads the best and wisest. Think no more
Of this, an object like that passing cloud
Before the moon, who shortly will unfold
Her wonted brightness. Prudent thy design
To gain th' Athenians; to that noble race
Be large in proffers, in performance true;
Purchase but their neutrality, thy sword
Will, in despight of oracles, reduce
The rest of Greece. This utter'd, she embarks.
To Artemisia; urgent time requires,
Their Father's fears the embarkation press
240
Mardonius follows, and the Carian queen
In secret thus addresses: Didst thou mark
That Spartan's threat'ning words and haughty mien?
An oracle suggested this demand,
Strange and mysterious. On the martial field
Him I can single from Laconian ranks,
Audacious challenger! but something more
Behind the veil of destiny may lurk
Unseen by me. Mardonius, she replied;
Look only where no mystery can lurk,
On ev'ry manly duty; nothing dark
O'ershades the track of virtue; plain her path;
But superstition chosen for a guide,
Misleads the best and wisest. Think no more
Of this, an object like that passing cloud
Before the moon, who shortly will unfold
Her wonted brightness. Prudent thy design
To gain th' Athenians; to that noble race
241
Purchase but their neutrality, thy sword
Will, in despight of oracles, reduce
The rest of Greece. This utter'd, she embarks.
He seeks his tent, and finds Masistius there,
Whose honour, mindful of a promise pledg'd,
Requests protection for Melissa's fane.
Whose honour, mindful of a promise pledg'd,
Requests protection for Melissa's fane.
Him in his arms the son of Gobrias clasp'd,
Thus fervent answ'ring: Xerxes will renew
His rapid march to-morrow; pow'r supreme
He leaves with me, which instant shall be urg'd
To render firm the promise of my friend.
Now lend thy counsel on the copious roll
Of Asia's host; assist me to select
The thirty myriads giv'n to my command.
Thus fervent answ'ring: Xerxes will renew
His rapid march to-morrow; pow'r supreme
He leaves with me, which instant shall be urg'd
To render firm the promise of my friend.
Now lend thy counsel on the copious roll
Of Asia's host; assist me to select
The thirty myriads giv'n to my command.
They sat till dayspring; then the camp is mov'd;
Then Amarantha, from her husband's tent
Ascends a car, and traverses the vale,
By fluent crystal of Spercheos lav'd,
To join Sandauce. On her way she meets
Artuchus, guardian of the Persian fair;
The satrap gazes, courtesy entranc'd
Forgets awhile her function. Thus, at length,
He greets the queen: Fair stranger, who dost rise
A second dayspring to th' astonish'd eye,
Accept my service; whither tends thy course?
Whom dost thou seek? and gracious tell thy name.
Then Amarantha, from her husband's tent
242
By fluent crystal of Spercheos lav'd,
To join Sandauce. On her way she meets
Artuchus, guardian of the Persian fair;
The satrap gazes, courtesy entranc'd
Forgets awhile her function. Thus, at length,
He greets the queen: Fair stranger, who dost rise
A second dayspring to th' astonish'd eye,
Accept my service; whither tends thy course?
Whom dost thou seek? and gracious tell thy name.
In rosy blushes, like Aurora still,
She graceful thus: Of Macedonia's king
I am th' espous'd; my patroness I seek,
Sandauce, issue of th' imperial house.
She graceful thus: Of Macedonia's king
I am th' espous'd; my patroness I seek,
Sandauce, issue of th' imperial house.
Artuchus answer'd: Yesternoon beheld
Her languid steps approach this vale of woe.
Thou, beauteous princess, to Sandauce known,
Thou must have heard of Ariana's fate;
Sandauce now is mourning at her tomb,
A grave preparing for Autarctus slain.
Mayst thou suspend despair! Not distant flows
The fount of sorrow, so we styl'd the place,
Frequented oft by Ariana's grief;
There oft her head disconsolate she hung
To feed incessant anguish, ne'er disclos'd
Unless in sighing whispers to the stream;
Her last abode is there. The myrtles shed
Their odours round, the virgin roses bloom;
I there have caus'd a monument to rise,
That passing strangers may her name revere,
And weep her fortune; from her early grave
May learn, how Heav'n is jealous of its boons,
Not long to flourish, where they most excel.
A marble mansion new erected nigh
Her faithful slaves inhabit; who attune
To thrilling lutes a daily fun'ral song.
He leads, he stops. On gently-moving air
Sweet measures glide; this melancholy dirge,
To melting chords, by sorrow touch'd, is heard.
Her languid steps approach this vale of woe.
Thou, beauteous princess, to Sandauce known,
243
Sandauce now is mourning at her tomb,
A grave preparing for Autarctus slain.
Mayst thou suspend despair! Not distant flows
The fount of sorrow, so we styl'd the place,
Frequented oft by Ariana's grief;
There oft her head disconsolate she hung
To feed incessant anguish, ne'er disclos'd
Unless in sighing whispers to the stream;
Her last abode is there. The myrtles shed
Their odours round, the virgin roses bloom;
I there have caus'd a monument to rise,
That passing strangers may her name revere,
And weep her fortune; from her early grave
May learn, how Heav'n is jealous of its boons,
Not long to flourish, where they most excel.
A marble mansion new erected nigh
Her faithful slaves inhabit; who attune
To thrilling lutes a daily fun'ral song.
244
Sweet measures glide; this melancholy dirge,
To melting chords, by sorrow touch'd, is heard.
Cropp'd is the rose of beauty in her bud,
Bright virtue's purest mansion is defac'd;
Like Mithra's beams her silken tresses shone
In lustre gentle as a vernal morn;
Her eye reveal'd the beauties of her mind;
The slave, the captive, in her light rejoic'd.
Bright virtue's purest mansion is defac'd;
Like Mithra's beams her silken tresses shone
In lustre gentle as a vernal morn;
Her eye reveal'd the beauties of her mind;
The slave, the captive, in her light rejoic'd.
Lament, ye daughters of Choaspes, wail,
Ye Cissian maids, your paragon is lost!
Ye Cissian maids, your paragon is lost!
Once like the fresh-blown lily in the vale,
In Susa fair, in radiancy of bloom
Like summer glowing, till consuming love
Deform'd her graces; then her hue she chang'd
To lilies pining in decay, but kept
The smile of kindness on her wasted cheek.
In Susa fair, in radiancy of bloom
Like summer glowing, till consuming love
Deform'd her graces; then her hue she chang'd
To lilies pining in decay, but kept
The smile of kindness on her wasted cheek.
245
Lament, ye daughters of Choaspes, wail,
Ye Cissian maids, your paragon is lost!
Ye Cissian maids, your paragon is lost!
O ray of wisdom, eye of virtue, form'd
To spread superior light, the dazzling brand
Of love malign obscur'd thy eagle sight;
Thy vital flames are vanish'd, ours remain,
As lamps to endless mourning in thy tomb,
Till we rejoin thee in a land of bliss.
To spread superior light, the dazzling brand
Of love malign obscur'd thy eagle sight;
Thy vital flames are vanish'd, ours remain,
As lamps to endless mourning in thy tomb,
Till we rejoin thee in a land of bliss.
Lament, ye daughters of Choaspes, wail,
Ye Cissian maids, your paragon is lost!
Ye Cissian maids, your paragon is lost!
The song concludes. Sandauce from a bank
Of turf uprises, resting on her slaves;
A pallid visage, and a fainting step,
She brings before the sepulchre and spake:
Of turf uprises, resting on her slaves;
A pallid visage, and a fainting step,
She brings before the sepulchre and spake:
O Ariana! listen from thy tomb,
To me in woe thy sister, as in blood!
By diff'rent fortunes both were doom'd to waste
An early bloom in sorrow; O admit
Autarctus first a neighbour to thy clay,
Me next, who feel my vital thread unwind.
O Heav'n! my humble spirit would submit
To thy afflicting hand—but ev'ry fount
Of health is dry'd; my frame enfeebled sinks
Beneath its trial. When the inhuman priest
Condemn'd my children to his cruel knife,
The freezing sheers of fate that moment cut
My heart-strings; never have they heal'd again;
Decay'd and wither'd in the flower of life,
My strength deserts my patience: tender friends
Provide another grave.—For whom? bursts forth
Emathia's queen, and threw her clasping arms
Around the princess; whose discolour'd hue
In warm affection flushes at the sight
Of Amarantha, as a languid rose,
Shrunk by the rigour of nocturnal frosts,
A while reviving at the tepid rays
Of wintry Phœbus, glows. For me, she sigh'd,
For me, that bed of endless rest is made.
Com'st thou, neglectful of thy nuptial bliss,
To poor Sandauce's burial! soon the hour,
When of the sun these sickly eyes must take
Their last farewel, may call thy friendly hand
To close their curtains in eternal night!
To me in woe thy sister, as in blood!
246
An early bloom in sorrow; O admit
Autarctus first a neighbour to thy clay,
Me next, who feel my vital thread unwind.
O Heav'n! my humble spirit would submit
To thy afflicting hand—but ev'ry fount
Of health is dry'd; my frame enfeebled sinks
Beneath its trial. When the inhuman priest
Condemn'd my children to his cruel knife,
The freezing sheers of fate that moment cut
My heart-strings; never have they heal'd again;
Decay'd and wither'd in the flower of life,
My strength deserts my patience: tender friends
Provide another grave.—For whom? bursts forth
Emathia's queen, and threw her clasping arms
Around the princess; whose discolour'd hue
In warm affection flushes at the sight
Of Amarantha, as a languid rose,
Shrunk by the rigour of nocturnal frosts,
247
Of wintry Phœbus, glows. For me, she sigh'd,
For me, that bed of endless rest is made.
Com'st thou, neglectful of thy nuptial bliss,
To poor Sandauce's burial! soon the hour,
When of the sun these sickly eyes must take
Their last farewel, may call thy friendly hand
To close their curtains in eternal night!
These words the Grecian fair, in sorrow try'd,
In constancy unshaken, swift return'd:
In constancy unshaken, swift return'd:
Thou shalt not die, avoid this mournful spot,
Thou hast accomplish'd all thy duty here;
Let other duties, wak'ning in thy breast,
Strive with despair; transported in my arms,
To Alexander's capital resort.
Thou shalt not die; returning health, allur'd
By Amarantha's love and tender care,
Again shall bless her patroness, renew
Her youth in bloom, in vigour, ne'er to leave
Her infants doubly orphans. At their name
The princess faints, too sensitive a plant,
Which on the lightest touch contracts the leaves,
And seems to wither in the fold of death.
Her lovely weight Artuchus to his tent
Conveys; a litter gentle, as it moves,
Receives her soon; her children by her side,
In Macedonian chariots are dispos'd,
Her female slaves and eunuchs. Now appears
Emathia's prince to guard his matchless bride;
In arms complete, resembling Mars, he rules
The fiery courser. Artamanes swift
This royal mandate to Artuchus bears:
Thou hast accomplish'd all thy duty here;
Let other duties, wak'ning in thy breast,
Strive with despair; transported in my arms,
To Alexander's capital resort.
Thou shalt not die; returning health, allur'd
By Amarantha's love and tender care,
248
Her youth in bloom, in vigour, ne'er to leave
Her infants doubly orphans. At their name
The princess faints, too sensitive a plant,
Which on the lightest touch contracts the leaves,
And seems to wither in the fold of death.
Her lovely weight Artuchus to his tent
Conveys; a litter gentle, as it moves,
Receives her soon; her children by her side,
In Macedonian chariots are dispos'd,
Her female slaves and eunuchs. Now appears
Emathia's prince to guard his matchless bride;
In arms complete, resembling Mars, he rules
The fiery courser. Artamanes swift
This royal mandate to Artuchus bears:
The king, O satrap, hath begun his march;
Delay not thine with all thy precious charge.
Delay not thine with all thy precious charge.
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To Artamanes then, the Grecian queen:
Let me request thee in Sandauce's name
To visit yonder fount, of sorrow call'd,
There see th' unfinish'd obsequies perform'd,
To great Autarctus due. Her languid head
With me a while at Ægæ will repose,
My consort's royal seat; and, gentle youth,
If justice whisper to thy feeling heart,
That well I sav'd my innocence and fame,
Thou wilt be welcome to the Ægæan hall.
Let me request thee in Sandauce's name
To visit yonder fount, of sorrow call'd,
There see th' unfinish'd obsequies perform'd,
To great Autarctus due. Her languid head
With me a while at Ægæ will repose,
My consort's royal seat; and, gentle youth,
If justice whisper to thy feeling heart,
That well I sav'd my innocence and fame,
Thou wilt be welcome to the Ægæan hall.
This said, she mounts her chariot; not unpleas'd,
He to accomplish her command proceeds.
He to accomplish her command proceeds.
Artuchus now conducts the female train,
Unhappy victims of ambition! These,
A prey to famine, to congealing blasts
From cold Olympus, from Bisaltic hills,
And Rhodope, snow-vested, were condemn'd,
With that innumerable host in flight
Unform'd, unfurnish'd, scatter'd, to partake
Of miseries surpassing nature's help.
On earth's unwholsome lap their tender limbs
To couch, to feed on grass, on bitter leaves,
On noisome bark of trees, and swell the scene
Between Spercheos and the distant shores
Of Hellespontine Sestos: real scene
Of death, beyond the massacre denounc'd
By that stern angel in the prophet's dream,
When were assembled ev'ry fowl of prey
From all the regions of the peopled air,
At Heav'ns dread call, to banquet on the flesh
Of princes, captains, and of mighty men.
Unhappy victims of ambition! These,
A prey to famine, to congealing blasts
From cold Olympus, from Bisaltic hills,
And Rhodope, snow-vested, were condemn'd,
250
Unform'd, unfurnish'd, scatter'd, to partake
Of miseries surpassing nature's help.
On earth's unwholsome lap their tender limbs
To couch, to feed on grass, on bitter leaves,
On noisome bark of trees, and swell the scene
Between Spercheos and the distant shores
Of Hellespontine Sestos: real scene
Of death, beyond the massacre denounc'd
By that stern angel in the prophet's dream,
When were assembled ev'ry fowl of prey
From all the regions of the peopled air,
At Heav'ns dread call, to banquet on the flesh
Of princes, captains, and of mighty men.
End of the Eighth Book.
251
BOOK the Tenth.
Now is the season, when Vertumnus leads
Pomona's glowing charms through ripen'd groves
Of ruddy fruitage; now the loaden vine
Invites the gath'ring hand, which treasures joy
For hoary winter in his turn to smile.
An eastern course before autumnal gales
To Ephesus the Carian gallies bend;
While Medon coasts by Locris, and deplores
Her state of thraldom. Thrice Aurora shews
Her placid face; devourer of mankind,
The sea, curls lightly in fallacious calms;
To Medon then the wary master thus:
Pomona's glowing charms through ripen'd groves
Of ruddy fruitage; now the loaden vine
Invites the gath'ring hand, which treasures joy
For hoary winter in his turn to smile.
An eastern course before autumnal gales
To Ephesus the Carian gallies bend;
While Medon coasts by Locris, and deplores
Her state of thraldom. Thrice Aurora shews
252
The sea, curls lightly in fallacious calms;
To Medon then the wary master thus:
My chief, the dang'rous equinox is near
Whose stormy breath each prudent sailor shuns,
Secure in harbour; turbulent these streights
Between Eubœa and the Locrian shore;
Fate lurks in eddies, threatens from the rocks;
The continent is hostile; we must stretch
Across the passage to Eubœa's isle,
There wait in safety till the season rude
Its wonted violence hath spent. The chief
Replies: An island, Atalanté nam'd,
Possess'd by Locrians, rises in thy view;
There first thy shelter seek; perhaps the foe
Hath left that fragment of my native state
Yet undestroy'd. Th' obedient rudder guides,
The oars impel the well directed keel
Safe through an inlet op'ning to a cove
Fenc'd round by rising land. At once the sight,
Caught by a lucid aperture of rock,
Strays up the island; whence a living stream,
Profuse and swift beneath a native arch,
Repels encumb'ring sands. A slender skiff,
Launch'd from the ship, pervades the sounding vault;
With his companions Medon bounds ashore,
Addressing Timon: Delphian guest, these steps,
Rude hewn, attain the summit of this rock;
Thence o'er the island may our wary ken,
By some sure sign, discover if we tread
A friendly soil, or hostile. They ascend.
The topmost peak was chisell'd to display
Marine Palæmon, colossean form,
In art not specious. Melicertes once,
Him Ino, flying from th' infuriate sword
Of Athamas her husband, down a cliff,
Distracted mother, with herself immers'd
In ocean's salt-abyss. Their mortal state
Neptunian pity to immortal chang'd;
From Ino she became Leucothea, chief
Among the nymphs of Tethys; he that god
Benign, presiding o'er the tranquil port,
Palæmon, yielding refuge to the toils
Of mariners sea-worn. One mighty palm
Lean'd on a rudder, high the other held
A globe of light, far shooting through the dark,
In rays auspicious to nocturnal keels
Which plough the vex'd Euripus. Fair below,
Her cap of verdure Atalanté spreads,
Small as a region, as a pasture large,
In gentle hollows vary'd, gentle swells,
All intersected by unnumber'd tufts
Of trees fruit-laden. Bord'ring on the streights,
Rich Locris, wide Bœotia, lift their woods,
Their hills by Ceres lov'd, and cities fam'd;
Here Opus, there Tanagra; Delium shews
Her proud Phœbean edifice, her port
Capacious Aulis, whence a thousand barks
With Agamemnon sail'd; a lengthen'd range
Eubœa's rival opulence oppos'd,
Queen of that frith; superb the structures rise
Of Oreus, Chalcis, and the ruins vast
Of sad Eretria, by Darius crush'd.
Whose stormy breath each prudent sailor shuns,
Secure in harbour; turbulent these streights
Between Eubœa and the Locrian shore;
Fate lurks in eddies, threatens from the rocks;
The continent is hostile; we must stretch
Across the passage to Eubœa's isle,
There wait in safety till the season rude
Its wonted violence hath spent. The chief
Replies: An island, Atalanté nam'd,
Possess'd by Locrians, rises in thy view;
There first thy shelter seek; perhaps the foe
Hath left that fragment of my native state
Yet undestroy'd. Th' obedient rudder guides,
The oars impel the well directed keel
253
Fenc'd round by rising land. At once the sight,
Caught by a lucid aperture of rock,
Strays up the island; whence a living stream,
Profuse and swift beneath a native arch,
Repels encumb'ring sands. A slender skiff,
Launch'd from the ship, pervades the sounding vault;
With his companions Medon bounds ashore,
Addressing Timon: Delphian guest, these steps,
Rude hewn, attain the summit of this rock;
Thence o'er the island may our wary ken,
By some sure sign, discover if we tread
A friendly soil, or hostile. They ascend.
The topmost peak was chisell'd to display
Marine Palæmon, colossean form,
In art not specious. Melicertes once,
Him Ino, flying from th' infuriate sword
Of Athamas her husband, down a cliff,
Distracted mother, with herself immers'd
254
Neptunian pity to immortal chang'd;
From Ino she became Leucothea, chief
Among the nymphs of Tethys; he that god
Benign, presiding o'er the tranquil port,
Palæmon, yielding refuge to the toils
Of mariners sea-worn. One mighty palm
Lean'd on a rudder, high the other held
A globe of light, far shooting through the dark,
In rays auspicious to nocturnal keels
Which plough the vex'd Euripus. Fair below,
Her cap of verdure Atalanté spreads,
Small as a region, as a pasture large,
In gentle hollows vary'd, gentle swells,
All intersected by unnumber'd tufts
Of trees fruit-laden. Bord'ring on the streights,
Rich Locris, wide Bœotia, lift their woods,
Their hills by Ceres lov'd, and cities fam'd;
Here Opus, there Tanagra; Delium shews
255
Capacious Aulis, whence a thousand barks
With Agamemnon sail'd; a lengthen'd range
Eubœa's rival opulence oppos'd,
Queen of that frith; superb the structures rise
Of Oreus, Chalcis, and the ruins vast
Of sad Eretria, by Darius crush'd.
The Locrian chief salutes the figur'd god:
Still dost thou stand, Palæmon, to proclaim
Oïlean hospitality of old,
Which carv'd thee here conspicuous, to befriend
The sailor night-perplex'd? Thou only sign
Left of Oïlean greatness! wrapp'd in woe
Is that distinguish'd house! Barbarians fill
Her inmost chambers! O propitious god!
If yet some remnant of the Locrian state
Thou dost protect on Atalanté's shore,
Before I leave her shall thy image smoke
With fattest victims! Timon quick subjoins:
Still dost thou stand, Palæmon, to proclaim
Oïlean hospitality of old,
Which carv'd thee here conspicuous, to befriend
The sailor night-perplex'd? Thou only sign
Left of Oïlean greatness! wrapp'd in woe
Is that distinguish'd house! Barbarians fill
Her inmost chambers! O propitious god!
If yet some remnant of the Locrian state
Thou dost protect on Atalanté's shore,
Before I leave her shall thy image smoke
With fattest victims! Timon quick subjoins:
256
I see no hostile traces; numerous hinds
Along the meadows tend their flocks and herds;
Let us, descending, and the crested helm,
The spear, and shield, committing to our train,
In peaceful guise salute a peaceful land.
Along the meadows tend their flocks and herds;
Let us, descending, and the crested helm,
The spear, and shield, committing to our train,
In peaceful guise salute a peaceful land.
They hear, approving; lightly back they speed;
Disarm'd, they follow an inviting path,
Which cuts a shelving green. In sportive laugh,
Before the threshold of a dwelling nigh,
Appear young children; quickning then his pace,
O Haliartus, Medon cries, I see
My brother's offspring! They their uncle knew,
Around him flock'd, announcing his approach
In screams of joy: Their sire, Leonteus, came.
Disarm'd, they follow an inviting path,
Which cuts a shelving green. In sportive laugh,
Before the threshold of a dwelling nigh,
Appear young children; quickning then his pace,
O Haliartus, Medon cries, I see
My brother's offspring! They their uncle knew,
Around him flock'd, announcing his approach
In screams of joy: Their sire, Leonteus, came.
As Leda's mortal son in Pluto's vale
Receiv'd his brother Pollux, who, from Jove
Deriv'd, immortal, left the realms of day,
And half his own divinity resign'd,
His dear-lov'd Castor to redeem from death;
So rush'd Leonteus into Medon's arms,
Thus utt'ring loud his transport: Dost thou come
To me and these a saviour! When that cloud
Of dire invasion overcast our land,
For sev'n defenceless insants what remain'd?
What for a tender mother? Instant flight
Preserv'd us; still we unmolested breathe
In Atalanté; others like ourselves
Resorted hither; barren winter soon
Will blast the scanty produce of this isle,
Pale famine waste our numbers; or, by want
Compell'd, this precious remnant of thy friends,
These rising pillars of th' Oïlean house
Must yield to Xerxes—but the gods have sent
In thee a guardian. Summon all our friends,
Elated Medon answers; ev'ry want
Shall be supply'd, their valour in return
Is all I claim. Meantime, like watchful bees
To guard th' invaded hive, from ev'ry part
The Islanders assemble; but the name
Of Medon, once divulg'd, suppresses fear,
And wond'ring gladness to his presence brings
Their numbers. He, rememb'ring such a scene
Late in Calauria, where afflicted throngs
Around his righteous friend of Athens press'd;
Now in that tender circumstance himself
Among his Locrians, conscious too of means
To mitigate their suff'rings, melts in tears
Of joy. O countrymen belov'd! he cries,
I now applaud my forecast, which secur'd
The whole Oïlean treasures; safe they lie
At Lacedæmon, whence expect relief
In full abundance on your wants to flow.
Amid his country's ruins Medon still
May bless the gods; by your auspicious aid,
Beyond my hopes discover'd, I may bring
No feeble standard to the Grecian camp,
When Athens, now triumphant o'er the waves,
With her deep phalanx in the field completes
The overthrow of Asia, and restores
Dejected Locris. So to Israel's sons,
Their little ones and wives, by deathful thirst
Amid the parching wilderness oppress'd,
Their legislator, with his lifted rod,
Consoling spake, who, Heav'n intrusted, knew
One stroke would open watry veins of rock,
And preservation from a flinty bed
Draw copious down. Leonteus lead the way,
Resum'd his brother: vers'd in arms, my youth,
My prime, are strangers to the nuptial tie;
Yet, in thy bliss delighting, I would greet
A sister, auth'ress of this blooming troop.
Receiv'd his brother Pollux, who, from Jove
Deriv'd, immortal, left the realms of day,
257
His dear-lov'd Castor to redeem from death;
So rush'd Leonteus into Medon's arms,
Thus utt'ring loud his transport: Dost thou come
To me and these a saviour! When that cloud
Of dire invasion overcast our land,
For sev'n defenceless insants what remain'd?
What for a tender mother? Instant flight
Preserv'd us; still we unmolested breathe
In Atalanté; others like ourselves
Resorted hither; barren winter soon
Will blast the scanty produce of this isle,
Pale famine waste our numbers; or, by want
Compell'd, this precious remnant of thy friends,
These rising pillars of th' Oïlean house
Must yield to Xerxes—but the gods have sent
In thee a guardian. Summon all our friends,
Elated Medon answers; ev'ry want
Shall be supply'd, their valour in return
258
To guard th' invaded hive, from ev'ry part
The Islanders assemble; but the name
Of Medon, once divulg'd, suppresses fear,
And wond'ring gladness to his presence brings
Their numbers. He, rememb'ring such a scene
Late in Calauria, where afflicted throngs
Around his righteous friend of Athens press'd;
Now in that tender circumstance himself
Among his Locrians, conscious too of means
To mitigate their suff'rings, melts in tears
Of joy. O countrymen belov'd! he cries,
I now applaud my forecast, which secur'd
The whole Oïlean treasures; safe they lie
At Lacedæmon, whence expect relief
In full abundance on your wants to flow.
Amid his country's ruins Medon still
May bless the gods; by your auspicious aid,
Beyond my hopes discover'd, I may bring
259
When Athens, now triumphant o'er the waves,
With her deep phalanx in the field completes
The overthrow of Asia, and restores
Dejected Locris. So to Israel's sons,
Their little ones and wives, by deathful thirst
Amid the parching wilderness oppress'd,
Their legislator, with his lifted rod,
Consoling spake, who, Heav'n intrusted, knew
One stroke would open watry veins of rock,
And preservation from a flinty bed
Draw copious down. Leonteus lead the way,
Resum'd his brother: vers'd in arms, my youth,
My prime, are strangers to the nuptial tie;
Yet, in thy bliss delighting, I would greet
A sister, auth'ress of this blooming troop.
With all the clust'ring children at his side
He pass'd the threshold, and their mother hail'd.
He pass'd the threshold, and their mother hail'd.
260
Now o'er their heads the equinoctial gusts
Begin to chace the clouds; by tempests torn,
The hoarse Euripus sends a distant sound.
Twelve days are spent in sweet domestic joy;
Serenity returns. The master warns;
Departing Medon reascends the bark,
Whose rudder stems the celebrated frith,
Where twice sev'n times the sun and stars behold
Reciprocating floods. Three days are pass'd
When Sunium, Attic promontory, shades
The resting sail; Belbina thence they seek
By morn's new glance, and reach at dewy eve.
Athenian too Belbina yields a port
To night-o'ertaken sailors in their course
Between Cecropia and Trœzene's walls.
A squadron there is moor'd; Cleander there,
Now ev'ry public duty well discharg'd
Dismiss'd him glorious to his native roof,
Was disembark'd. Contemplating in thought
His Ariphilia, for the day's return
He languish'd; ev'ry Nereid he invok'd
To speed his keel. Him Medon, landing, greets;
To whom Cleander: On Calauria first
We interchang'd embraces; now accept
A salutation doubly warm, O chief!
By Aristides pris'd, his second bold
In high exploits, which signalize an isle
Obscure before, Psyttalia; be my guest
This night at least: He said; they pass'd aboard
With Haliartus and the Delphian seer.
A gen'rous meal concluded, Medon spake:
Begin to chace the clouds; by tempests torn,
The hoarse Euripus sends a distant sound.
Twelve days are spent in sweet domestic joy;
Serenity returns. The master warns;
Departing Medon reascends the bark,
Whose rudder stems the celebrated frith,
Where twice sev'n times the sun and stars behold
Reciprocating floods. Three days are pass'd
When Sunium, Attic promontory, shades
The resting sail; Belbina thence they seek
By morn's new glance, and reach at dewy eve.
Athenian too Belbina yields a port
To night-o'ertaken sailors in their course
Between Cecropia and Trœzene's walls.
A squadron there is moor'd; Cleander there,
Now ev'ry public duty well discharg'd
Dismiss'd him glorious to his native roof,
Was disembark'd. Contemplating in thought
261
He languish'd; ev'ry Nereid he invok'd
To speed his keel. Him Medon, landing, greets;
To whom Cleander: On Calauria first
We interchang'd embraces; now accept
A salutation doubly warm, O chief!
By Aristides pris'd, his second bold
In high exploits, which signalize an isle
Obscure before, Psyttalia; be my guest
This night at least: He said; they pass'd aboard
With Haliartus and the Delphian seer.
A gen'rous meal concluded, Medon spake:
Trœzenian chief, now give the mind repast;
I have been absent long; when first the flight
Of Asia's host and shatter'd fleet was known,
From Salamis I hoisted sail. To hear
Of Aristides and the laurell'd son
Of Neocles, to hear of all the brave,
Whose high achievements consecrate that day,
From thy narration would delight my soul.
I have been absent long; when first the flight
Of Asia's host and shatter'd fleet was known,
From Salamis I hoisted sail. To hear
Of Aristides and the laurell'd son
Of Neocles, to hear of all the brave,
262
From thy narration would delight my soul.
Cleander then began: To council call'd
By Eurybiades, the leading Greeks
A while debated, if their fleet combin'd
Should sail to break the Hellespontine bridge?
This he oppos'd; I readily had join'd
Th' Athenian people, eager by themselves
Without auxiliar Grecians, to pursue
The arrogant invader; but the tribes,
In form assembled, with dissuasive words,
Themistocles thus cool'd. I oft have seen,
Have oftner heard, that vanquish'd men, constrain'd
By desperation, have their loss repair'd
In fight renew'd. Repelling such a cloud
Of enemies from Greece, contented rest;
The pow'r of gods and heroes, not our own,
Achiev'd the deed; pursue not those who fly.
Resort to Athens; in their old abodes
Replace your women, such obsequious wives,
Such daughters; reinstate your native walls,
Rebuild your ruin'd mansions; sow your fields,
Prevent a dearth; by early spring unfurl
Your active sails, then shake the eastern shores.
He last propos'd, that exiles be recall'd.
By Eurybiades, the leading Greeks
A while debated, if their fleet combin'd
Should sail to break the Hellespontine bridge?
This he oppos'd; I readily had join'd
Th' Athenian people, eager by themselves
Without auxiliar Grecians, to pursue
The arrogant invader; but the tribes,
In form assembled, with dissuasive words,
Themistocles thus cool'd. I oft have seen,
Have oftner heard, that vanquish'd men, constrain'd
By desperation, have their loss repair'd
In fight renew'd. Repelling such a cloud
Of enemies from Greece, contented rest;
The pow'r of gods and heroes, not our own,
Achiev'd the deed; pursue not those who fly.
263
Replace your women, such obsequious wives,
Such daughters; reinstate your native walls,
Rebuild your ruin'd mansions; sow your fields,
Prevent a dearth; by early spring unfurl
Your active sails, then shake the eastern shores.
He last propos'd, that exiles be recall'd.
Loud acclamations rose; the honour'd name
Of Aristides thunder'd on the beach.
Of Aristides thunder'd on the beach.
O wise Athenians! Medon cordial here:
O happy man, whose happiness is plac'd
In virtuous actions! happiest now a scope
Is giv'n unbounded to thy hand and heart!
Proceed Cleander. He his tale renews:
O happy man, whose happiness is plac'd
In virtuous actions! happiest now a scope
Is giv'n unbounded to thy hand and heart!
Proceed Cleander. He his tale renews:
Th' Athenians launch their gallies, all embark
With Aristides, chosen to that charge.
I set my ready canvass to perform
The last kind office, from Calauria's isle
And Trœzen's walls to wast their wives and race,
Left in our trust. Meantime the diff'rent chiefs
Meet on the isthmus, summon'd to decide
Who best had serv'd the public, who might claim
The highest honours. Every leader names
Himseif the first, but all concurrent own
Themistocles the second. Envy still
Prevails; without decision they disperse,
Each to his home. Themistocles incens'd,
In eager quest of honours justly due,
Withheld unjustly, not to Athens bends
His hast'ning step, but Sparta...Medon here:
Not so would Aristides—but forgive
My interrupting voice. The youth pursues:
With Aristides, chosen to that charge.
264
The last kind office, from Calauria's isle
And Trœzen's walls to wast their wives and race,
Left in our trust. Meantime the diff'rent chiefs
Meet on the isthmus, summon'd to decide
Who best had serv'd the public, who might claim
The highest honours. Every leader names
Himseif the first, but all concurrent own
Themistocles the second. Envy still
Prevails; without decision they disperse,
Each to his home. Themistocles incens'd,
In eager quest of honours justly due,
Withheld unjustly, not to Athens bends
His hast'ning step, but Sparta...Medon here:
Not so would Aristides—but forgive
My interrupting voice. The youth pursues:
In Athens him I join'd, a people found,
Whom fortune never by her frown depress'd,
Nor satisfied with favour. Active all,
Laborious, cheerful, they persist in toil,
To heave the hills of ruin from their streets,
Without repining at their present loss,
Intent on future greatness, to be rais'd
On persevering fortitude: The word
Of Aristides guides. Amidst a scene
Of desolation, decency provides
The fun'ral pomp for those illustrious slain
At Salamis; th' insculptur'd tomb I saw
Preparing; they already have ordain'd
A distant day to solemnize the rites;
The mouth of Aristides they decree
To celebrate the valiant, who have died
For Athens. While Themistocles accepts
A foreign praise in Sparta, olive crowns,
A car selected from the public store,
A guard, three hundred citizens high-rank'd,
Him through their tracts are chosen to attend,
Excess of rev'rence, by that rigid state
Ne'er shewn before. To small Trœzene's walls
To-morrow I return with less renown,
With less desert, perhaps to purer bliss.
My Ariphilia calls her soldier home
To give her nuptial hand. My welcome guest
You I invite; the season rude of Mars
Is clos'd; new combats will the spring supply;
Th' autumnal remnant, winter hov'ring near,
Let us possess in peace. Then Timon spake:
Whom fortune never by her frown depress'd,
265
Laborious, cheerful, they persist in toil,
To heave the hills of ruin from their streets,
Without repining at their present loss,
Intent on future greatness, to be rais'd
On persevering fortitude: The word
Of Aristides guides. Amidst a scene
Of desolation, decency provides
The fun'ral pomp for those illustrious slain
At Salamis; th' insculptur'd tomb I saw
Preparing; they already have ordain'd
A distant day to solemnize the rites;
The mouth of Aristides they decree
To celebrate the valiant, who have died
For Athens. While Themistocles accepts
A foreign praise in Sparta, olive crowns,
A car selected from the public store,
A guard, three hundred citizens high-rank'd,
Him through their tracts are chosen to attend,
266
Ne'er shewn before. To small Trœzene's walls
To-morrow I return with less renown,
With less desert, perhaps to purer bliss.
My Ariphilia calls her soldier home
To give her nuptial hand. My welcome guest
You I invite; the season rude of Mars
Is clos'd; new combats will the spring supply;
Th' autumnal remnant, winter hov'ring near,
Let us possess in peace. Then Timon spake:
Young chief, I praise thee; be a husband soon,
Be soon a parent; thou wilt bear thy shield
With constancy redoubled. If defence
Of our forefathers, sleeping in their tombs,
So oft unsheaths our swords, more strongly sure
Th' endearing, living objects of our love
Must animate the gen'rous, good, and brave.
Be soon a parent; thou wilt bear thy shield
With constancy redoubled. If defence
Of our forefathers, sleeping in their tombs,
So oft unsheaths our swords, more strongly sure
Th' endearing, living objects of our love
Must animate the gen'rous, good, and brave.
267
I am unworthy of that praise, in smiles
Subjoins the Locrian; but thou know'st, my friend,
I have a brother, of a copious stream
The source, he, call'd to battle, shall maintain
Oïlean fame. Cleander, I am bound
To Lacedæmon; treasure there I left,
Which, well exchang'd for nature'd foodful gifts,
I would transport to Atalanté's shore,
Seat of that brother; who, Leonteus nam'd,
With brave companions there in refugh lies,
A future aid to Greece. A list'ning ear
Cleander yields, while Medon's lips unwind
The varied series of events befall'n
Himself and Timon, Amarantha fair,
The Carian queen, and Melibœus chang'd
To Haliartus. By th' immortal gods
We will not sep'rate, fervent cries the youth;
My Ariphilia, who is wise and good,
Will entertain society like yours,
As Æthiopia, in Mæonian song,
Receives to pure and hospitable roofs
Her visitants from heav'n. Let youth advise,
Not inexperienc'd, but o'er land and sea
To early action train'd; retaining all
Your narrative heart-piercing, I perceive
Your wants, and feel impatience to befriend;
My lightest keel to Salamis shall bear
Thy orders, Timon, for the Delphian barks,
There left behind you, in Trœzene's port
To join you straight. His counsel they accept.
Subjoins the Locrian; but thou know'st, my friend,
I have a brother, of a copious stream
The source, he, call'd to battle, shall maintain
Oïlean fame. Cleander, I am bound
To Lacedæmon; treasure there I left,
Which, well exchang'd for nature'd foodful gifts,
I would transport to Atalanté's shore,
Seat of that brother; who, Leonteus nam'd,
With brave companions there in refugh lies,
A future aid to Greece. A list'ning ear
Cleander yields, while Medon's lips unwind
The varied series of events befall'n
Himself and Timon, Amarantha fair,
The Carian queen, and Melibœus chang'd
To Haliartus. By th' immortal gods
We will not sep'rate, fervent cries the youth;
My Ariphilia, who is wise and good,
Will entertain society like yours,
268
Receives to pure and hospitable roofs
Her visitants from heav'n. Let youth advise,
Not inexperienc'd, but o'er land and sea
To early action train'd; retaining all
Your narrative heart-piercing, I perceive
Your wants, and feel impatience to befriend;
My lightest keel to Salamis shall bear
Thy orders, Timon, for the Delphian barks,
There left behind you, in Trœzene's port
To join you straight. His counsel they accept.
The moon is rising, Salamis not far;
The will of Timon to his Delphian train
Is swiftly borne. The squadron next proceeds,
Passing Trœzene by, whose gen'rous chief
Accompanies to shore his Locrian guest
At Cynosura. Spartan is this port,
He said; with fifty followers speed thy way;
Commit no treasure to the faithless winds;
By land return to find thy ready barks,
Well-fill'dfrom Trœzen's stores. They part; he sails
To joyful welcome on his native shores.
The will of Timon to his Delphian train
Is swiftly borne. The squadron next proceeds,
Passing Trœzene by, whose gen'rous chief
Accompanies to shore his Locrian guest
At Cynosura. Spartan is this port,
He said; with fifty followers speed thy way;
269
By land return to find thy ready barks,
Well-fill'dfrom Trœzen's stores. They part; he sails
To joyful welcome on his native shores.
When now, unveiling slowly, as she rolls,
Her brother's light the moon reflected full,
Auspicious period for connubial rites,
From Lacedæmon hast'ning, Medon gains
Trœzene's ramparts; him Cleander chose
His paranymph to lead the bridal steps
Of Ariphilia. To Calauria's verge
He pass'd; beneath a nuptial chaplet gay
He wore his crisped hair; of purest white
A tunic wrapp'd his sinewy chest and loins,
A glowing mantle, new in Tyrian dye,
Fell down his shoulders. Up the shelving lawn
The high Neptunian structure he attains,
Where with her parents Ariphilia waits
Attir'd in roses like her hue, herself
As Flora fair, or Venus at her birth,
When from the ocean with unrifl'd charms
The virgin goddess sprung. Yet, far unlike
A maid sequester'd from the public eye,
She, early train'd in dignity and state,
In sanctity of manners to attract
A nation's rev'rence, to th' advancing chief
In sweet composure unreluctant yields
Her bridal hand, who down the vaulted isle,
Where echo joins the hymeneal song,
Conducts the fair; before the costly shrine,
Perfum'd with incense, and with garlands deck'd,
Presents her charms, and thus in manly pray'r:
Her brother's light the moon reflected full,
Auspicious period for connubial rites,
From Lacedæmon hast'ning, Medon gains
Trœzene's ramparts; him Cleander chose
His paranymph to lead the bridal steps
Of Ariphilia. To Calauria's verge
He pass'd; beneath a nuptial chaplet gay
He wore his crisped hair; of purest white
A tunic wrapp'd his sinewy chest and loins,
A glowing mantle, new in Tyrian dye,
Fell down his shoulders. Up the shelving lawn
The high Neptunian structure he attains,
Where with her parents Ariphilia waits
270
As Flora fair, or Venus at her birth,
When from the ocean with unrifl'd charms
The virgin goddess sprung. Yet, far unlike
A maid sequester'd from the public eye,
She, early train'd in dignity and state,
In sanctity of manners to attract
A nation's rev'rence, to th' advancing chief
In sweet composure unreluctant yields
Her bridal hand, who down the vaulted isle,
Where echo joins the hymeneal song,
Conducts the fair; before the costly shrine,
Perfum'd with incense, and with garlands deck'd,
Presents her charms, and thus in manly pray'r:
My patron god, from Salamis I come,
One of thy naval sons, erecting there
Thy recent trophies; let me hence convey
With thy concurrent smile this precious prize,
Thy sacerdotal virgin. I return
To thee a pious votary, to her
A constant lover; on thy servants pour
Thy nuptial blessing. Yet, earth-shaking god,
Not bound in sloth thy warrior shall repose,
Nor languishing obscure in sweetest bliss
Desert thy glory. Soon as wintry storms
Thy nod controls, and vernal breezes court
The unfurling canvass, my unweary'd helm
Shall cleave thy floods, till each Barbarian coast
Acknowledge thy supremacy, and bow
To Grecian Neptune. Credulous the train,
Surrounding, in religious rapture see
The colossean image of their god
Smile on their hero, meriting the smiles
Of deities and mortals. Fortune adds
Her casual favour; on Cleander's mast
To perch, a pair of turtle doves she sends
From Neptune's temple. To his vessel crown'd
With Hymen's wreaths, bestrewn with herbs and flow'rs,
Exhaling fragrance, down the slope he guides
His Ariphilia, priestess now no more.
So Hermes, guardian of the Graces, leads
Their chief, Aglaia, o'er th' Olympian hall,
Warn'd by the muses, in preluding strains,
The dance on heav'n's bright pavement to begin,
And charm the festive gods. The flood repass'd,
They, as Trœzenian institutes require,
The fane of young Hippolytus approach,
That victim pure to chastity, who left
Old Theseus childless. From the youthful heads
Of both their hair is sever'd, on his shrine
Their maiden off'ring laid, They next ascend
An awful structure, facred to the Fates,
There grateful own that goodness which decreed
Their happy union. To the Graces last
Their vows are paid, divinities benign,
Whom Ariphilia fervent thus invokes:
One of thy naval sons, erecting there
Thy recent trophies; let me hence convey
With thy concurrent smile this precious prize,
271
To thee a pious votary, to her
A constant lover; on thy servants pour
Thy nuptial blessing. Yet, earth-shaking god,
Not bound in sloth thy warrior shall repose,
Nor languishing obscure in sweetest bliss
Desert thy glory. Soon as wintry storms
Thy nod controls, and vernal breezes court
The unfurling canvass, my unweary'd helm
Shall cleave thy floods, till each Barbarian coast
Acknowledge thy supremacy, and bow
To Grecian Neptune. Credulous the train,
Surrounding, in religious rapture see
The colossean image of their god
Smile on their hero, meriting the smiles
Of deities and mortals. Fortune adds
Her casual favour; on Cleander's mast
To perch, a pair of turtle doves she sends
From Neptune's temple. To his vessel crown'd
272
Exhaling fragrance, down the slope he guides
His Ariphilia, priestess now no more.
So Hermes, guardian of the Graces, leads
Their chief, Aglaia, o'er th' Olympian hall,
Warn'd by the muses, in preluding strains,
The dance on heav'n's bright pavement to begin,
And charm the festive gods. The flood repass'd,
They, as Trœzenian institutes require,
The fane of young Hippolytus approach,
That victim pure to chastity, who left
Old Theseus childless. From the youthful heads
Of both their hair is sever'd, on his shrine
Their maiden off'ring laid, They next ascend
An awful structure, facred to the Fates,
There grateful own that goodness which decreed
Their happy union. To the Graces last
Their vows are paid, divinities benign,
Whom Ariphilia fervent thus invokes:
273
O goddesses, who all its sweetness shed
On human life! whate'er is beauteous here,
Illustrious, happy, to your favour owes
Its whole endearment; wanting you, our deeds
Are cold and joyless. In my husband's eye
Preserve me lovely, not in form alone,
But that supreme of graces in my sex,
Complacency of love. She pray'd; her look
Reveal'd, that heav'n would ratify her pray'r.
On human life! whate'er is beauteous here,
Illustrious, happy, to your favour owes
Its whole endearment; wanting you, our deeds
Are cold and joyless. In my husband's eye
Preserve me lovely, not in form alone,
But that supreme of graces in my sex,
Complacency of love. She pray'd; her look
Reveal'd, that heav'n would ratify her pray'r.
Now in her father's dwelling they remain
Till dusky ev'ning. On a bridal car,
Constructed rich, the paranymph then seats
The blooming fair; one side Cleander fills,
The other Medon, she between them rides,
By torches clear preceded. Lively sounds
The ceremonial music; soon they reach
The bridegroom's mansion; there a feast receives
Unnumber'd friends; the nuptial dance and song
Are now concluded. To her fragrant couch
A joyful mother lights the blushing bride;
Cleander follows; in the chamber shut,
He leaves the guests exulting to revive
Their song to Hymen, and renew the dance.
Till dusky ev'ning. On a bridal car,
Constructed rich, the paranymph then seats
The blooming fair; one side Cleander fills,
The other Medon, she between them rides,
By torches clear preceded. Lively sounds
The ceremonial music; soon they reach
The bridegroom's mansion; there a feast receives
Unnumber'd friends; the nuptial dance and song
274
A joyful mother lights the blushing bride;
Cleander follows; in the chamber shut,
He leaves the guests exulting to revive
Their song to Hymen, and renew the dance.
Three days succeeding were to gymnic feats
Devoted; Medon's warlike spear obtains
A second chaplet; Haliartus won
The wrestler's prize; to hurl the massy disk
None match'd the skill of Timon, still robust,
Tho' rev'rend threads of silver had begun
To streak his locks of sable. Southern gales
Now call on Medon's laden fleet to sail,
Ere winter frowns. With Timon at his side,
And Haliartus, in this gentle phrase
His noble host and hostess fair he greets:
Devoted; Medon's warlike spear obtains
A second chaplet; Haliartus won
The wrestler's prize; to hurl the massy disk
None match'd the skill of Timon, still robust,
Tho' rev'rend threads of silver had begun
To streak his locks of sable. Southern gales
Now call on Medon's laden fleet to sail,
Ere winter frowns. With Timon at his side,
And Haliartus, in this gentle phrase
His noble host and hostess fair he greets:
May ev'ry joy kind wishes can devise,
Or language utter, hospitable pair,
Be yours for ever! may a num'rous race
In virtue grow by your parental care!—
With sev'n dear pledges of connubial love
I left a brother, watching my return
In Atalanté, small, exhausted isle,
Which needs my instant succour. Gen'rous friend,
To thee I trust my treasure, thou discharge
The claim of Trœzen for th' abundant stores
Which load our vessels; for a time farewell,
The vernal sun will see our love renew'd,
And swords combin'd against Mardonius bold.
Or language utter, hospitable pair,
275
In virtue grow by your parental care!—
With sev'n dear pledges of connubial love
I left a brother, watching my return
In Atalanté, small, exhausted isle,
Which needs my instant succour. Gen'rous friend,
To thee I trust my treasure, thou discharge
The claim of Trœzen for th' abundant stores
Which load our vessels; for a time farewell,
The vernal sun will see our love renew'd,
And swords combin'd against Mardonius bold.
He said: the lovely Ariphilia weeps;
Cleander sighs, but speeds his parting guests.
Cleander sighs, but speeds his parting guests.
End of the Tenth Book.
VOL. II.
1
BOOK the Eleventh.
Th' unloosen'd anchors to the waves resign
The Delphian keels, while Auster's friendly breath,
Their burden light'ning, soon to Sunium shews
The spreading sails. Two vessels, riding there,
Receive embarking warriors. On the beach
Looks Medon stedfast: By almighty Jove,
He cries aloud, Themistocles I see!
O Haliartus, O my holy friend,
We must not leave unvisited a shore
Which holds that living trophy to our view,
The victor-chief at Salamis. The skiff
Is launch'd; they land. Themistocles begins
The salutation: Hail! Oïleus' son,
Thou rev'rend host of Athens, Timon, hail!
Your unexpected presence here excites
A pleasing wonder. Whither do ye steer
These well remember'd vessels, which convey'd
Thee, first of Locrians, with our Attic bard,
To Salamis from Delphi? In that course
Was Timon captive made, whom freed at last
My joyful arms embrace. The Locrian here:
The Delphian keels, while Auster's friendly breath,
Their burden light'ning, soon to Sunium shews
The spreading sails. Two vessels, riding there,
Receive embarking warriors. On the beach
Looks Medon stedfast: By almighty Jove,
He cries aloud, Themistocles I see!
O Haliartus, O my holy friend,
We must not leave unvisited a shore
2
The victor-chief at Salamis. The skiff
Is launch'd; they land. Themistocles begins
The salutation: Hail! Oïleus' son,
Thou rev'rend host of Athens, Timon, hail!
Your unexpected presence here excites
A pleasing wonder. Whither do ye steer
These well remember'd vessels, which convey'd
Thee, first of Locrians, with our Attic bard,
To Salamis from Delphi? In that course
Was Timon captive made, whom freed at last
My joyful arms embrace. The Locrian here:
To Atalanté, in Eubœan streights,
We steer; another of Oïlean race,
Through bounteous Heav'n a refuge there obtains,
My brother, good Leonteus, with a band
Of gallant Locrians, ready at my call
To lift their bucklers in defence of Greece.
But why, remote from Athens, on the strand
Of naked Sunium, do I see the son
Of Neocles, so recently by me
At Sparta left? Themistocles replies:
We steer; another of Oïlean race,
Through bounteous Heav'n a refuge there obtains,
My brother, good Leonteus, with a band
Of gallant Locrians, ready at my call
To lift their bucklers in defence of Greece.
3
Of naked Sunium, do I see the son
Of Neocles, so recently by me
At Sparta left? Themistocles replies:
Forbear enquiry now, O virtuous branch
Of that ennobled stock, th' Oïlean house!
If e'er my conduct merited thy praise,
If thou believ'st me studious of the fame
Which follows manly deeds, forbear to doubt
Th' unwearied further efforts of my limbs,
My heart, my talents: Secrecy matures,
Time brings the labour of the mind to birth.
Were those first steps reveal'd, which restless thought,
Constructing some vast enterprize, ascends,
How wild a wand'rer, Medon, would appear
The policy of man! But, gen'rous chief,
Whose valour, whose experience might assure
A prosp'rous issue to a bold exploit,
Say, should I open on some future day
To thy discerning sight the clearest track,
Where to success one glorious stride might reach,
Wouldst thou be ready at my call? He paus'd.
Of that ennobled stock, th' Oïlean house!
If e'er my conduct merited thy praise,
If thou believ'st me studious of the fame
Which follows manly deeds, forbear to doubt
Th' unwearied further efforts of my limbs,
My heart, my talents: Secrecy matures,
Time brings the labour of the mind to birth.
Were those first steps reveal'd, which restless thought,
Constructing some vast enterprize, ascends,
How wild a wand'rer, Medon, would appear
The policy of man! But, gen'rous chief,
Whose valour, whose experience might assure
A prosp'rous issue to a bold exploit,
4
To thy discerning sight the clearest track,
Where to success one glorious stride might reach,
Wouldst thou be ready at my call? He paus'd.
From such a mouth, such captivating words
Insinuate sweetness through the Locrian's ear,
Who feels th' allurement; yet, by prudence rul'd,
This answer frames: Through such a glorious track
Whoever guides, may challenge Medon's aid;
Thou prove that guide, my steps shall follow close,
Unless by Aristides call'd, whose voice
Commands my service. Cool th' Athenian hides
The smart his wounded vanity endures,
And manly thus, unchang'd in look, rejoins:
Insinuate sweetness through the Locrian's ear,
Who feels th' allurement; yet, by prudence rul'd,
This answer frames: Through such a glorious track
Whoever guides, may challenge Medon's aid;
Thou prove that guide, my steps shall follow close,
Unless by Aristides call'd, whose voice
Commands my service. Cool th' Athenian hides
The smart his wounded vanity endures,
And manly thus, unchang'd in look, rejoins:
I ask no more; I rest my future claim
On Medon's valour, only to support
What Aristides shall approve, farewell.
Avail thee straight of these propitious winds;
In Atalanté, known to me of old,
What force thou can'st, assemble; dread no wants,
I will be watchful to supply them all.
On Medon's valour, only to support
What Aristides shall approve, farewell.
5
In Atalanté, known to me of old,
What force thou can'st, assemble; dread no wants,
I will be watchful to supply them all.
They part. Now Medon, under hoisted sails,
Remarks unwonted transport on the cheek
Of Haliartus. O my peasant weeds,
His joy exclaims, how gratefully you rise
In my remembrance now! From you my hopes
Forebode some benefit to Greece. Dear lord,
Forbear enquiry; by yon hero warn'd,
In secrecy my thoughts, till form'd complete,
Lie deeply bury'd. Timon smil'd, and spake:
Remarks unwonted transport on the cheek
Of Haliartus. O my peasant weeds,
His joy exclaims, how gratefully you rise
In my remembrance now! From you my hopes
Forebode some benefit to Greece. Dear lord,
Forbear enquiry; by yon hero warn'd,
In secrecy my thoughts, till form'd complete,
Lie deeply bury'd. Timon smil'd, and spake:
I know, full often enterprises bold
Lie in the womb of mystery conceal'd;
Thus far th' Athenian hero and thyself
Raise expectation; but I further know,
His faculties are matchless, thou art brave,
Unerring Medon like my god is wise;
Thence expectation soars on steady wings.
O light of Greece, Themistocles, exert
Thy boundless pow'rs! mature thy pregnant plan!
Whene'er the glorious mystery unveils,
Me and my Delphians thou shalt find prepar'd.
Lie in the womb of mystery conceal'd;
Thus far th' Athenian hero and thyself
Raise expectation; but I further know,
6
Unerring Medon like my god is wise;
Thence expectation soars on steady wings.
O light of Greece, Themistocles, exert
Thy boundless pow'rs! mature thy pregnant plan!
Whene'er the glorious mystery unveils,
Me and my Delphians thou shalt find prepar'd.
The turbulent Euripus swift they plough
In pleasing converse thus, and clasp, in hope,
Their anxious friends on Atalanté's shore.
In pleasing converse thus, and clasp, in hope,
Their anxious friends on Atalanté's shore.
When ev'ry mast was hid by Sunium's cape,
Thus to his faithful minister, the son
Of Neocles: Sicinus, hast thou seen
My followers on board? The treasures brought
From Xerxes, those my spoils of war supply,
The arms, the stores, Sicinus, has thy care
Deposited in safety? Yes, replies
Th' entrusted servant. Now thyself embark,
His lord enjoins, who, musing thus, remains:
Thus to his faithful minister, the son
Of Neocles: Sicinus, hast thou seen
My followers on board? The treasures brought
From Xerxes, those my spoils of war supply,
The arms, the stores, Sicinus, has thy care
Deposited in safety? Yes, replies
7
His lord enjoins, who, musing thus, remains:
If my attempt to further I have won
This gallant Locrian, frankly I confess
My debt to fortune; but this casual boon
I can forego, if wantonly her hand
Resumes; Themistocles alone can trace
A path to glory. Tow'rds the land he turns,
Proceeding thus: Now, Attica, farewell,
Awhile farewell. To thee, Barbarian gold,
Themistocles resorts; my bosom guest,
Whom Aristides in disdain would spurn,
By thee, O gift of Xerxes, I will raise
The weal of Athens, and a fresh increase
To my own laurels. Uncontroll'd, supreme
Is Aristides. He the Attic youth
In phalanx bright to victory may lead;
Minerva's bird Xanthippus may display
To Asia, trembling at their naval flag;
A private man, Themistocles will reach
Your summits, fellow citizens, preferr'd
To his command. Ye chosen heroes, wait
For breezy spring to wanton in your sails,
Then range your vig'rous files, and pamper'd steeds;
Themistocles, amid septentrion snows,
Shall rouse despair and anguish from their den
Of lamentation; poverty shall blaze
In radiant steel; pale misery shall grasp
A standard. Athens, thy rejected son
Extorted aid from tyranny shall draw
On his own greatness to establish thine.
This gallant Locrian, frankly I confess
My debt to fortune; but this casual boon
I can forego, if wantonly her hand
Resumes; Themistocles alone can trace
A path to glory. Tow'rds the land he turns,
Proceeding thus: Now, Attica, farewell,
Awhile farewell. To thee, Barbarian gold,
Themistocles resorts; my bosom guest,
Whom Aristides in disdain would spurn,
By thee, O gift of Xerxes, I will raise
The weal of Athens, and a fresh increase
To my own laurels. Uncontroll'd, supreme
Is Aristides. He the Attic youth
In phalanx bright to victory may lead;
Minerva's bird Xanthippus may display
8
A private man, Themistocles will reach
Your summits, fellow citizens, preferr'd
To his command. Ye chosen heroes, wait
For breezy spring to wanton in your sails,
Then range your vig'rous files, and pamper'd steeds;
Themistocles, amid septentrion snows,
Shall rouse despair and anguish from their den
Of lamentation; poverty shall blaze
In radiant steel; pale misery shall grasp
A standard. Athens, thy rejected son
Extorted aid from tyranny shall draw
On his own greatness to establish thine.
Swift he embarks, like Neptune when he mounts
His rapid conch to call the tempests forth,
Upturn the floods, and rule them when they rage.
The third clear morning shews Eretria's port,
Among Eubœan cities once superb,
Eretria now in ashes. She had join'd
Th' Athenians, bold invaders, who consum'd
The capital of Lydia, to revenge
Ionian Greeks enthrall'd. Eretria paid
Severe atonement to Hystaspes' son,
Incens'd Darius. To a Cissian plain,
A central space of his unbounded realm,
Far from their ancient seat, which flames devour'd,
He her exterminated race confin'd,
Sad captives, never to revisit more
Their native isle. A silent wharf admits
Themistocles on shore, a void extent,
Where sons of Neptune heretofore had swarm'd.
No mooring vessel in the haven rode,
No footstep mark'd the ways; sole inmates there,
Calamity and horror, as enthron'd,
Sat on o'erwhelming ruins, and forbade
The hero passage, till a seeming track
Presents, half bury'd in surrounding heaps
Of desolation, what appears a dome,
Rais'd to some god. Themistocles observes
A shatter'd porch, whose proud supporters lie
In fragments, save one column, which upholds
Part of a sculptur'd pediment, where, black
By conflagration, an inscription maim'd
Retains these words, “To eleutherian Jove.”
His rapid conch to call the tempests forth,
Upturn the floods, and rule them when they rage.
The third clear morning shews Eretria's port,
Among Eubœan cities once superb,
9
Th' Athenians, bold invaders, who consum'd
The capital of Lydia, to revenge
Ionian Greeks enthrall'd. Eretria paid
Severe atonement to Hystaspes' son,
Incens'd Darius. To a Cissian plain,
A central space of his unbounded realm,
Far from their ancient seat, which flames devour'd,
He her exterminated race confin'd,
Sad captives, never to revisit more
Their native isle. A silent wharf admits
Themistocles on shore, a void extent,
Where sons of Neptune heretofore had swarm'd.
No mooring vessel in the haven rode,
No footstep mark'd the ways; sole inmates there,
Calamity and horror, as enthron'd,
Sat on o'erwhelming ruins, and forbade
The hero passage, till a seeming track
Presents, half bury'd in surrounding heaps
10
Rais'd to some god. Themistocles observes
A shatter'd porch, whose proud supporters lie
In fragments, save one column, which upholds
Part of a sculptur'd pediment, where, black
By conflagration, an inscription maim'd
Retains these words, “To eleutherian Jove.”
Th' Athenian enters, follow'd by his train
In arms complete. Excluded was the day
By ruins pil'd externally around,
Unless what broken thinly-scatter'd rays
Shot through th' encumber'd portal. Soon they stand
Amidst obscuring dusk in silence all,
All motionless in wonder, while a voice,
Distinct in tone, delivers through the void
These solemn accents: Eleutherian god!
Since no redeemer to Eretria fall'n
Thy will vouchsafes, why longer dost thou keep
Thy aged servant on a stage of woe?
Why not release him? why not close his eyes,
So vainly melting o'er his country lost?
Ten years are fled; the morning I have hail'd
In sighs alone; have laid my head on thorns
Of anguish, nightly visited in dreams
By images of horror, which employ
Each waking moment. To have seen destroy'd
From their foundations my paternal streets,
The holy structures burn, a people forc'd
In climates new and barbarous to dwell,
Was sure enough to suffer—It is time
To give my patience rest. The plaintive sound
Draws on th' Athenian, who perceives a gleam,
Pale-quiv'ring o'er a solitary lamp;
Perceives a rev'rend sire, resembling Time,
Down to whose girdle hangs the snowy fleece
Of wintry age. Unaw'd his lamp he rais'd;
A dim reflection from the polish'd arms
Reveal'd the warrior, whom he thus bespake:
In arms complete. Excluded was the day
By ruins pil'd externally around,
Unless what broken thinly-scatter'd rays
Shot through th' encumber'd portal. Soon they stand
Amidst obscuring dusk in silence all,
All motionless in wonder, while a voice,
Distinct in tone, delivers through the void
These solemn accents: Eleutherian god!
Since no redeemer to Eretria fall'n
Thy will vouchsafes, why longer dost thou keep
11
Why not release him? why not close his eyes,
So vainly melting o'er his country lost?
Ten years are fled; the morning I have hail'd
In sighs alone; have laid my head on thorns
Of anguish, nightly visited in dreams
By images of horror, which employ
Each waking moment. To have seen destroy'd
From their foundations my paternal streets,
The holy structures burn, a people forc'd
In climates new and barbarous to dwell,
Was sure enough to suffer—It is time
To give my patience rest. The plaintive sound
Draws on th' Athenian, who perceives a gleam,
Pale-quiv'ring o'er a solitary lamp;
Perceives a rev'rend sire, resembling Time,
Down to whose girdle hangs the snowy fleece
Of wintry age. Unaw'd his lamp he rais'd;
A dim reflection from the polish'd arms
Reveal'd the warrior, whom he thus bespake:
12
Whate'er thou art, if hostile, or a friend,
A god, a mortal, or a phantom vain,
Know, that my state no change can render worse,
All change make better. Father, soft replied
Th' advancing chief, take comfort, I am come
Thy country's saviour; follow, in the day
See who I am. Between the op'ning band
He leads the senior through the dusky porch,
Whom he accosts before th' unclouded sun,
Then vertical: Rest, father, and behold
Themistocles of Athens. While the priest,
So by his fillet sacerdotal known,
In wonder paus'd, th' artificer divine
Of wiles to catch the sudden turns of chance,
Frames in a momentary cast of thought
This bright device of fiction to allure
A holy mind. O worthy of the god!
Thou servant pure of Jupiter! I mourn,
Like thee, Eretria, not like thee despond.
Attend, thou righteous votary to heav'n!
I, from the day of Salamis o'ertoil'd,
While courting slumber, in a vision saw
The sapient issue of th' almighty sire,
His best belov'd Minerva. Still the sound
Of her gorgonian shield my ears retain,
While earnest, striking on its rim her spear,
The virgin warrior spake: Triumphant son
Of Neocles, remember in thy joy
The miseries of others. Go, redeem
Eretria fall'n, whose noble remnant arm'd
Sev'n ships, exhausting all their slender stores,
To fight for Athens on this glorious day.
A god, a mortal, or a phantom vain,
Know, that my state no change can render worse,
All change make better. Father, soft replied
Th' advancing chief, take comfort, I am come
Thy country's saviour; follow, in the day
See who I am. Between the op'ning band
He leads the senior through the dusky porch,
Whom he accosts before th' unclouded sun,
Then vertical: Rest, father, and behold
Themistocles of Athens. While the priest,
So by his fillet sacerdotal known,
In wonder paus'd, th' artificer divine
Of wiles to catch the sudden turns of chance,
Frames in a momentary cast of thought
This bright device of fiction to allure
A holy mind. O worthy of the god!
Thou servant pure of Jupiter! I mourn,
Like thee, Eretria, not like thee despond.
13
I, from the day of Salamis o'ertoil'd,
While courting slumber, in a vision saw
The sapient issue of th' almighty sire,
His best belov'd Minerva. Still the sound
Of her gorgonian shield my ears retain,
While earnest, striking on its rim her spear,
The virgin warrior spake: Triumphant son
Of Neocles, remember in thy joy
The miseries of others. Go, redeem
Eretria fall'n, whose noble remnant arm'd
Sev'n ships, exhausting all their slender stores,
To fight for Athens on this glorious day.
As from the sooty gate of direful Dis
Deliver'd Theseus, when to cheering day
He reascended, on Alcides look'd,
Who for his lov'd companion piere'd the gloom
Of Erebus; th' Eretrian's grateful eyes
Thus on the son of Neocles were fix'd,
In ecstacy of joy. These fervent words
He utter'd: Heav'n hath giv'n thee to destroy
Presumptuous foes, O favour'd by the gods!
Who give thee now to save despairing friends;
That, all-rejoicing in thy trophies new,
Great as thou art, thy gen'rous soul may prove,
How far beyond the transports conquest yields,
Are those resulting from benignant deeds.
More grateful, chief, is charity's sweet voice,
Than Fame's shrill trumpet, in the ear of Jove,
Who will, on such humanity as thine,
Accumulate his blessings. If my name
Thou ne'er hast heard, or, hearing, hast forgot,
Know, that from lib'ral Cleobulus sprung,
I am Tisander. Interrupting swift
Th' Athenian here: Thy own, thy father's name,
To me, illustrious pontiff, well are known.
My recent banner in the summer's gale
Thou must remember on th' Eretrian coast.
Eretrian warriors under Cleon's charge,
In ships by me supply'd, undaunted fought
At Artemisium, and an earnest gave
Of their late prowess. From their chief, from all
Thy celebrating countrymen, I heard
Of thee Tisander, and thy name retain;
Proceed. To him the priest: Flow first my tears!
Of that brave band whatever now remains
Have nought but prowess left. Alas! how few
Escap'd thy fell, exterminating hand,
When treachery surrender'd to thy pow'r,
Darius! Sons of husbandry lay hid
In woods and caverns; of the nobler class
Some on the main were absent. Priest of Jove
I was releas'd; a pious, beardless prince,
Nam'd Hyperanthes, on my rank and years
Look'd with compassion; living, I extol,
My dying breath shall bless him. I have dwelt
Within my temple, mourning o'er this waste.
Here, annually collected (Lo! the day
Of that severe solemnity is nigh)
Th' unhappy reliques of Eretrian blood
Accompany my tears. Thou knowst, they sail'd
At thy appointment, on Athenian decks,
They and the men of Styra from that port
For Salamis. In glory they return'd
To want and horror, desert found their land,
Their crops, their future sustenance destroy'd,
Their huts consum'd, their cattle swept away,
Their progeny, their wives; flagitious act
Of Demonax, in Oreus late replac'd,
Her tyrant foul, a slave to Xerxes' throne,
His scourge in rich Eubœa, half-reduc'd
To this dire monster's sway, by royal aid
Of endless treasure, and Barbarian bands.
Such is our state. Too scanty are the means
Of willing Styra to relieve such wants;
Our wealthier neighbours of Carystus vend,
Not give; in hoarded grain, in flocks and herds
Abounding, them a sordid chief controlls,
Nicomachus. An oligarchy rules
Geræstus small, but opulent——O Jove!
I see brave Cleon yonder; from his head
He rends the hair—what gestures of distress!
He beats his troubled bosom, wrings his hands!
Not heeding great Themistocles, he points
On me alone a wild distracted look!
Say Cleon . . . Swift, with shiv'ring lips and pale,
Th' Eretrian leader, interrupting, vents
His tortur'd thoughts: Tisander, can thy pray'rs
Repel grim famine, rushing on the blast
Of barren winter? Three disastrous days
Will lay the combatants for Greece in dust,
Behind them leaving nothing but a name
For Salamis to publish. Lo! they come,
A dying people, suppliant to repose
Within thy fane their flesh-divested bones.
Yet such a tomb, their fainting voices cry,
May those Eretrians envy who are doom'd
To lodge their captive limbs in Asia's mold.
Deliver'd Theseus, when to cheering day
He reascended, on Alcides look'd,
Who for his lov'd companion piere'd the gloom
Of Erebus; th' Eretrian's grateful eyes
14
In ecstacy of joy. These fervent words
He utter'd: Heav'n hath giv'n thee to destroy
Presumptuous foes, O favour'd by the gods!
Who give thee now to save despairing friends;
That, all-rejoicing in thy trophies new,
Great as thou art, thy gen'rous soul may prove,
How far beyond the transports conquest yields,
Are those resulting from benignant deeds.
More grateful, chief, is charity's sweet voice,
Than Fame's shrill trumpet, in the ear of Jove,
Who will, on such humanity as thine,
Accumulate his blessings. If my name
Thou ne'er hast heard, or, hearing, hast forgot,
Know, that from lib'ral Cleobulus sprung,
I am Tisander. Interrupting swift
Th' Athenian here: Thy own, thy father's name,
To me, illustrious pontiff, well are known.
My recent banner in the summer's gale
15
Eretrian warriors under Cleon's charge,
In ships by me supply'd, undaunted fought
At Artemisium, and an earnest gave
Of their late prowess. From their chief, from all
Thy celebrating countrymen, I heard
Of thee Tisander, and thy name retain;
Proceed. To him the priest: Flow first my tears!
Of that brave band whatever now remains
Have nought but prowess left. Alas! how few
Escap'd thy fell, exterminating hand,
When treachery surrender'd to thy pow'r,
Darius! Sons of husbandry lay hid
In woods and caverns; of the nobler class
Some on the main were absent. Priest of Jove
I was releas'd; a pious, beardless prince,
Nam'd Hyperanthes, on my rank and years
Look'd with compassion; living, I extol,
My dying breath shall bless him. I have dwelt
16
Here, annually collected (Lo! the day
Of that severe solemnity is nigh)
Th' unhappy reliques of Eretrian blood
Accompany my tears. Thou knowst, they sail'd
At thy appointment, on Athenian decks,
They and the men of Styra from that port
For Salamis. In glory they return'd
To want and horror, desert found their land,
Their crops, their future sustenance destroy'd,
Their huts consum'd, their cattle swept away,
Their progeny, their wives; flagitious act
Of Demonax, in Oreus late replac'd,
Her tyrant foul, a slave to Xerxes' throne,
His scourge in rich Eubœa, half-reduc'd
To this dire monster's sway, by royal aid
Of endless treasure, and Barbarian bands.
Such is our state. Too scanty are the means
Of willing Styra to relieve such wants;
17
Not give; in hoarded grain, in flocks and herds
Abounding, them a sordid chief controlls,
Nicomachus. An oligarchy rules
Geræstus small, but opulent——O Jove!
I see brave Cleon yonder; from his head
He rends the hair—what gestures of distress!
He beats his troubled bosom, wrings his hands!
Not heeding great Themistocles, he points
On me alone a wild distracted look!
Say Cleon . . . Swift, with shiv'ring lips and pale,
Th' Eretrian leader, interrupting, vents
His tortur'd thoughts: Tisander, can thy pray'rs
Repel grim famine, rushing on the blast
Of barren winter? Three disastrous days
Will lay the combatants for Greece in dust,
Behind them leaving nothing but a name
For Salamis to publish. Lo! they come,
A dying people, suppliant to repose
18
Yet such a tomb, their fainting voices cry,
May those Eretrians envy who are doom'd
To lodge their captive limbs in Asia's mold.
He ends in sighs. Behold, a ghastly troop
Slow through the ruins of their native streets
In languid pace advance! So gath'ring shoals
Of ghosts from hour to hour through endless time,
The unrelenting eye of Charon views,
By sickness, plague and famine, by the sword,
Or heart-corroding sorrow, sent from light
To pass the black irremeable floods
Of Styx. Cecropia's hero cast a look
Like Phœbus heav'nly-gentle, when, aton'd,
Th' infectious air he clear'd, awak'ning gales
To breathe salubrious o'er th' enfeebled host
Of Agamemnon, as from death they rose
Yet to assert their glory. Swift the chief
Bespake Sicinus: Haste, unlaid the ships;
Three talents bring; they, Cleon, shall be thine;
Seek those in every part who vend, not give.
The gifts of Ceres in profusion bear,
The gifts of Pan, the grape's reviving juice,
To these, my fellow warriors, who have seen
My banner streaming, twice have lent their aid
To my renown; meantime our naval food
Shall be their portion; vesture now shall cheer
Their limbs. My brave companions, I have brought
The spear and buckler for your manly hands;
Your strength restor'd shall feel the glorious weight
Of crested helms. Tisander, let them rest
Within thy shelt'ring temple, not to sink
Beneath distress, but vig'rous soon renew
Their practis'd race of honour. Pass, my friends,
Be mute; expression of your joy I wave;
Again to-morrow you and I will meet.
Slow through the ruins of their native streets
In languid pace advance! So gath'ring shoals
Of ghosts from hour to hour through endless time,
The unrelenting eye of Charon views,
By sickness, plague and famine, by the sword,
Or heart-corroding sorrow, sent from light
To pass the black irremeable floods
Of Styx. Cecropia's hero cast a look
Like Phœbus heav'nly-gentle, when, aton'd,
Th' infectious air he clear'd, awak'ning gales
To breathe salubrious o'er th' enfeebled host
Of Agamemnon, as from death they rose
Yet to assert their glory. Swift the chief
19
Three talents bring; they, Cleon, shall be thine;
Seek those in every part who vend, not give.
The gifts of Ceres in profusion bear,
The gifts of Pan, the grape's reviving juice,
To these, my fellow warriors, who have seen
My banner streaming, twice have lent their aid
To my renown; meantime our naval food
Shall be their portion; vesture now shall cheer
Their limbs. My brave companions, I have brought
The spear and buckler for your manly hands;
Your strength restor'd shall feel the glorious weight
Of crested helms. Tisander, let them rest
Within thy shelt'ring temple, not to sink
Beneath distress, but vig'rous soon renew
Their practis'd race of honour. Pass, my friends,
Be mute; expression of your joy I wave;
Again to-morrow you and I will meet.
20
Tisander, happy, entertains his guests,
Twelve hundred countrymen, the last remains
Of populous Eretria. Plenty's boon
Alert the Attic mariners diffuse
To all, and cordial tend their wants; discreet
Sicinus curbs excess. The tidings brought
Of his performance from a short repast
Dismiss'd his lord applauding; who serene,
Stretch'd on his naval pillow, slept till dawn.
Twelve hundred countrymen, the last remains
Of populous Eretria. Plenty's boon
Alert the Attic mariners diffuse
To all, and cordial tend their wants; discreet
Sicinus curbs excess. The tidings brought
Of his performance from a short repast
Dismiss'd his lord applauding; who serene,
Stretch'd on his naval pillow, slept till dawn.
He rose. To him Sicinus: Will my lord
Permit his servant, with an active band
Of sailors, these obstructions to remove,
Or so dispose, that feeblest steps may sind
A passage free to good Tisander's fane;
That through its wonted apertures, the round
Of that huge pile, where Jupiter should dwell,
Now dark as Pluto's palace, may admit
The light of heav'n? Yet further, we must search
For coverts dry, if such the greedy flames
Have left among these ruins, to secure
The various stores, which Cleon may transport.
Permit his servant, with an active band
Of sailors, these obstructions to remove,
Or so dispose, that feeblest steps may sind
A passage free to good Tisander's fane;
That through its wonted apertures, the round
Of that huge pile, where Jupiter should dwell,
Now dark as Pluto's palace, may admit
The light of heav'n? Yet further, we must search
21
Have left among these ruins, to secure
The various stores, which Cleon may transport.
To him his lord: Go, monitor expert,
Accomplish what thou counsel'st. Tow'rds the fane
Himself not slow proceeds. Before the front,
On scatter'd fragments of their ancient homes,
Th' Eretrians, pale with long-continu'd want,
Are seated. Thick as winter-famish'd birds
Perch on the boughs, which icicles encrust,
Yet chirp and flutter in th' attemp'ring sun,
These, at the hero's presence, wave their hands,
Unite their efforts in acclaim not loud,
But cordial, rather in a gen'ral sigh
Of gratitude. The charitable care
Of his best warriors, some of noblest birth,
Impart their help, like parents to a race
Of tender infants. Once of might approv'd
In battle, hardiest of the naval breed,
Th' Eretrians, worn by hunger, scarce retain
The slender pow'rs of childhood. One by one
Themistocles consoles them, and devotes
In condescension sedulous the day
To kindness not impolitic. In these
His piercing genius fit materials saw
To build another structure of renown.
Ere he retires, Tisander thus he greets:
Accomplish what thou counsel'st. Tow'rds the fane
Himself not slow proceeds. Before the front,
On scatter'd fragments of their ancient homes,
Th' Eretrians, pale with long-continu'd want,
Are seated. Thick as winter-famish'd birds
Perch on the boughs, which icicles encrust,
Yet chirp and flutter in th' attemp'ring sun,
These, at the hero's presence, wave their hands,
Unite their efforts in acclaim not loud,
But cordial, rather in a gen'ral sigh
Of gratitude. The charitable care
Of his best warriors, some of noblest birth,
Impart their help, like parents to a race
Of tender infants. Once of might approv'd
22
Th' Eretrians, worn by hunger, scarce retain
The slender pow'rs of childhood. One by one
Themistocles consoles them, and devotes
In condescension sedulous the day
To kindness not impolitic. In these
His piercing genius fit materials saw
To build another structure of renown.
Ere he retires, Tisander thus he greets:
Wilt thou, O father! on my board bestow
An evening hour? My moments all belong
To this yet helpless people, said the priest.
An evening hour? My moments all belong
To this yet helpless people, said the priest.
Such pious care through me shall heav'n reward,
Exclaims the chief, as round him he remarks
The toiling sailors; soon, thou guardian good
Of wretched men committed to thy charge,
Soon shall thy temple reassume its state.
Prepare an altar; Hecatombs again
Shall smoke ere long, Eretria cast aside
Her widow'd garb, and lift her festive palms
To eleutherian Jove. This utter'd, swift
He seeks his vessel, while the sun descends.
Exclaims the chief, as round him he remarks
The toiling sailors; soon, thou guardian good
Of wretched men committed to thy charge,
Soon shall thy temple reassume its state.
23
Shall smoke ere long, Eretria cast aside
Her widow'd garb, and lift her festive palms
To eleutherian Jove. This utter'd, swift
He seeks his vessel, while the sun descends.
Calm, as in summer, through an ether clear
Aurora leads the day. A cheerful sound
Of Oxen, lowing from the hollow dales
Which tow'rds Carystus wind, of bleeting sheep,
Yet nearer driven across the Eretrian plain,
Awake Themistocles. His couch he leaves,
Revisiting the temple; there enjoys
The gen'ral transport. Plenty on the wing
Is nigh, the comforts of her fruitful horn
To pour on desolation. Cleon comes,
Accosting thus Themistocles: My task
Is well accomplish'd through the lib'ral zeal
Of Hyacinthus near a youth unlike
His sire Nicomachus. That subtile chief
Of our Carystian neighbours is behind,
Escorting laden carriages of grain,
Thy purchase; nought his sordid hand bestows.
He, curious more than friendly in our need,
Or of thy name respectful, to explore,
Not help or pity, hither bends his course.
Aurora leads the day. A cheerful sound
Of Oxen, lowing from the hollow dales
Which tow'rds Carystus wind, of bleeting sheep,
Yet nearer driven across the Eretrian plain,
Awake Themistocles. His couch he leaves,
Revisiting the temple; there enjoys
The gen'ral transport. Plenty on the wing
Is nigh, the comforts of her fruitful horn
To pour on desolation. Cleon comes,
Accosting thus Themistocles: My task
Is well accomplish'd through the lib'ral zeal
Of Hyacinthus near a youth unlike
24
Of our Carystian neighbours is behind,
Escorting laden carriages of grain,
Thy purchase; nought his sordid hand bestows.
He, curious more than friendly in our need,
Or of thy name respectful, to explore,
Not help or pity, hither bends his course.
Conduct the father to my ship, reply'd
Themistocles; sure yonder is the son,
Thou hast describ'd; ingenuous are his looks.
Like him, whose name he bears, his beauteous form
Might charm the beaming god once more to court
A mortal's friendship; but, dejection pale
O'ercasts his hue; strange melancholy dims
His youthful eye; too modest, or unmann'd
By languor, child of grief, he stops and bows
In distant, seeming awe, which wounds my soul.
I must salute him: Noble youth, receive
My hand; Themistocles of Greece expects
No such obeisance from a fellow Greek.
The majesty of Athens might exact
That conquer'd tyrants, in my presence brought,
Low as the dust should crouch beneath her chief.
Themistocles; sure yonder is the son,
Thou hast describ'd; ingenuous are his looks.
Like him, whose name he bears, his beauteous form
Might charm the beaming god once more to court
A mortal's friendship; but, dejection pale
O'ercasts his hue; strange melancholy dims
His youthful eye; too modest, or unmann'd
By languor, child of grief, he stops and bows
In distant, seeming awe, which wounds my soul.
I must salute him: Noble youth, receive
25
No such obeisance from a fellow Greek.
The majesty of Athens might exact
That conquer'd tyrants, in my presence brought,
Low as the dust should crouch beneath her chief.
A start of anguish Hyacinthus gave
At these last words, then silent bow'd again
His decent brow; not awe, but latent ills
Seem'd to control his tongue. Th' observant chief
Defers enquiry to its season due,
To Cleon's charge consigns him, and retires
To his own galley. Waiting for the sire,
He meditates a moment on the son:
At these last words, then silent bow'd again
His decent brow; not awe, but latent ills
Seem'd to control his tongue. Th' observant chief
Defers enquiry to its season due,
To Cleon's charge consigns him, and retires
To his own galley. Waiting for the sire,
He meditates a moment on the son:
I see advantage in this youth's distress—
My plan is form'd. He hastens to unbar
His copious treasure; thence in dazzling show
He spreads four silver talents on his board,
O'er them a mantle throws, and brief again
Thus ruminates: Now, Plutus, who canst sap
The strong-bas'd tow'r, and soften rigid hearts,
Smile on this juncture. Aristides scorns
Thy deity, Themistocles invokes
Thy precious succour. From profoundest woe
Disconsolate Eretria thou hast rais'd;
Now by a sordid instrument give life
To dull Carystus. Sudden in his view,
By Cleon brought, who instantly withdraws,
Nicomachus appears, and thus begins:
My plan is form'd. He hastens to unbar
His copious treasure; thence in dazzling show
He spreads four silver talents on his board,
26
Thus ruminates: Now, Plutus, who canst sap
The strong-bas'd tow'r, and soften rigid hearts,
Smile on this juncture. Aristides scorns
Thy deity, Themistocles invokes
Thy precious succour. From profoundest woe
Disconsolate Eretria thou hast rais'd;
Now by a sordid instrument give life
To dull Carystus. Sudden in his view,
By Cleon brought, who instantly withdraws,
Nicomachus appears, and thus begins:
The Salaminian victor I salute,
Charg'd by Carystus; happy is my lot
To venerate the chief, and touch the hand
Which humbled Asia. Doth Eubœa see
Thee visitant illustrious to rebuild
Eretria? then instruct her to confine
That pow'r and pride, her neighbours felt of old.
Charg'd by Carystus; happy is my lot
To venerate the chief, and touch the hand
Which humbled Asia. Doth Eubœa see
Thee visitant illustrious to rebuild
Eretria? then instruct her to confine
That pow'r and pride, her neighbours felt of old.
27
Th' Athenian here: Eubœa sees me come
Both to upraise, Carystian, and depress;
But to exalt thy state, my friend, I wish,
Wish thy possessions equal to thy worth.
Behold! Uplifting to the greedy eye
Of avarice the mantle, he pursues;
Both to upraise, Carystian, and depress;
But to exalt thy state, my friend, I wish,
Wish thy possessions equal to thy worth.
Behold! Uplifting to the greedy eye
Of avarice the mantle, he pursues;
Behold, four silver talents! Them accept,
Which in this casket to thy trusted slaves
I will deliver now; I only ask
Of thy deep-founded influence to warm
Supine Carystus: For thyself and Greece
Unite with mine thy standard. Further note,
If at my summons thou produce in arms
Thy citizens auxiliar, from this hand
Expect four added talents; but the hopes
Of no unpractis'd leader, who perceives
His enterprize assur'd, dare promise more,
A share, Nicomachus, of spoil in war,
To pass thy own belief. By present gain,
By more in promise, not by glory fir'd,
Nicomachus rejoins: A thousand spears
Shall wait thy earliest notice. While he spake,
He snatch'd the casket, shut the treasure close,
Then rush'd to seek his confidential slave,
Who takes the precious charge. With placid looks
The cool the politic Athenian sat
Like some experienc'd pilot, who serene,
In skilful guidance of the steady helm,
Enjoys the favour smooth of gale and tide,
Combin'd to waft o'er ocean's fickle breast
His gliding keel, and lodge her costly freight
Secure at length in harbour. Now he spake
To his re-ent'ring guest: Carystian friend,
Thou hast a son, well-disciplin'd to war,
Brave, lib'ral, wise, I doubt not; wilt thou trust
To my society a while his youth?
Which in this casket to thy trusted slaves
I will deliver now; I only ask
Of thy deep-founded influence to warm
Supine Carystus: For thyself and Greece
Unite with mine thy standard. Further note,
If at my summons thou produce in arms
Thy citizens auxiliar, from this hand
Expect four added talents; but the hopes
Of no unpractis'd leader, who perceives
His enterprize assur'd, dare promise more,
A share, Nicomachus, of spoil in war,
28
By more in promise, not by glory fir'd,
Nicomachus rejoins: A thousand spears
Shall wait thy earliest notice. While he spake,
He snatch'd the casket, shut the treasure close,
Then rush'd to seek his confidential slave,
Who takes the precious charge. With placid looks
The cool the politic Athenian sat
Like some experienc'd pilot, who serene,
In skilful guidance of the steady helm,
Enjoys the favour smooth of gale and tide,
Combin'd to waft o'er ocean's fickle breast
His gliding keel, and lodge her costly freight
Secure at length in harbour. Now he spake
To his re-ent'ring guest: Carystian friend,
Thou hast a son, well-disciplin'd to war,
Brave, lib'ral, wise, I doubt not; wilt thou trust
To my society a while his youth?
He is the object of my vows to heav'n,
Nicomachus exclaims, in passion feign'd,
My soul's delight, the rapture of my eye!
If he were absent, ev'ry hour my age
Would feel a growing burden. Come, rejoins
Th' Athenian, him I only would detain
My messenger of orders to thy walls;
On him another talent would bestow.
Nicomachus exclaims, in passion feign'd,
29
If he were absent, ev'ry hour my age
Would feel a growing burden. Come, rejoins
Th' Athenian, him I only would detain
My messenger of orders to thy walls;
On him another talent would bestow.
The gymnic school and letters, cries the sire,
He follows, heeds not treasure; by his hand
Send me the talent; never let him know
The charge he bears. This said, he loudly calls
To Hyacinthus, who had gain'd the deck,
Him ent'ring thus addresses: Son, the chief
Of Athens, great Themistocles, demands
Thee for companion. As a casual gleam
Breaks through th' unrav'lling texture of black clouds,
Which long on winter's sullen face have hung;
So darts a ray of gladness through the gloom
Of Hyacinthus, by the Attic chief
Not unobserv'd. Intent on swift return,
Th' exulting father bids to both farewel.
He follows, heeds not treasure; by his hand
Send me the talent; never let him know
The charge he bears. This said, he loudly calls
To Hyacinthus, who had gain'd the deck,
Him ent'ring thus addresses: Son, the chief
Of Athens, great Themistocles, demands
Thee for companion. As a casual gleam
Breaks through th' unrav'lling texture of black clouds,
Which long on winter's sullen face have hung;
So darts a ray of gladness through the gloom
Of Hyacinthus, by the Attic chief
30
Th' exulting father bids to both farewel.
Remaining day Themistocles employs
Among his sailors in th' Eretrian streets,
Inspects the necessary toil pursu'd
With unremitted vigour, then retires
To due refection. Cleon is a guest
With Hyacinthus, still by grief devour'd
Which all his efforts strive in vain to hide.
Her heavy wing no sooner night outspreads,
Than to Sicinus they are giv'n in charge,
While to his couch Themistocles repairs.
Among his sailors in th' Eretrian streets,
Inspects the necessary toil pursu'd
With unremitted vigour, then retires
To due refection. Cleon is a guest
With Hyacinthus, still by grief devour'd
Which all his efforts strive in vain to hide.
Her heavy wing no sooner night outspreads,
Than to Sicinus they are giv'n in charge,
While to his couch Themistocles repairs.
End of the Eleventh Book.
31
BOOK the Twelfth.
Now in the zodiac had the sun o'erpass'd
The tenth fair sign. The new succeeding month,
Though not by Flora, nor Vertumnus deck'd,
Nor green in hue, though first of winter's train,
Oft with unsully'd skies irradiate cheers
The prone creation, and delights mankind.
The birds yet warble on the leafless sprays,
The placid surface, glaz'd by clearest light,
In crystal rivers, and transparent lakes,
Or ocean's smooth cerulean bosom, shews
The finny tribes in play. The active son
Of Neocles uprises, and descries
A dawn which promis'd purity of air,
Of light and calmness, tempting sloth herself
To action. Thus he rous'd his native fire:
The tenth fair sign. The new succeeding month,
Though not by Flora, nor Vertumnus deck'd,
Nor green in hue, though first of winter's train,
Oft with unsully'd skies irradiate cheers
The prone creation, and delights mankind.
The birds yet warble on the leafless sprays,
The placid surface, glaz'd by clearest light,
In crystal rivers, and transparent lakes,
32
The finny tribes in play. The active son
Of Neocles uprises, and descries
A dawn which promis'd purity of air,
Of light and calmness, tempting sloth herself
To action. Thus he rous'd his native fire:
Of this kind season not a moment lose,
Themistocles. Sicinus ever nigh
He call'd: Provide two receptacles sure,
Each to contain twelve talents; bring my arms,
Produce a second suit, resembling mine;
Send Hyacinthus; let my chosen band
Of Attic friends, and Sparta's fifty youths,
My followers, be ready for a march.
Themistocles. Sicinus ever nigh
He call'd: Provide two receptacles sure,
Each to contain twelve talents; bring my arms,
Produce a second suit, resembling mine;
Send Hyacinthus; let my chosen band
Of Attic friends, and Sparta's fifty youths,
My followers, be ready for a march.
Soon Hyacinthus enters; still he shews
The perturbation of a mind oppress'd
By some conceal'd misfortune, while, beneath
The shade of sorrow, on his front appear'd
Excelling graces. Him the chief bespake,
Gay in his look, and sprightly in his tone:
The perturbation of a mind oppress'd
By some conceal'd misfortune, while, beneath
33
Excelling graces. Him the chief bespake,
Gay in his look, and sprightly in his tone:
Her eastern hill, behold, the morning mounts
In radiance, scatter'd from the liquid gems
On her loose mantle; but the heart of youth
In ev'ry season should rejoice, in clouds
Not less than sunshine, whether nature's voice
Be hoarse in storms, or tune to whisp'ring gales
Her vernal music. Sharp some inward grief,
When youth is sad; yet fortune oft deceives
The inexperienc'd by imagin'd ills,
Or light, which counsel of the more mature
Can lightly heal. Unlock thy lib'ral mind;
To me, a guardian pregnant of relief
Beyond thy father, countrymen, or friends,
Impart thy cares. The sighing guest replied:
In radiance, scatter'd from the liquid gems
On her loose mantle; but the heart of youth
In ev'ry season should rejoice, in clouds
Not less than sunshine, whether nature's voice
Be hoarse in storms, or tune to whisp'ring gales
Her vernal music. Sharp some inward grief,
When youth is sad; yet fortune oft deceives
The inexperienc'd by imagin'd ills,
Or light, which counsel of the more mature
Can lightly heal. Unlock thy lib'ral mind;
To me, a guardian pregnant of relief
Beyond thy father, countrymen, or friends,
Impart thy cares. The sighing guest replied:
34
To thy controul my service I devote,
O scourge of tyrants, but retain my grief!
Which thou, O first of mortals, or the king
Of high Olympus, never can redress.
O scourge of tyrants, but retain my grief!
Which thou, O first of mortals, or the king
Of high Olympus, never can redress.
Sicinus interrupts; his lord's commands
Are all accomplish'd. Now, Carystian friend,
Resembling me in stature, size and limbs,
The son of Neocles proceeds, accept
That suit of armour; I have tried it well;
Receive a shield familiar to my arm.
Are all accomplish'd. Now, Carystian friend,
Resembling me in stature, size and limbs,
The son of Neocles proceeds, accept
That suit of armour; I have tried it well;
Receive a shield familiar to my arm.
He next instructs Sicinus: Thou receive
Twelve talents; hasten to the neighb'ring walls
Of stately Chalcis, populous and rich,
Queen of Eubœan cities, in whose port
The twenty ships of Athens yet remain,
Which Chalcis borrow'd, and equipp'd for war.
Of her bold race four thousand we beheld
Distinguish'd late in Artemisium's fight,
At Salamis yet later. First approach
The new-made archon in a rev'rent style,
Timoxenus most potent in that state,
A dubious, timid magistrate, unlike
Nearchus. Cordial salutation bear
To him, my brave associate; do not turn
Thy back on Chalcis, till thy prudence brings
Intelligence of weight; th' Athenian keels
With grain abundant and materials lade,
That friendly roofs th' Eretrians may obtain,
Before grim winter harrow up these streights
Unnavigable soon. This said, he arms;
Begirt by warriors, to the temple speeds,
And greets the priest: In gladsome thought I see
The goddess Health, white-handed, crimson-cheek'd,
As from a silver car in roseate clouds
Look on thy people; dropping on their lips
Restoring dew, she bids them taste and live.
The convalescent piously employ
In labours, where my naval band shall join,
To free th' encumber'd temple, to repair,
To cover dwellings, lest the winter bring
New hardships. Martial exercise I leave
To Cleon's care, while ten revolving suns
Of absence I must count. Now, father, take
This hand, a hand which fortune and thy god
Have ever favour'd, which shall soon convert
The annual day of mourning in thy fane
To festival solemnity of joy.
Twelve talents; hasten to the neighb'ring walls
Of stately Chalcis, populous and rich,
Queen of Eubœan cities, in whose port
The twenty ships of Athens yet remain,
Which Chalcis borrow'd, and equipp'd for war.
Of her bold race four thousand we beheld
35
At Salamis yet later. First approach
The new-made archon in a rev'rent style,
Timoxenus most potent in that state,
A dubious, timid magistrate, unlike
Nearchus. Cordial salutation bear
To him, my brave associate; do not turn
Thy back on Chalcis, till thy prudence brings
Intelligence of weight; th' Athenian keels
With grain abundant and materials lade,
That friendly roofs th' Eretrians may obtain,
Before grim winter harrow up these streights
Unnavigable soon. This said, he arms;
Begirt by warriors, to the temple speeds,
And greets the priest: In gladsome thought I see
The goddess Health, white-handed, crimson-cheek'd,
As from a silver car in roseate clouds
Look on thy people; dropping on their lips
Restoring dew, she bids them taste and live.
36
In labours, where my naval band shall join,
To free th' encumber'd temple, to repair,
To cover dwellings, lest the winter bring
New hardships. Martial exercise I leave
To Cleon's care, while ten revolving suns
Of absence I must count. Now, father, take
This hand, a hand which fortune and thy god
Have ever favour'd, which shall soon convert
The annual day of mourning in thy fane
To festival solemnity of joy.
Bless'd by Tisander, rapid he departs.
Young Hyacinthus follows, who in arms,
Once by his patron worn, to ev'ry eye
Presents a new Themistocles, but such,
As when th' allurement of his early bloom
He, not unconscious of the charm, display'd
To Attic damsels. Cloudless on their march
Apollo shoots a clear and tepid ray;
A scatter'd village in Carystian bounds
To rural hospitality admits
The wearied warriors. Hyacinthus guides
His great protector to a shelt'ring fane
Of Juno, styl'd connubial; stately round
Old beech extend a venerable shade;
Through ages time had witness'd to their growth,
Whose ruddy texture, disarray'd of green,
Glows in the purple of declining day.
Young Hyacinthus follows, who in arms,
Once by his patron worn, to ev'ry eye
Presents a new Themistocles, but such,
As when th' allurement of his early bloom
He, not unconscious of the charm, display'd
To Attic damsels. Cloudless on their march
37
A scatter'd village in Carystian bounds
To rural hospitality admits
The wearied warriors. Hyacinthus guides
His great protector to a shelt'ring fane
Of Juno, styl'd connubial; stately round
Old beech extend a venerable shade;
Through ages time had witness'd to their growth,
Whose ruddy texture, disarray'd of green,
Glows in the purple of declining day.
They pass the marble threshold, when the youth
With visage pale, in accents broken spake:
With visage pale, in accents broken spake:
Unequall'd man, behold the only place
For thy reception fit; for mine. . . He paus'd;
A gushing torrent of impetuous grief
O'erwhelm'd his cheeks; now starting, on he rush'd,
Before the sacred image wrung his hands;
Then sinking down, along the pavement roll'd
His body; in distraction would have dash'd
His forehead there. Themistocles prevents,
Uplifts, and binds him in a strong embrace;
When thus in eager agony the youth:
For thy reception fit; for mine. . . He paus'd;
A gushing torrent of impetuous grief
O'erwhelm'd his cheeks; now starting, on he rush'd,
Before the sacred image wrung his hands;
38
His body; in distraction would have dash'd
His forehead there. Themistocles prevents,
Uplifts, and binds him in a strong embrace;
When thus in eager agony the youth:
Is not thy purpose, godlike man, to crush
The tyrant Demonax, in torture cut
The murd'rer short, that he may feel the pangs
Of death unnatural? Young man, replies
Th' Athenian grave, to know my hidden thoughts,
Dost thou aspire, retaining still thy own?
Still in my presence thy distemper drinks
The cup of misery conceal'd, and seems,
Rejecting friendship's salutary hand,
To court the draught which poisons. Canst thou hope,
Mysterious youth, my confidence, yet none
Wilt in Themistocles repose? His look,
His tone, in feign'd austerity he wrapp'd,
So Æsculapius bitter juice apply'd
From helpful plants, his wisdom had explor'd,
The vehicles of health. In humble tears,
Which melted more than flow'd, the mourner thus:
The tyrant Demonax, in torture cut
The murd'rer short, that he may feel the pangs
Of death unnatural? Young man, replies
Th' Athenian grave, to know my hidden thoughts,
Dost thou aspire, retaining still thy own?
Still in my presence thy distemper drinks
The cup of misery conceal'd, and seems,
Rejecting friendship's salutary hand,
To court the draught which poisons. Canst thou hope,
Mysterious youth, my confidence, yet none
Wilt in Themistocles repose? His look,
39
So Æsculapius bitter juice apply'd
From helpful plants, his wisdom had explor'd,
The vehicles of health. In humble tears,
Which melted more than flow'd, the mourner thus:
Forgive me, too regardless of thy grace;
Of all forgetful, save itself, my grief
Deserves thy frown, yet less than giddy joy,
Which, grown familiar, wantons in the smile
Of condescension. Ah! that grief will change
Reproof to more than pity; will excite
A thirst for vengeance, when thy justice hears
A tale—Unfold it, interpos'd the chief,
To one who knows the various ways of men,
Hath study'd long their passions and their woes,
Nor less the med'cines for a wounded mind.
Of all forgetful, save itself, my grief
Deserves thy frown, yet less than giddy joy,
Which, grown familiar, wantons in the smile
Of condescension. Ah! that grief will change
Reproof to more than pity; will excite
A thirst for vengeance, when thy justice hears
A tale—Unfold it, interpos'd the chief,
To one who knows the various ways of men,
Hath study'd long their passions and their woes,
Nor less the med'cines for a wounded mind.
Then Hyacinthus: Mighty chief, recal
Thy first successes, when Euboea's maids
Saw from her shores Barbarian pendants low'r'd
To thine, and grateful pluck'd the flow'rs of May
To dress in chaplets thy victorious deck.
Then, at thy gen'rous instigation fir'd,
The men of Oreus from their walls expell'd
Curst Demonax, their tyrant. On a day,
Ah! source of short delight, of lasting pain!
I from the labour of a tedious chace,
O'erspent by thirst and heat, a forest gain'd.
A rill, meandring to a green recess,
I track'd; my wonder saw a damsel there
In sumptuous vesture, couch'd on fragrant tufts
Of camomile, amid surrounding flow'rs
Reposing. Tall, erect a figure stern
Was nigh; all sable on his head and brow,
Above his lip, and shadowing his cheeks
The hair was brisled; fierce, but frank his eye
A grim fidelity reveal'd; his belt
Sustain'd a sabre; from a quiver full
On sight of me an arrow keen he drew,
A well-strung bow presented, my approach
Forbidding loudly. She, upstarting, wak'd.
My aspect, surely gentle when I first
Beheld Cleora, more of hope than fear
Inspir'd; she crav'd protection—What, ye fates!
Was my protection—O superior man,
Can thy sublimity of soul endure
My tedious anguish! Interposing mild
Th' Athenian here: Take time, give sorrow vent,
My Hyacinthus, I forbid not tears.
Thy first successes, when Euboea's maids
40
To thine, and grateful pluck'd the flow'rs of May
To dress in chaplets thy victorious deck.
Then, at thy gen'rous instigation fir'd,
The men of Oreus from their walls expell'd
Curst Demonax, their tyrant. On a day,
Ah! source of short delight, of lasting pain!
I from the labour of a tedious chace,
O'erspent by thirst and heat, a forest gain'd.
A rill, meandring to a green recess,
I track'd; my wonder saw a damsel there
In sumptuous vesture, couch'd on fragrant tufts
Of camomile, amid surrounding flow'rs
Reposing. Tall, erect a figure stern
Was nigh; all sable on his head and brow,
Above his lip, and shadowing his cheeks
The hair was brisled; fierce, but frank his eye
A grim fidelity reveal'd; his belt
41
On sight of me an arrow keen he drew,
A well-strung bow presented, my approach
Forbidding loudly. She, upstarting, wak'd.
My aspect, surely gentle when I first
Beheld Cleora, more of hope than fear
Inspir'd; she crav'd protection—What, ye fates!
Was my protection—O superior man,
Can thy sublimity of soul endure
My tedious anguish! Interposing mild
Th' Athenian here: Take time, give sorrow vent,
My Hyacinthus, I forbid not tears.
He now pursues: her suppliant hands she rais'd,
To me astonish'd, hearing from her lips,
That Demonax was author of her days.
Amid the tumult his expulsion caus'd,
She, from a rural palace, where he stor'd
Well known to her a treasure, with a slave
In faith approv'd, with gold and gems of price
Escap'd. All night on fleetest steeds they rode,
Nor knew what hospitable roof to seek.
To me astonish'd, hearing from her lips,
That Demonax was author of her days.
Amid the tumult his expulsion caus'd,
She, from a rural palace, where he stor'd
Well known to her a treasure, with a slave
42
Escap'd. All night on fleetest steeds they rode,
Nor knew what hospitable roof to seek.
My father's sister, Glaucé, close behind
This fane of Juno dwelt, her priestess pure,
My kindest parent. To her roof I brought—
O Glaucé what—O dearest, most rever'd!
To thee I brought Cleora! Horror pale
Now blanch'd his visage, shook his loos'ning joints,
Congeal'd his tongue, and rais'd his rigid hair.
Th' Athenian calm and silent waits to hear
The reassum'd narration. O ye flow'rs,
How were ye fragrant! forth in transport wild
Bursts Hyacinthus: O embow'ring woods,
How soft your shade's refreshment! Founts and rills
How sweet your cadence, while I won the hand
Of my Cleora to the nuptial tie,
By spotless vows before thy image bound,
O Goddess hymeneal! O what hours
Of happiness untainted, dear espous'd,
Did we possess! kind Glaucé smil'd on both.
The earliest birds of morning to her voice
Of benediction sung; the gracious sound
Our evening heard; content our pillow smooth'd.
Ev'n Oxus, so Cleora's slave was nam'd,
Of Sacian birth, with grim delight and zeal
Anticipates our will. My nuptials known
Brings down my father, whose resentment warm
Th' affinity with Demonax reproves,
A helpless vagabond, a hopeless wretch;
For now thy sword at Salamis prevail'd.
This storm Cleora calm'd; the gen'rous fair
Before my father laid her dazzling gems;
She gave, he took them all; return'd content;
Left us too happy in exhaustless stores
Of love for envious fate to leave unspoil'd.
This fane of Juno dwelt, her priestess pure,
My kindest parent. To her roof I brought—
O Glaucé what—O dearest, most rever'd!
To thee I brought Cleora! Horror pale
Now blanch'd his visage, shook his loos'ning joints,
Congeal'd his tongue, and rais'd his rigid hair.
Th' Athenian calm and silent waits to hear
The reassum'd narration. O ye flow'rs,
How were ye fragrant! forth in transport wild
Bursts Hyacinthus: O embow'ring woods,
How soft your shade's refreshment! Founts and rills
How sweet your cadence, while I won the hand
Of my Cleora to the nuptial tie,
By spotless vows before thy image bound,
43
Of happiness untainted, dear espous'd,
Did we possess! kind Glaucé smil'd on both.
The earliest birds of morning to her voice
Of benediction sung; the gracious sound
Our evening heard; content our pillow smooth'd.
Ev'n Oxus, so Cleora's slave was nam'd,
Of Sacian birth, with grim delight and zeal
Anticipates our will. My nuptials known
Brings down my father, whose resentment warm
Th' affinity with Demonax reproves,
A helpless vagabond, a hopeless wretch;
For now thy sword at Salamis prevail'd.
This storm Cleora calm'd; the gen'rous fair
Before my father laid her dazzling gems;
She gave, he took them all; return'd content;
Left us too happy in exhaustless stores
Of love for envious fate to leave unspoil'd.
44
Meantime no rumour pierc'd our tranquil bow'r,
That Demonax in Oreus was replac'd;
That he two golden talents to the hand,
Which should restore Cleora, had proclaim'd,
To me was all unknown. Two moons complete
Have spent their periods since one evening late
Nicomachus my presence swift requir'd,
A dying mother to embrace. By morn
I gain'd Carystus; by the close of day
A tender parent on my breast expir'd.
An agitation unexpected shook
My father's bosom as I took farewell.
On my return—I can no more—Yes, yes,
Dwell on each hideous circumstance, my tongue;
With horror tear my heartstrings till they burst:
Poor Hyacinthus hath no cure but death.
That Demonax in Oreus was replac'd;
That he two golden talents to the hand,
Which should restore Cleora, had proclaim'd,
To me was all unknown. Two moons complete
Have spent their periods since one evening late
Nicomachus my presence swift requir'd,
A dying mother to embrace. By morn
I gain'd Carystus; by the close of day
A tender parent on my breast expir'd.
An agitation unexpected shook
My father's bosom as I took farewell.
On my return—I can no more—Yes, yes,
Dwell on each hideous circumstance, my tongue;
With horror tear my heartstrings till they burst:
Poor Hyacinthus hath no cure but death.
The sun was broad at noon; my recent loss
Lamenting, yet asswaging by the joy
To see Cleora soon, ne'er left before,
(A tedious interval to me) I reach'd
My home, th' abode of Glaucé. Clos'd, the door
Forbids my passage; to repeated calls
No voice replies; two villagers pass by,
Who at my clamours help to force my way.
I pass one chamber; strangled on the floor,
Two damsel-ministers of Juno lie.
I hurry on; a second, where my wife
Was in my absence to partake the couch
Of Glaucé, shews that righteous woman dead.
The dear impression where Cleora's limbs
Sleep had embrac'd, I saw, the only trace
Of her, the last, these eyes shall e'er behold.
Her name my accents strong in frenzy sound:
Cleora makes no answer. Next I fly
From place to place; on Sacian Oxus call:
He is not there. A lethargy benumbs
My languid members. In a neighb'ring hut,
Lodg'd by the careful peasants, I awake,
Insensible to knowledge of my state.
The direful tidings from Carystus rouse
My friends; Nicanor to my father's home
Transports me. Ling'ring, torpid I consum'd
Sev'n moons successive; when too vig'rous youth
Recall'd my strength and memory to curse
Health, sense, and thought. My rashness would have sought
Cleora ev'n in Oreus, there have fac'd
The homicide her sire; forbid, with-held,
Nicanor I deputed. When I march'd
To bid thee welcome, on the way I met
That friend return'd—Persist, my falt'ring tongue,
Rehearse his tidings; pitying Heav'n may close
Thy narrative in death—The Sacian slave
Produc'd Cleora to her savage sire;
So fame reports, all Oreus so believes.
But this is trivial to the tragic scene
Which all beheld. Her hand the tyrant doom'd
To Mindarus, a Persian lord, the chief
Of his auxiliar guard; but she refus'd,
And own'd our union, which her pregnant fruit
Of love too well confirm'd. The monster, blind
With mad'ning fury, instantly decreed
That deadliest poison through those beauteous lips
Should choak the springs of life. My weeping friend
Saw her pale reliques on the fun'ral pyre.
I am not mad—ev'n that relief the gods
Deny me. All my story I have told,
Been accurate on horror to provoke
The stroke of death, yet live. . . Thou must, exclaims
The chief, humanely artful, thou must live;
Without thy help I never can avenge
On Demonax thy wrongs. Ha! cries the youth,
Art thou resolv'd to lift thy potent arm
Against the murd'rer? Yes, th' Athenian said,
I will do more, thy virtue will uphold,
Whose perseverance through such floods of woe
Could wade to bid me welcome. Gen'rous youth,
Trust to the man whom myriads ne'er withstood,
Who towns from ruin can to greatness raise,
Can humble fortune, force her fickle hand
To render up the victim she hath mark'd
For shame and forrow, force her to entwine
With her own finger a triumphant wreath
To deck his brow. Themistocles, who drives
Despair and desolation from the streets
Of fall'n Eretria, and from eastern bonds
Afflicted Greece at Salamis preserv'd;
He will thy genius to his native pow'rs
Restore; will make thee master of revenge
For thy own wrongs; to glorious action guide
Thy manly steps, redressing, as they tread,
The wrongs of others. Not the gracious voice
Of Juno, speaking comfort from her shrine,
Not from his tripod Jove's prophetic seed,
Imparting counsel through his Pythian maid,
Not Jove himself, from Dodonæan groves,
By oracles of promise could have sooth'd
This young, but most distinguish'd of mankind
Among the wretched, as the well-wrought strain
Of thy heart-searching policy, expert
Themistocles, like some well-practis'd son
Of learn'd Machaon, o'er a patient's wound
Compassionate, but cool, who ne'er permits
His own sensation to control his art.
Lamenting, yet asswaging by the joy
45
(A tedious interval to me) I reach'd
My home, th' abode of Glaucé. Clos'd, the door
Forbids my passage; to repeated calls
No voice replies; two villagers pass by,
Who at my clamours help to force my way.
I pass one chamber; strangled on the floor,
Two damsel-ministers of Juno lie.
I hurry on; a second, where my wife
Was in my absence to partake the couch
Of Glaucé, shews that righteous woman dead.
The dear impression where Cleora's limbs
Sleep had embrac'd, I saw, the only trace
Of her, the last, these eyes shall e'er behold.
Her name my accents strong in frenzy sound:
Cleora makes no answer. Next I fly
From place to place; on Sacian Oxus call:
He is not there. A lethargy benumbs
My languid members. In a neighb'ring hut,
46
Insensible to knowledge of my state.
The direful tidings from Carystus rouse
My friends; Nicanor to my father's home
Transports me. Ling'ring, torpid I consum'd
Sev'n moons successive; when too vig'rous youth
Recall'd my strength and memory to curse
Health, sense, and thought. My rashness would have sought
Cleora ev'n in Oreus, there have fac'd
The homicide her sire; forbid, with-held,
Nicanor I deputed. When I march'd
To bid thee welcome, on the way I met
That friend return'd—Persist, my falt'ring tongue,
Rehearse his tidings; pitying Heav'n may close
Thy narrative in death—The Sacian slave
Produc'd Cleora to her savage sire;
So fame reports, all Oreus so believes.
But this is trivial to the tragic scene
47
To Mindarus, a Persian lord, the chief
Of his auxiliar guard; but she refus'd,
And own'd our union, which her pregnant fruit
Of love too well confirm'd. The monster, blind
With mad'ning fury, instantly decreed
That deadliest poison through those beauteous lips
Should choak the springs of life. My weeping friend
Saw her pale reliques on the fun'ral pyre.
I am not mad—ev'n that relief the gods
Deny me. All my story I have told,
Been accurate on horror to provoke
The stroke of death, yet live. . . Thou must, exclaims
The chief, humanely artful, thou must live;
Without thy help I never can avenge
On Demonax thy wrongs. Ha! cries the youth,
Art thou resolv'd to lift thy potent arm
Against the murd'rer? Yes, th' Athenian said,
I will do more, thy virtue will uphold,
48
Could wade to bid me welcome. Gen'rous youth,
Trust to the man whom myriads ne'er withstood,
Who towns from ruin can to greatness raise,
Can humble fortune, force her fickle hand
To render up the victim she hath mark'd
For shame and forrow, force her to entwine
With her own finger a triumphant wreath
To deck his brow. Themistocles, who drives
Despair and desolation from the streets
Of fall'n Eretria, and from eastern bonds
Afflicted Greece at Salamis preserv'd;
He will thy genius to his native pow'rs
Restore; will make thee master of revenge
For thy own wrongs; to glorious action guide
Thy manly steps, redressing, as they tread,
The wrongs of others. Not the gracious voice
Of Juno, speaking comfort from her shrine,
Not from his tripod Jove's prophetic seed,
49
Not Jove himself, from Dodonæan groves,
By oracles of promise could have sooth'd
This young, but most distinguish'd of mankind
Among the wretched, as the well-wrought strain
Of thy heart-searching policy, expert
Themistocles, like some well-practis'd son
Of learn'd Machaon, o'er a patient's wound
Compassionate, but cool, who ne'er permits
His own sensation to control his art.
But, said th' Athenian, soldiers must refresh,
As well as fast, nor keep incessant watch.
As well as fast, nor keep incessant watch.
They quit the temple. In the dwelling nigh
Deep-musing Hyacinthus lightly tastes
The light repast. On matted tufts they stretch
Their weary'd limbs. Themistocles had arm'd
With elevated thoughts his pupil's mind,
Which foils at intervals despair. His eyes
The transient palm of sleep would often seal,
But oft in dreams his dear espous'd he sees,
A livid spectre; an empoison'd cup
She holds, and weeps—then vanishes. Revenge,
In bloody sandals and a dusky pall,
Succeeds. Her stature growing, as he gaz'd,
Reveals a glory, beaming round her head;
A sword she brandishes, the awful sword
Which Nemesis unsheathes on crimes. He sees
Connubial Juno's image from the base
Descend, and, pointing with its marble hand,
Before him glide. A sudden shout of war,
The yell of death, Carystian banners wav'd,
An apparition of himself in arms,
Stir ev'ry sense. The dreadful tumult ends;
The headless trunk of Demonax in gore
He views in transport. Instantly his couch
Shoots forth in laurels, vaulting o'er his head;
The walls are hung with trophies. Juno comes,
No longer marble, but the queen of heav'n,
Clad in resplendency divine. She leads
Cleora, now to perfect bloom restor'd,
Who, beck'ning, opens to th' enraptur'd eye
Of Hyacinthus, doating on the charm,
Her breast of snow; whence pure ambrosial milk
Allures an infant from an amber cloud,
Who stoops, and round her neck maternal clings.
He to embrace them striving, wak'd and lost
Th' endearing picture of illusive air,
But wak'd compos'd. His mantle he assum'd,
To Juno's statue trod, and thus unlock'd
His pious breast: O goddess! though thy smile,
Which I acknowledge for the hours of bliss
I once possess'd, a brief, exhausted term,
Could not protect me from malignant fate,
Lo! prostrate fall'n before thee, I complain
No more. My soul shall struggle with despair;
Nor shall the furies drag me to the grave.
Thou punishment dost threaten to the crime,
Which hath defac'd my happiness on earth;
Themistocles, my patron, is thy boon,
Who will fulfil thy menace. I believe,
There is a place hereafter to admit
Such purity as hers, whose blissful hand
Thou didst bestow—I lost—I know my days
With all their evils of duration short;
I am not conscious of a black misdeed,
Which should exclude me from the seat of rest,
And therefore wait in pious hope, that soon
Shall Hyacinthus find his wife and child
With them to dwell forever. He concludes,
Regains the chamber, and Aurora shines.
Deep-musing Hyacinthus lightly tastes
The light repast. On matted tufts they stretch
Their weary'd limbs. Themistocles had arm'd
With elevated thoughts his pupil's mind,
50
The transient palm of sleep would often seal,
But oft in dreams his dear espous'd he sees,
A livid spectre; an empoison'd cup
She holds, and weeps—then vanishes. Revenge,
In bloody sandals and a dusky pall,
Succeeds. Her stature growing, as he gaz'd,
Reveals a glory, beaming round her head;
A sword she brandishes, the awful sword
Which Nemesis unsheathes on crimes. He sees
Connubial Juno's image from the base
Descend, and, pointing with its marble hand,
Before him glide. A sudden shout of war,
The yell of death, Carystian banners wav'd,
An apparition of himself in arms,
Stir ev'ry sense. The dreadful tumult ends;
The headless trunk of Demonax in gore
He views in transport. Instantly his couch
Shoots forth in laurels, vaulting o'er his head;
51
No longer marble, but the queen of heav'n,
Clad in resplendency divine. She leads
Cleora, now to perfect bloom restor'd,
Who, beck'ning, opens to th' enraptur'd eye
Of Hyacinthus, doating on the charm,
Her breast of snow; whence pure ambrosial milk
Allures an infant from an amber cloud,
Who stoops, and round her neck maternal clings.
He to embrace them striving, wak'd and lost
Th' endearing picture of illusive air,
But wak'd compos'd. His mantle he assum'd,
To Juno's statue trod, and thus unlock'd
His pious breast: O goddess! though thy smile,
Which I acknowledge for the hours of bliss
I once possess'd, a brief, exhausted term,
Could not protect me from malignant fate,
Lo! prostrate fall'n before thee, I complain
No more. My soul shall struggle with despair;
52
Thou punishment dost threaten to the crime,
Which hath defac'd my happiness on earth;
Themistocles, my patron, is thy boon,
Who will fulfil thy menace. I believe,
There is a place hereafter to admit
Such purity as hers, whose blissful hand
Thou didst bestow—I lost—I know my days
With all their evils of duration short;
I am not conscious of a black misdeed,
Which should exclude me from the seat of rest,
And therefore wait in pious hope, that soon
Shall Hyacinthus find his wife and child
With them to dwell forever. He concludes,
Regains the chamber, and Aurora shines.
End of the Twelfth Book.
53
BOOK the Thirteenth.
When Hyacinthus first his couch forsook
Themistocles in care had follow'd close,
But secretly had noted well the pray'r
To Juno sent, and part approving, part
Condemning, heard. Accoutr'd now in mail,
The young Carystian, to his list'ning friend,
Relates the wonders of his recent dream.
Themistocles in care had follow'd close,
But secretly had noted well the pray'r
To Juno sent, and part approving, part
Condemning, heard. Accoutr'd now in mail,
The young Carystian, to his list'ning friend,
Relates the wonders of his recent dream.
Th' Athenian, while most cordial in the care
Of Hyacinthus, whom his woes endear'd,
Still weigh'd his use. This answer he devis'd
To ease the grief he pitied, and preserve
The worth essential to his own designs.
Of Hyacinthus, whom his woes endear'd,
54
To ease the grief he pitied, and preserve
The worth essential to his own designs.
What thou hast told, Carystian, fires my breast;
It was a signal, by Saturnia held
To animate thy rage, and prompt thy arm
To action. She requires not, goddess wise,
Humiliation, scorns the sluggish mind,
Whose thoughts are creeping to Elysian rest.
They hush no throbs of anguish, while it rends
The mangled heartstrings, no not more than staunch
A bleeding wound, or quench a fever's flame.
We earn Elysium, and our evils here
Surmount, alike by action. Manly toil
Repels despair. Endurance of a storm,
Which rocks the vessel, marches long and swift,
A river pass'd, while enemies in front
By whirls of javelins chase the rapid ford,
A rampart scal'd, the forcing of a camp,
Are cures of sorrow. In her vision clear
So did heav'n's empress intimate this morn.
Me too she visited in sleep; her voice
My waking thoughts confirm'd; Cleora lives;
Else why the goddess thus: Arise, O son
Of Neocles, of this afflicted youth
Be thou sure guide to rescue his espous'd;
The profanation of my rites chastise.
It was a signal, by Saturnia held
To animate thy rage, and prompt thy arm
To action. She requires not, goddess wise,
Humiliation, scorns the sluggish mind,
Whose thoughts are creeping to Elysian rest.
They hush no throbs of anguish, while it rends
The mangled heartstrings, no not more than staunch
A bleeding wound, or quench a fever's flame.
We earn Elysium, and our evils here
Surmount, alike by action. Manly toil
Repels despair. Endurance of a storm,
Which rocks the vessel, marches long and swift,
A river pass'd, while enemies in front
By whirls of javelins chase the rapid ford,
55
Are cures of sorrow. In her vision clear
So did heav'n's empress intimate this morn.
Me too she visited in sleep; her voice
My waking thoughts confirm'd; Cleora lives;
Else why the goddess thus: Arise, O son
Of Neocles, of this afflicted youth
Be thou sure guide to rescue his espous'd;
The profanation of my rites chastise.
The fiction wraps in credulous delight
The young Carystian's confidence, who feels
Circæan magic from his patron's eye,
His tongue, and gesture. He, quick-sighted, turns
To swift advantage his delusion thus:
The young Carystian's confidence, who feels
Circæan magic from his patron's eye,
His tongue, and gesture. He, quick-sighted, turns
To swift advantage his delusion thus:
Come, let me try thy vigour; I am bound
To neighb'ring Styra; fly before thy friend;
Among that gen'rous people, who, their all,
Two gallies fent to Salamis, proclaim
Themistocles approaches. Like a dart,
Lanc'd from the sinews of a Parthian's arm,
Without reply th' inspir'd Carystian flew,
Cas'd as he was in steel. Meantime the chief
Salutes his Attic and Laeonian bands;
His captivating presence both enjoy,
Which else no eye most piercing might discern,
Not ev'n the hundred never-sleeping lights,
Which on the margin of her parent flood
Incessant watch'd the progeny transform'd
Of Inachus, the Argive watry god;
Where undistinguish'd in the grazing herd
His daughter wept, nor he that daughter knew
A speechless suppliant. Recommenc'd, the march
Exhausts the day. Beneath a holy roof,
Which rose to Ceres, they their shelter'd limbs
To rest and food resign. There gently swell'd
Th' encircling ground, whence fair the morning smil'd
On little Styra, who, no queen superb
Of wide dominion, like a rural nymph
In decency of garb, and native locks,
Her humble circuit not unlovely shews.
She from Athenian boundaries of old
Her first inhabitants deriv'd, and pours
Her sons now forth Themistocles to greet,
Their eldest parent's hero. Lampon bold
Accosts him: Me the weak, but willing hand
Of Styra late enabled to enrol
My name with thine, unconquerable son
Of Neocles. Though feeble is her sword,
Her sinews boast of Attic vigour still.
Oh! that her means were equal to her love,
A lib'ral welcome thou and these should find;
But yon Geræstian oligarchy, foe
To equity and freedom, from our meads
Have newly swept our plenty. Ardent here,
Themistocles: By heav'n, my Styrian host,
Not thrice shall day illuminate your skies,
Ere double measure shall these petty lords
Repay to Styra. I am come to crush
Their usurpation, in Geræstus fix
Her ancient laws, and rouse her martial race
Against the Persian, and the Persian's friends.
Array thy force. Tomorrow's early sun
Shall see us march, and ere his second noon
The bird of Athens shall her talons lift
Against the walls of these presumptuous thieves.
To neighb'ring Styra; fly before thy friend;
Among that gen'rous people, who, their all,
56
Themistocles approaches. Like a dart,
Lanc'd from the sinews of a Parthian's arm,
Without reply th' inspir'd Carystian flew,
Cas'd as he was in steel. Meantime the chief
Salutes his Attic and Laeonian bands;
His captivating presence both enjoy,
Which else no eye most piercing might discern,
Not ev'n the hundred never-sleeping lights,
Which on the margin of her parent flood
Incessant watch'd the progeny transform'd
Of Inachus, the Argive watry god;
Where undistinguish'd in the grazing herd
His daughter wept, nor he that daughter knew
A speechless suppliant. Recommenc'd, the march
Exhausts the day. Beneath a holy roof,
Which rose to Ceres, they their shelter'd limbs
To rest and food resign. There gently swell'd
Th' encircling ground, whence fair the morning smil'd
57
Of wide dominion, like a rural nymph
In decency of garb, and native locks,
Her humble circuit not unlovely shews.
She from Athenian boundaries of old
Her first inhabitants deriv'd, and pours
Her sons now forth Themistocles to greet,
Their eldest parent's hero. Lampon bold
Accosts him: Me the weak, but willing hand
Of Styra late enabled to enrol
My name with thine, unconquerable son
Of Neocles. Though feeble is her sword,
Her sinews boast of Attic vigour still.
Oh! that her means were equal to her love,
A lib'ral welcome thou and these should find;
But yon Geræstian oligarchy, foe
To equity and freedom, from our meads
Have newly swept our plenty. Ardent here,
Themistocles: By heav'n, my Styrian host,
58
Ere double measure shall these petty lords
Repay to Styra. I am come to crush
Their usurpation, in Geræstus fix
Her ancient laws, and rouse her martial race
Against the Persian, and the Persian's friends.
Array thy force. Tomorrow's early sun
Shall see us march, and ere his second noon
The bird of Athens shall her talons lift
Against the walls of these presumptuous thieves.
They have no walls, Eudemus takes the word,
A righteous, brave Geræstian, exil'd late,
By hospitable Styra late receiv'd.
A forest thick surrounds them, which affords
One scanty passage; but the ax and bill,
Apply'd with vigour, soon will open ways.
Sev'n hundred natives can Geræstus arm,
Who will not fight to rivet on their necks
A galling yoke more fast. The whole defence,
Our oligarchal tyrants have to boast,
Are poor Barbarians, scarce three hundred strong,
Sav'd from the wrecks of those advent'rous ships,
Which round Eubœa's rude Capharean cape
Had been detach'd thy navy to surround
In Artemisium's conflict. Now apart
Themistocles to Hyacinthus spake,
While in his care he lodg'd a casket seal'd,
Which held the talent promis'd to his sire:
A righteous, brave Geræstian, exil'd late,
By hospitable Styra late receiv'd.
A forest thick surrounds them, which affords
One scanty passage; but the ax and bill,
Apply'd with vigour, soon will open ways.
Sev'n hundred natives can Geræstus arm,
Who will not fight to rivet on their necks
59
Our oligarchal tyrants have to boast,
Are poor Barbarians, scarce three hundred strong,
Sav'd from the wrecks of those advent'rous ships,
Which round Eubœa's rude Capharean cape
Had been detach'd thy navy to surround
In Artemisium's conflict. Now apart
Themistocles to Hyacinthus spake,
While in his care he lodg'd a casket seal'd,
Which held the talent promis'd to his sire:
This for thy father; tell him, I require
The stipulated bands' immediate march;
I wish to see them under thy command.
Thou know'st Diana's celebrated fane
At Amarynthus; if thou canst, young friend,
Be there before me. Pleas'd, the youth departs.
The stipulated bands' immediate march;
I wish to see them under thy command.
Thou know'st Diana's celebrated fane
At Amarynthus; if thou canst, young friend,
Be there before me. Pleas'd, the youth departs.
As in excursion from their waxen homes
A hive's industrious populace obey
The tinkling sound, which summons all to swarm;
So, when the trumpet's well-known voice proclaims
To arms, the Styrians, round the banner'd staff,
Which Lampon rais'd, are gather'd. There enjoin'd
To reassemble at a stated hour,
Their clinking armour in their homes they cleanse;
They whet their spears and falchions to chastise
Geræstian rapine. Ere the morning breaks,
Four hundred join Themistocles. He bends
To Amarynthus, seat of Dian pure,
His rapid course. Her edifice sublime,
Which overtops her consecrated bow'r,
The second noon discovers. Just arriv'd,
Carystian helmets round the temple shine,
By Hyacinthus and Nicanor led,
Joint captains. Staid Nicanor was the friend
Return'd from Oreus, who the tidings brought
Of poor Cleora's fate. Th' Athenian hails
The young commander: Gladly do I find
Thy speed surpassing mine; but swift explain,
Who is the priestess in this pure abode?
A hive's industrious populace obey
60
So, when the trumpet's well-known voice proclaims
To arms, the Styrians, round the banner'd staff,
Which Lampon rais'd, are gather'd. There enjoin'd
To reassemble at a stated hour,
Their clinking armour in their homes they cleanse;
They whet their spears and falchions to chastise
Geræstian rapine. Ere the morning breaks,
Four hundred join Themistocles. He bends
To Amarynthus, seat of Dian pure,
His rapid course. Her edifice sublime,
Which overtops her consecrated bow'r,
The second noon discovers. Just arriv'd,
Carystian helmets round the temple shine,
By Hyacinthus and Nicanor led,
Joint captains. Staid Nicanor was the friend
Return'd from Oreus, who the tidings brought
Of poor Cleora's fate. Th' Athenian hails
The young commander: Gladly do I find
61
Who is the priestess in this pure abode?
Then Hyacinthus: She, Eudora nam'd,
For sanctity of manners, rank and birth,
Through this well-people'd island is renown'd;
Authority her hand-maid. Her rich fane
With sumptuous off'rings shines; the wealthiest towns
Her intercession at the thrones of heav'n
Obsequious court, and dread her brow severe.
Of elevated stature, awful port,
She from Briareus, worshipp'd in our walls,
Proud origin derives. She twangs the bow,
The javelin lances through the tusky boar,
Chac'd o'er the temple's wide domain of wood;
Tall nymphs attend her, while the eyes abash'd
Of her own vassals shun her stately step.
Ah! couldst thou win her favour!. . . Haste, replies
The ready chief, to great Eudora say,
Themistocles of Athens humbly sues
To kiss the border of her hallow'd stole.
For sanctity of manners, rank and birth,
Through this well-people'd island is renown'd;
Authority her hand-maid. Her rich fane
With sumptuous off'rings shines; the wealthiest towns
Her intercession at the thrones of heav'n
Obsequious court, and dread her brow severe.
Of elevated stature, awful port,
She from Briareus, worshipp'd in our walls,
Proud origin derives. She twangs the bow,
The javelin lances through the tusky boar,
Chac'd o'er the temple's wide domain of wood;
Tall nymphs attend her, while the eyes abash'd
Of her own vassals shun her stately step.
Ah! couldst thou win her favour!. . . Haste, replies
62
Themistocles of Athens humbly sues
To kiss the border of her hallow'd stole.
He calls; the martial harness from his limbs
Attentive slaves unclasp; ablution pure
From limpid streams effaces ev'ry stain
Of his laborious march; a chlamys flows
Loose from his shoulders. Casting from his brow
The plumed casque, uncover'd he ascends
The massy steps of that stupendous fane.
In admiration of the glories there,
Through cedar valves, on argent hinges pois'd,
He passes, where his own distinguish'd form
No ornament excells. In gold the shapes
Of wreaths and garlands, crescents, stars, and suns,
Hung round the columns; on the pavement broad,
Engraven tripods, vases, statues, busts
Of burnish'd brass and silver were dispos'd,
In graceful order. Pictures, where the lips
Seem speaking, limbs to act, and looks express
The various passions, which in varying hues
Exalt the human aspect, or degrade,
Enrich the walls. Orion writhes his bulk,
Transfix'd by arrows from th' insulted queen
Of chastity. Devour'd by rav'nous hounds,
His own, Actæon's metamorphos'd head
Reclines in blood his newly-branching horns.
Unbid by Œneus to th' Ætolian feast,
There on her vengeful Calydonian boar
Looks Phœbe down, while red her crescent darts
A flame of anger through disparting clouds.
Compell'd to lave her violated limbs,
Disrob'd Calisto on the fountain's brink
There weeps in vain her virgin vow profan'd.
Here deeds of Mercy smile. Appeas'd, the queen
Folds in the mantle of a silver mist
Pale Iphigenia, from the holy knife
At Aulis wafts, and substitutes the doe
A full-atoning victim. Here she quits
Her Tauric dome, unhospitably stain'd
With blood of strangers. O'er th' entrusted keel,
Of sad Orestes, who her image bears,
To chace the Furies from his haunted couch,
A guardian bland she hovers. Through its length
Magnificent the midmost isle conveys
The terminating sight, where deep and wide
A luminous recess, half-circling, shews
Pilasters chisell'd, and a sumptuous freeze.
An elevated pavement, yet below
The sight, whose level skims a surface broad
Of marble green, sustains the goddess form
In Parian whiteness, emblem of her state,
In height five cubits. Purity severe
O'ershades her beauty. Elegantly group'd
Without confusion, dryads, oreads round,
With nymphs of lakes and fountains fill the space.
Attentive slaves unclasp; ablution pure
From limpid streams effaces ev'ry stain
Of his laborious march; a chlamys flows
Loose from his shoulders. Casting from his brow
The plumed casque, uncover'd he ascends
The massy steps of that stupendous fane.
In admiration of the glories there,
Through cedar valves, on argent hinges pois'd,
He passes, where his own distinguish'd form
No ornament excells. In gold the shapes
Of wreaths and garlands, crescents, stars, and suns,
Hung round the columns; on the pavement broad,
Engraven tripods, vases, statues, busts
Of burnish'd brass and silver were dispos'd,
63
Seem speaking, limbs to act, and looks express
The various passions, which in varying hues
Exalt the human aspect, or degrade,
Enrich the walls. Orion writhes his bulk,
Transfix'd by arrows from th' insulted queen
Of chastity. Devour'd by rav'nous hounds,
His own, Actæon's metamorphos'd head
Reclines in blood his newly-branching horns.
Unbid by Œneus to th' Ætolian feast,
There on her vengeful Calydonian boar
Looks Phœbe down, while red her crescent darts
A flame of anger through disparting clouds.
Compell'd to lave her violated limbs,
Disrob'd Calisto on the fountain's brink
There weeps in vain her virgin vow profan'd.
Here deeds of Mercy smile. Appeas'd, the queen
Folds in the mantle of a silver mist
Pale Iphigenia, from the holy knife
64
A full-atoning victim. Here she quits
Her Tauric dome, unhospitably stain'd
With blood of strangers. O'er th' entrusted keel,
Of sad Orestes, who her image bears,
To chace the Furies from his haunted couch,
A guardian bland she hovers. Through its length
Magnificent the midmost isle conveys
The terminating sight, where deep and wide
A luminous recess, half-circling, shews
Pilasters chisell'd, and a sumptuous freeze.
An elevated pavement, yet below
The sight, whose level skims a surface broad
Of marble green, sustains the goddess form
In Parian whiteness, emblem of her state,
In height five cubits. Purity severe
O'ershades her beauty. Elegantly group'd
Without confusion, dryads, oreads round,
With nymphs of lakes and fountains fill the space.
65
Lo! not unlike the deity she serves,
Eudora stands before her, and accosts
Th' advancing hero thus: I trust, thy soul
Some great, some righteous enterprize conceives
Else nothing less might justify the din
Of arms around me, and these banners proud
Fix'd in my presence on religious ground
Inviolably sacred. I would know,
Themistocles, thy purpose. He one knee
Obsequious bends; his lips approach the hem
Of her pontific robe, nor she forbids.
Eudora stands before her, and accosts
Th' advancing hero thus: I trust, thy soul
Some great, some righteous enterprize conceives
Else nothing less might justify the din
Of arms around me, and these banners proud
Fix'd in my presence on religious ground
Inviolably sacred. I would know,
Themistocles, thy purpose. He one knee
Obsequious bends; his lips approach the hem
Of her pontific robe, nor she forbids.
He then replied: I should not have besought
Thy condescension, priestess, had my soul
Less than a righteous enterprize conceiv'd,
Deserving sanction from thy holy, pure,
All-influencing wisdom; to thy feet
I bring my standard, and my sword devote
Spontaneous to thy service. While I cast
My wond'ring eyes on this enrich'd abode,
On thee, its chief embellishment, and know
That impious neighbours in Geræstus rule,
Foul pillagers and miscreants, horror thrills
Thy soldier's bosom; from a town oppress'd
Them to extirpate his vindictive arm
Themistocles exalts. Eudora look'd
Applauding: Go, and prosper, she rejoin'd;
Of this attentive piety, O chief,
Whom glory crowns, thou never shalt repent!
Thy condescension, priestess, had my soul
Less than a righteous enterprize conceiv'd,
Deserving sanction from thy holy, pure,
All-influencing wisdom; to thy feet
I bring my standard, and my sword devote
Spontaneous to thy service. While I cast
66
On thee, its chief embellishment, and know
That impious neighbours in Geræstus rule,
Foul pillagers and miscreants, horror thrills
Thy soldier's bosom; from a town oppress'd
Them to extirpate his vindictive arm
Themistocles exalts. Eudora look'd
Applauding: Go, and prosper, she rejoin'd;
Of this attentive piety, O chief,
Whom glory crowns, thou never shalt repent!
Dismiss'd, he rested; under twilight grey
Renew'd his course. Meridian Phœbus view'd
Compact battalions from their shields and helms
Shoot flames of terror on Geræstian woods.
A guard was station'd, where the narrow path
Gave entrance; thither Hyacinthus led
A chosen troop, and fierce in accent spake:
Renew'd his course. Meridian Phœbus view'd
Compact battalions from their shields and helms
Shoot flames of terror on Geræstian woods.
A guard was station'd, where the narrow path
Gave entrance; thither Hyacinthus led
A chosen troop, and fierce in accent spake:
67
Train'd to an oar, vile remnants of a wreck,
Drop, ye Barbarian vagabonds, those arms
From your ignoble, mercenary hands;
Th' invincible Themistocles requires
Immediate passage. Dubious paus'd their chief,
A low Pamphylian rower. In contempt
From his inverted spear a pond'rous blow
The youth discharg'd, removing all suspence.
Prone fell the ruffian, like the victim beast,
Stunn'd by a brawny sacrificer's blow,
Before an altar's fire. His troop disperse.
The Styrians active, by the prudent son
Of Neocles instructed, beat the wood,
Wielding the bill and ax in wary dread
Of ambush. No resistance checks the march;
The speeding legion penetrates the shades;
Thence rushing dreadful on Geræstus spreads
A blaze of steel. So fiery sparks, conceal'd
Long in some ancient mansion's girding beam,
There gath'ring force unseen, a passage break
For conflagration to devour a town.
Drop, ye Barbarian vagabonds, those arms
From your ignoble, mercenary hands;
Th' invincible Themistocles requires
Immediate passage. Dubious paus'd their chief,
A low Pamphylian rower. In contempt
From his inverted spear a pond'rous blow
The youth discharg'd, removing all suspence.
Prone fell the ruffian, like the victim beast,
Stunn'd by a brawny sacrificer's blow,
Before an altar's fire. His troop disperse.
The Styrians active, by the prudent son
Of Neocles instructed, beat the wood,
Wielding the bill and ax in wary dread
Of ambush. No resistance checks the march;
The speeding legion penetrates the shades;
Thence rushing dreadful on Geræstus spreads
A blaze of steel. So fiery sparks, conceal'd
Long in some ancient mansion's girding beam,
68
For conflagration to devour a town.
Eudemus joins Themistocles, and thus:
Behold, our miscreant oligarchy rest
On supplication, now their sole defence;
The injur'd people follow; hear the cry
Of imprecation. Sev'n flagitious men,
By rapine, lust, and homicide deform'd,
Those olive boughs profaning by their touch,
Come to pollute thy presence. They approach,
To whom th' Athenian, stern in visage, spake:
Behold, our miscreant oligarchy rest
On supplication, now their sole defence;
The injur'd people follow; hear the cry
Of imprecation. Sev'n flagitious men,
By rapine, lust, and homicide deform'd,
Those olive boughs profaning by their touch,
Come to pollute thy presence. They approach,
To whom th' Athenian, stern in visage, spake:
Ye little tyrants, who in crimes aspire
To emulate the greatest, do ye come
To render up your persons? else expect
That populace to seize you, and a pile
Of stones to crush your execrable heads.
To emulate the greatest, do ye come
To render up your persons? else expect
That populace to seize you, and a pile
Of stones to crush your execrable heads.
69
He turns away. The fife and trumpet sound;
The sev'n surrender mute; Eudemus glad
Secures them, giv'n to Styra's band in charge.
The sev'n surrender mute; Eudemus glad
Secures them, giv'n to Styra's band in charge.
Reviv'd Geræstus to her public place,
Which heretofore the people wont to fill
In free assembly, as her guardian god
Receives the Attic hero. All the way
He passes, curses on the tyrants heap'd
He list'ning hears, from children for their sires,
From wives for husbands, mothers for their sons,
The various victims of unlawful pow'r.
Dishonour'd damsels, early robb'd of fame,
An orphan train, of heritage despoil'd,
Indignant husbands, of their wives depriv'd,
Their joint upbraidings sound. By all the gods,
Th' Athenian bitterly sarcastic spake,
Black spirits, your fertility in vice
Deserves my wonder; in this narrow spot
You are distinguish'd in the sight of heav'n
By multifarious crimes above the king,
Who hath all Asia for his ample range.
Be not offended, my Geræstian friends;
Ere I restore your franchise I will try
If chains and dungeons can allay these flames
Of unexampled wickedness. Thou hear'st,
Eudemus. Now, Geræstians, you are free.
Elect Eudemus archon; of the wealth,
Those wretches gather'd, part to public use,
To suff'rers part distribute. I demand
But this requital; you have felt the woes
Of tyranny; obtaining from my hand
Redress, that hand enable to preserve
The liberty of others; Greece demands
From you that succour, which this happy day
She hath by me imparted. He withdraws
From acclamations and assenting hearts
To give Eudemus counsel. Night is spent.
He swiftly back to Amarynthus flies;
Each tyrant follows; from his dungeon drawn,
The sun, spectator of his chains and shame,
He dreads; in horror, conscious of his guilt,
He shrinks at day like Cerberus, when dragg'd
By Hercules from hell. Th' accepted chief,
His captives ranging in Eudora's sight,
Unfolds their dire variety of crimes,
Left to her sentence; awful she decides:
Which heretofore the people wont to fill
In free assembly, as her guardian god
Receives the Attic hero. All the way
He passes, curses on the tyrants heap'd
He list'ning hears, from children for their sires,
From wives for husbands, mothers for their sons,
The various victims of unlawful pow'r.
Dishonour'd damsels, early robb'd of fame,
An orphan train, of heritage despoil'd,
Indignant husbands, of their wives depriv'd,
Their joint upbraidings sound. By all the gods,
Th' Athenian bitterly sarcastic spake,
Black spirits, your fertility in vice
Deserves my wonder; in this narrow spot
70
By multifarious crimes above the king,
Who hath all Asia for his ample range.
Be not offended, my Geræstian friends;
Ere I restore your franchise I will try
If chains and dungeons can allay these flames
Of unexampled wickedness. Thou hear'st,
Eudemus. Now, Geræstians, you are free.
Elect Eudemus archon; of the wealth,
Those wretches gather'd, part to public use,
To suff'rers part distribute. I demand
But this requital; you have felt the woes
Of tyranny; obtaining from my hand
Redress, that hand enable to preserve
The liberty of others; Greece demands
From you that succour, which this happy day
She hath by me imparted. He withdraws
From acclamations and assenting hearts
To give Eudemus counsel. Night is spent.
71
Each tyrant follows; from his dungeon drawn,
The sun, spectator of his chains and shame,
He dreads; in horror, conscious of his guilt,
He shrinks at day like Cerberus, when dragg'd
By Hercules from hell. Th' accepted chief,
His captives ranging in Eudora's sight,
Unfolds their dire variety of crimes,
Left to her sentence; awful she decides:
He, who oppresses, who enslaves mankind,
Himself should feel enthralment, shame and stripes.
Let these to some fell trasicker in slaves
Be sold, transported in remotest climes
To witness Greek severity on vice;
So by my voice should Xerxes be condemn'd;
So shall the monster Demonax. The means
I find, Themistocles, in thee. Elate
To hear this great, authoritative dame,
The chief replies: Thy mandate is my law,
Thy equity is mine. Her stately brow
Unbending, she concisely questions thus:
Himself should feel enthralment, shame and stripes.
Let these to some fell trasicker in slaves
Be sold, transported in remotest climes
To witness Greek severity on vice;
So by my voice should Xerxes be condemn'd;
So shall the monster Demonax. The means
I find, Themistocles, in thee. Elate
To hear this great, authoritative dame,
72
Thy equity is mine. Her stately brow
Unbending, she concisely questions thus:
How shall Eudora's favour mark thy worth?
Thy blessing grant, he answers, well appris'd,
That asking little best attains to all.
Thy blessing grant, he answers, well appris'd,
That asking little best attains to all.
I may do more, she said; thy ripen'd thoughts
Impart hereafter; my extent of aid
Diana must determine. Now farewell.
Impart hereafter; my extent of aid
Diana must determine. Now farewell.
He press'd no further, tow'rds Carystus turn'd
His march, and reach'd her portals, while the sun
Wanted three hours to finish his career.
His march, and reach'd her portals, while the sun
Wanted three hours to finish his career.
There was a temple to Briareus built,
The son of Titan. In th' enormous shrine
His image vast to thirty cubits rose
In darkest marble. Terror, thick with curls
O'erlaid the forehead, thick th' engraven beard
The spacious chest o'ershadow'd; fifty shields,
As many maces of refulgent brass
The hundred hands upheld. Broad steps around
The pedestal ascended, that before
Th' outstretch'd Titanian feet religious fear
Accumulated off'rings might dispose,
So to propitiate the tremendous god.
The son of Titan. In th' enormous shrine
His image vast to thirty cubits rose
73
O'erlaid the forehead, thick th' engraven beard
The spacious chest o'ershadow'd; fifty shields,
As many maces of refulgent brass
The hundred hands upheld. Broad steps around
The pedestal ascended, that before
Th' outstretch'd Titanian feet religious fear
Accumulated off'rings might dispose,
So to propitiate the tremendous god.
In single state before this image stood
Nicomachus, the archon, to receive
His son triumphant with Cecropia's chief.
They now had pass'd th' expanded gates, and slow
Approach'd the shrine in military pomp
Along th' extensive isle. The walls and dome
Replied to fifes and trumpets, to the clink
Of manacles and setters, piercing sound,
Which told the wearer's guilt. Till now unmark'd,
A figure, grim and ghastly, from the crowd
Darts, and a poniard plunging in the breast
Of old Nicomachus, himself ascends
The pedestal, and lifting his red steel
On high, between the god's gigantic feet
Intrepid takes his station. Terror dims
Each gazing eye; th' illusive medium swells
His size; in fancy'd magnitude he tow'rs
Another son of Titan. As he stands
Intent to speak, Themistocles, alone
Of all th' assembly master of himself,
Cool gives a sign, when thus th' assassin speaks,
In phrase barbaric, and a soften'd look:
Nicomachus, the archon, to receive
His son triumphant with Cecropia's chief.
They now had pass'd th' expanded gates, and slow
Approach'd the shrine in military pomp
Along th' extensive isle. The walls and dome
Replied to fifes and trumpets, to the clink
Of manacles and setters, piercing sound,
Which told the wearer's guilt. Till now unmark'd,
74
Darts, and a poniard plunging in the breast
Of old Nicomachus, himself ascends
The pedestal, and lifting his red steel
On high, between the god's gigantic feet
Intrepid takes his station. Terror dims
Each gazing eye; th' illusive medium swells
His size; in fancy'd magnitude he tow'rs
Another son of Titan. As he stands
Intent to speak, Themistocles, alone
Of all th' assembly master of himself,
Cool gives a sign, when thus th' assassin speaks,
In phrase barbaric, and a soften'd look:
I am that Oxus, whom suspicion marks
A traitor to Cleora. Mistress dear,
(At this a torrent gushes from his eyes)
Thou knew'st me faithful. Listen, gracious lord,
Thou tend'rest consort of the tend'rest wife,
O Hyacinthus! listen to my tale,
Thou too wilt own me faithful: On the night,
Thy first of absence from Cleora's bed,
No more thy love to bless, assassins forc'd
Kind Glaucè's dwelling; me they bound; my voice
They barr'd; the priestess and her blameless maids
They strangled. Mounted on a rapid steed
One bore Cleora; two, robust and fell,
Were my unresting guards. Through trackless woods
Not far we journey'd; Demonax was near,
Just march'd to waste Eretria's neighb'ring land.
Conducting me to loneliest shades, my guides
Remain'd a while conferring. One, I knew,
Was Dacus, Dacus whom thy sire preferr'd
In trust to all his menials. Words like these
He utter'd: ‘Thus Nicomachus enjoin'd;
‘Transporting Oxus to obscurest wilds,
‘Destroy, conceal him there. Access by night
‘To Demonax obtain; by earnest suit
‘From him exact a promise to declare,
‘That Oxus brought his daughter, then set free
‘Was sent rewarded to his Sacian home.
‘Receive the gold proclaim'd; depart. Be sure
‘No other name, than Oxus, pass your lips.’
A traitor to Cleora. Mistress dear,
(At this a torrent gushes from his eyes)
Thou knew'st me faithful. Listen, gracious lord,
Thou tend'rest consort of the tend'rest wife,
75
Thou too wilt own me faithful: On the night,
Thy first of absence from Cleora's bed,
No more thy love to bless, assassins forc'd
Kind Glaucè's dwelling; me they bound; my voice
They barr'd; the priestess and her blameless maids
They strangled. Mounted on a rapid steed
One bore Cleora; two, robust and fell,
Were my unresting guards. Through trackless woods
Not far we journey'd; Demonax was near,
Just march'd to waste Eretria's neighb'ring land.
Conducting me to loneliest shades, my guides
Remain'd a while conferring. One, I knew,
Was Dacus, Dacus whom thy sire preferr'd
In trust to all his menials. Words like these
He utter'd: ‘Thus Nicomachus enjoin'd;
‘Transporting Oxus to obscurest wilds,
‘Destroy, conceal him there. Access by night
76
‘From him exact a promise to declare,
‘That Oxus brought his daughter, then set free
‘Was sent rewarded to his Sacian home.
‘Receive the gold proclaim'd; depart. Be sure
‘No other name, than Oxus, pass your lips.’
This said, they gor'd me with repeated wounds;
I sunk before them; they believ'd me dead.
Deep in a pit, o'ergrown with brambles thick,
They left me. Woodmen, haply passing, heard
My piercing groans; in pity to a hut
They bore me; herbs medicinal, and time,
Restor'd my strength. His garment he unfolds,
The crimson horrors of his num'rous scars
To shew. Carystians, I my vital breath
Among the Saces on the Caspian drew.
A Genius dwells, a native in the lake,
Who, in his function rising from the deep,
Reveals foul murder. Purple are his wings,
His hue is jet, a diamond his eye,
His hair is inextinguishable flame.
Whatever man, his visitation warns,
Neglects to right the dead, he haunts, he drives
To horrid frenzy. On a whirlwind borne,
To me in momentary flight he came,
In terrors clad uncommon; o'er my couch
His clatt'ring pinions shook. His mandate high
I have obey'd, the foulest murd'rer slain.
I sunk before them; they believ'd me dead.
Deep in a pit, o'ergrown with brambles thick,
They left me. Woodmen, haply passing, heard
My piercing groans; in pity to a hut
They bore me; herbs medicinal, and time,
Restor'd my strength. His garment he unfolds,
The crimson horrors of his num'rous scars
To shew. Carystians, I my vital breath
Among the Saces on the Caspian drew.
A Genius dwells, a native in the lake,
Who, in his function rising from the deep,
77
His hue is jet, a diamond his eye,
His hair is inextinguishable flame.
Whatever man, his visitation warns,
Neglects to right the dead, he haunts, he drives
To horrid frenzy. On a whirlwind borne,
To me in momentary flight he came,
In terrors clad uncommon; o'er my couch
His clatt'ring pinions shook. His mandate high
I have obey'd, the foulest murd'rer slain.
Now, mistress dear, sole object of my zeal,
Where'er thou art, if fleeting on some cloud
A bright aerial spirit; if below
Among the Genii of the earth, or seas,
Dost trace the caves, where shine carbuncles pure,
Or pluck the coral in cerulean grots,
Thy faithful slave shall follow, still perform
With his accustom'd vigilance thy will.
Where'er thou art, if fleeting on some cloud
A bright aerial spirit; if below
Among the Genii of the earth, or seas,
Dost trace the caves, where shine carbuncles pure,
Or pluck the coral in cerulean grots,
Thy faithful slave shall follow, still perform
With his accustom'd vigilance thy will.
78
This said, he struck the poniard through his breast,
The blows repeating till he pierc'd the heart,
Then on the crimson'd pedestal reclin'd
His dying limbs, nor groan'd. What thoughts were thine,
Nicomachus! To thee are open'd wide
Death's portals; cold thy blood begins to flow.
An injur'd son beside thee strives to doubt
That he, who gave him being, now descends
To sure damnation for so black a crime;
But thou remov'st all doubt. Thy sister's ghost
Before thee seems to glide, and point thy way
To Erebus; Briareus' hundred hands
To brandish serpents, lashing from his fane
A sordid, grovelling parricide to hell.
At length, amid confession of thy guilt,
The furies snatch thee from the light of heav'n
To that eternal gloom. The fainting limbs
Of Hyacinthus forth Nicanor bears.
Religious dread beholds the shrine impure
With homicide; nor knows, what man, what god
Must be consulted, or what rite perform'd
To purge from deeds thus ominous the fane;
Till recollection prompts a sudden hope,
That wise, and great, and favour'd from above,
Themistocles may succour—He is gone.
In double consternation all disperse.
Night drops her curtain on the sleepless town.
The blows repeating till he pierc'd the heart,
Then on the crimson'd pedestal reclin'd
His dying limbs, nor groan'd. What thoughts were thine,
Nicomachus! To thee are open'd wide
Death's portals; cold thy blood begins to flow.
An injur'd son beside thee strives to doubt
That he, who gave him being, now descends
To sure damnation for so black a crime;
But thou remov'st all doubt. Thy sister's ghost
Before thee seems to glide, and point thy way
To Erebus; Briareus' hundred hands
To brandish serpents, lashing from his fane
A sordid, grovelling parricide to hell.
At length, amid confession of thy guilt,
The furies snatch thee from the light of heav'n
To that eternal gloom. The fainting limbs
Of Hyacinthus forth Nicanor bears.
79
With homicide; nor knows, what man, what god
Must be consulted, or what rite perform'd
To purge from deeds thus ominous the fane;
Till recollection prompts a sudden hope,
That wise, and great, and favour'd from above,
Themistocles may succour—He is gone.
In double consternation all disperse.
Night drops her curtain on the sleepless town.
End of the Thirteenth Book.
80
BOOK the Fourteenth.
Bright morning sheds no gladness on the face
Of pale Carystus, who, in visions fram'd
By superstitious fear, all night had seen
Briareus lift his hundred hands to crush
His fane polluted, from the base to rend
Each pillar'd mass, and hurl the fragments huge
Against her tow'rs. Anon is terror chang'd
To wonder, which consoles her. Through her gates,
Amid the lustre of meridian day,
In slow procession, solemnly advance
A hundred youths in spotless tunics white,
Sustaining argent wands. A vig'rous band
Of sacerdotal servitors succeed,
Who draw by turns the silver-graven shape
Of Dian lofty on a wheeling stage
Of artificial verdure. Virgins tall
A guard surround her, each in flowing snow
Of raiment, gather'd in a rosy knot
Above one knee. They tread in sandals white,
O'erlac'd by roseate bands; behind their necks
Of lilly's hue depend their quivers full;
Hands, which can string their tough and pond'rous bows,
Eyes, darting beams severe, discover strength
Unbroke by wedlock, hearts by love untam'd;
Soft light the silver crescents on their heads
Diffuse. Eudora follows in her car;
Across her shoulders hangs a quiver large;
Full-fac'd, a crystal moon illumes her hair.
Penthesilea's Amazonian arm
Had scarce the nerves to bend Eudora's bow.
Her port, her aspect, fascinate the sight;
Before her, passing, tow'rs and temples seem
To sink below her level; she becomes
The single object eminent; her neck,
Her arms, the vestment shuts from view prophane;
Low as her feet descends the sacred stole.
Eight purple-harness'd steeds of milky hue,
Her axle draw. Before her footstool sits
The vanquisher of Xerxes; to the reins
Of argent lustre his obsequious hand
Themistocles applies. A hundred guards
In burnish'd steel, and plumes like ridges new
Of winter's fleeces, not unmartial rank'd
Behind her wheels; the city's widest space
They reach. To all the people, swarming round,
In awful state the priestess thus began:
Of pale Carystus, who, in visions fram'd
By superstitious fear, all night had seen
Briareus lift his hundred hands to crush
His fane polluted, from the base to rend
Each pillar'd mass, and hurl the fragments huge
Against her tow'rs. Anon is terror chang'd
To wonder, which consoles her. Through her gates,
Amid the lustre of meridian day,
In slow procession, solemnly advance
81
Sustaining argent wands. A vig'rous band
Of sacerdotal servitors succeed,
Who draw by turns the silver-graven shape
Of Dian lofty on a wheeling stage
Of artificial verdure. Virgins tall
A guard surround her, each in flowing snow
Of raiment, gather'd in a rosy knot
Above one knee. They tread in sandals white,
O'erlac'd by roseate bands; behind their necks
Of lilly's hue depend their quivers full;
Hands, which can string their tough and pond'rous bows,
Eyes, darting beams severe, discover strength
Unbroke by wedlock, hearts by love untam'd;
Soft light the silver crescents on their heads
Diffuse. Eudora follows in her car;
Across her shoulders hangs a quiver large;
Full-fac'd, a crystal moon illumes her hair.
82
Had scarce the nerves to bend Eudora's bow.
Her port, her aspect, fascinate the sight;
Before her, passing, tow'rs and temples seem
To sink below her level; she becomes
The single object eminent; her neck,
Her arms, the vestment shuts from view prophane;
Low as her feet descends the sacred stole.
Eight purple-harness'd steeds of milky hue,
Her axle draw. Before her footstool sits
The vanquisher of Xerxes; to the reins
Of argent lustre his obsequious hand
Themistocles applies. A hundred guards
In burnish'd steel, and plumes like ridges new
Of winter's fleeces, not unmartial rank'd
Behind her wheels; the city's widest space
They reach. To all the people, swarming round,
In awful state the priestess thus began:
83
Impiety and parricide, which spilt
In Juno's sight her servant Glaucè's blood,
Your god, by double homicide profan'd,
May well dismay Carystus. Lo! I come,
Afflicted city, in thy day of woe
Both to propitiate and conciliate heav'n.
Learn first, no off'ring of a hundred bulls,
Not clouds of incense, nor exhausted stores
Of richest wine can moderate his wrath,
Which visits children for the sire's offence,
And desolates whole nations for the crimes
Of kings and chiefs; unless by double zeal,
By violence of virtue man disarm
The jealous thunderer. Happy is your lot;
The capital offender still survives;
On him inflicted vengeance by your hands,
Men of Carystus, will from Jove regain,
And multiply his blessings on yourselves,
Your sons and daughters. Swear then, old and young,
Swear all before the fresh-polluted shrine;
Ere you remove the carnage from that fane,
Unite your valour by a gen'ral oath,
That you will strengthen this Athenian's arm,
Whom I from Dian, in the awful name
Of all the gods and goddesses, adjure
To quell the monster Demonax, by heav'n,
By earth detested, parricide and scourge
Tyrannic o'er Eubœa. At these words
She fix'd an arrow in her mighty bow;
Then rising, said; against an impious head
Incens'd Diana thus her war declares.
In Juno's sight her servant Glaucè's blood,
Your god, by double homicide profan'd,
May well dismay Carystus. Lo! I come,
Afflicted city, in thy day of woe
Both to propitiate and conciliate heav'n.
Learn first, no off'ring of a hundred bulls,
Not clouds of incense, nor exhausted stores
Of richest wine can moderate his wrath,
Which visits children for the sire's offence,
And desolates whole nations for the crimes
Of kings and chiefs; unless by double zeal,
By violence of virtue man disarm
The jealous thunderer. Happy is your lot;
The capital offender still survives;
On him inflicted vengeance by your hands,
Men of Carystus, will from Jove regain,
And multiply his blessings on yourselves,
Your sons and daughters. Swear then, old and young,
84
Ere you remove the carnage from that fane,
Unite your valour by a gen'ral oath,
That you will strengthen this Athenian's arm,
Whom I from Dian, in the awful name
Of all the gods and goddesses, adjure
To quell the monster Demonax, by heav'n,
By earth detested, parricide and scourge
Tyrannic o'er Eubœa. At these words
She fix'd an arrow in her mighty bow;
Then rising, said; against an impious head
Incens'd Diana thus her war declares.
A cloud, low-hanging, instant by the force
Of springing wind a boreal course began
Tow'rds Oreus; thither bent Eudora's eye.
Swift from her sounding string through folds obscure
Of that thick vapour, as it fleets away,
The arrow imperceptibly descends
To earth. Fortuitous a sulph'rous spark
Flash'd from the cloud. A prodigy! exclaim'd
Themistocles; the holy shaft is chang'd
To Jove's own bolt, and points the forked flame
On Demonax. Swear, swear, the people shout;
A gen'ral exhortation rends the cope
Ethereal. Prompted by the subtil voice
Of her prevailing counsellor, again
Eudora solemn: You for once, my friends,
Must supersede the strictness of your laws.
Though Hyacinthus has not reach'd the date,
Prescrib'd to those who wield the rule supreme,
Elect him archon. Gallant, injur'd youth,
Sage, pious, him Diana best approves,
Him her unerring counsels will inspire.
Me too, her priestess, in your need she lends;
I will promulge the sacred oath to all;
I from pollution will your town redeem.
Of springing wind a boreal course began
Tow'rds Oreus; thither bent Eudora's eye.
Swift from her sounding string through folds obscure
Of that thick vapour, as it fleets away,
The arrow imperceptibly descends
85
Flash'd from the cloud. A prodigy! exclaim'd
Themistocles; the holy shaft is chang'd
To Jove's own bolt, and points the forked flame
On Demonax. Swear, swear, the people shout;
A gen'ral exhortation rends the cope
Ethereal. Prompted by the subtil voice
Of her prevailing counsellor, again
Eudora solemn: You for once, my friends,
Must supersede the strictness of your laws.
Though Hyacinthus has not reach'd the date,
Prescrib'd to those who wield the rule supreme,
Elect him archon. Gallant, injur'd youth,
Sage, pious, him Diana best approves,
Him her unerring counsels will inspire.
Me too, her priestess, in your need she lends;
I will promulge the sacred oath to all;
I from pollution will your town redeem.
86
Unanimous consent is heard. Her car
She leaves. Before Briareus, in her words,
Sons, fathers, youth and age, enlist their spears.
She leaves. Before Briareus, in her words,
Sons, fathers, youth and age, enlist their spears.
Meantime th' Athenian to Nicanor's home
Resorts. He passes to the chamber sad,
Whence Hyacinthus utters these complaints:
Resorts. He passes to the chamber sad,
Whence Hyacinthus utters these complaints:
Dost thou, Nicanor, parallel with mine
The Œdipean horrors, or the pangs
Felt by the race of Pelops, and deserv'd?
Thus wouldst thou waken patience in a breast,
Which feels affliction, far surpassing theirs,
Feels undeserv'd affliction? Whom, O Jove!
By error, lust, or malice have I wrong'd?
Cut short my bloom—torment me here no more.
Let Rhadamanthus instantly decide,
If with Cleora I must taste of bliss,
Or with a father drink eternal woe.
Here for a murder'd wife my eyes to stream
Shall never cease; and—execrable sire!
Not grief, but all which furies can excite,
Rage, detestation, horror I must feel
For thee, my origin of life—what life!
Yet, O thou spirit damn'd, the wretch thy son,
The wretch, a father's cruelty hath made,
Perhaps might spare a tear—but Glaucè's ghost,
Thy righteous, hallow'd sister's ghost, forbids
One drop of pity on thy pains to fall—
She skrieks aloud, curse, curse thy father's dust.
The Œdipean horrors, or the pangs
Felt by the race of Pelops, and deserv'd?
Thus wouldst thou waken patience in a breast,
Which feels affliction, far surpassing theirs,
Feels undeserv'd affliction? Whom, O Jove!
By error, lust, or malice have I wrong'd?
Cut short my bloom—torment me here no more.
Let Rhadamanthus instantly decide,
If with Cleora I must taste of bliss,
Or with a father drink eternal woe.
87
Shall never cease; and—execrable sire!
Not grief, but all which furies can excite,
Rage, detestation, horror I must feel
For thee, my origin of life—what life!
Yet, O thou spirit damn'd, the wretch thy son,
The wretch, a father's cruelty hath made,
Perhaps might spare a tear—but Glaucè's ghost,
Thy righteous, hallow'd sister's ghost, forbids
One drop of pity on thy pains to fall—
She skrieks aloud, curse, curse thy father's dust.
Themistocles now enter'd. At his look,
Which carry'd strange ascendancy, a spell
Controlling nature, was the youth abash'd;
As if his just sensations were a shame,
Or his complaints to reach that hero's ear
Were criminal. He falt'ring spake: Thou god
Of Hyacinthus! passion thou dost awe;
Thy presence humbles frenzy and despair.
Which carry'd strange ascendancy, a spell
Controlling nature, was the youth abash'd;
As if his just sensations were a shame,
Or his complaints to reach that hero's ear
Were criminal. He falt'ring spake: Thou god
Of Hyacinthus! passion thou dost awe;
Thy presence humbles frenzy and despair.
88
No, thy own manly fortitude alone
Shall chase despair and frenzy from thy breast,
Serene Themistocles reply'd: Arise,
Thou new-created archon; private cares
To interfere with public, neither men
Nor gods allow, nor justice, nor the sense
Of thy own wrongs. Young friend, the noble toil
Of mind and body in this righteous cause
Will give thee rank with heroes. Thou assist,
Nicanor; share the glory. By the hand
He led the passive youth. The people met
Their young, their honour'd magistrate in joy;
Eudora bless'd them; then in solemn zeal
The purifying rites perform'd, and left
Reviv'd Carystus. To her holy seat,
While on the way her goddess radiant shone,
Themistocles attended; then by dawn
Back to Eretria swiftly press'd his march.
Shall chase despair and frenzy from thy breast,
Serene Themistocles reply'd: Arise,
Thou new-created archon; private cares
To interfere with public, neither men
Nor gods allow, nor justice, nor the sense
Of thy own wrongs. Young friend, the noble toil
Of mind and body in this righteous cause
Will give thee rank with heroes. Thou assist,
Nicanor; share the glory. By the hand
He led the passive youth. The people met
Their young, their honour'd magistrate in joy;
Eudora bless'd them; then in solemn zeal
The purifying rites perform'd, and left
Reviv'd Carystus. To her holy seat,
While on the way her goddess radiant shone,
Themistocles attended; then by dawn
Back to Eretria swiftly press'd his march.
89
Not Æolus, the king of winds, could still
Their gust, nor Neptune smooth his troubled waves,
Nor Jove the raging thunderbolt compose
More, than divine Themistocles had tam'd
Oppression, terror, anguish and despair.
This had Geræstus in her evil day,
The panic-aw'd Carystians this had prov'd,
Not less than sad Eretria. Her he finds
Rejoicing, like some widow late forlorn,
Who in the house of mourning with a train
Of pining orphans destitute had sat;
But by a hand beneficent uprais'd,
Ungirds the humble sackcloth from her loins,
Nor longer sprinkles ashes on her head,
Amid reviving plenty. Such the change
Among the Eretrians, through the copious aid
Sicinus lent, within Chalcidic walls
Still sedulous abiding. Ev'ry face
The gladd'ning touch of rosy-tinctur'd health
Illumines. Now from ruins clear'd, the streets
By stable feet of passengers are trod;
Th' impending season's turbulence to foil,
Works, under Cleon's and Tisander's eye
Begun, the vig'rous populace, inspir'd
By their protector's presence, now pursue
With industry to match the beaver breed
Laborious and sagacious, who construct
By native art their mansions, to repel
Congealing air, and hoary drifts of snow
In winter's harsh domains. From day to day
The toil continued. Early on a morn
A stranger came, in body all deform'd,
In look oblique, but keen; an eastern garb
Enwrapp'd his limbs distorted; from his tongue
Fell barb'rous accents. He address'd the chief
In Grecian phrase, which falter'd on his tongue:
Their gust, nor Neptune smooth his troubled waves,
Nor Jove the raging thunderbolt compose
More, than divine Themistocles had tam'd
Oppression, terror, anguish and despair.
This had Geræstus in her evil day,
The panic-aw'd Carystians this had prov'd,
Not less than sad Eretria. Her he finds
Rejoicing, like some widow late forlorn,
Who in the house of mourning with a train
Of pining orphans destitute had sat;
But by a hand beneficent uprais'd,
Ungirds the humble sackcloth from her loins,
Nor longer sprinkles ashes on her head,
Amid reviving plenty. Such the change
Among the Eretrians, through the copious aid
Sicinus lent, within Chalcidic walls
Still sedulous abiding. Ev'ry face
The gladd'ning touch of rosy-tinctur'd health
90
By stable feet of passengers are trod;
Th' impending season's turbulence to foil,
Works, under Cleon's and Tisander's eye
Begun, the vig'rous populace, inspir'd
By their protector's presence, now pursue
With industry to match the beaver breed
Laborious and sagacious, who construct
By native art their mansions, to repel
Congealing air, and hoary drifts of snow
In winter's harsh domains. From day to day
The toil continued. Early on a morn
A stranger came, in body all deform'd,
In look oblique, but keen; an eastern garb
Enwrapp'd his limbs distorted; from his tongue
Fell barb'rous accents. He address'd the chief
In Grecian phrase, which falter'd on his tongue:
I am a Tyrian trafficker in slaves;
Returning home from Libya, have been forc'd
By dang'rous winds to this Eubœan coast
For shelter. Watching for a friendly gale,
I learn'd from fame, that, warrior, thou dost wield
A sword which prospers, and its captives dooms
To servitude. Themistocles commands
The sev'n Geræstian tyrants from his ship,
Where at the bottom they had gnash'd their teeth
In chains unslacken'd. To the merchant then:
Returning home from Libya, have been forc'd
91
For shelter. Watching for a friendly gale,
I learn'd from fame, that, warrior, thou dost wield
A sword which prospers, and its captives dooms
To servitude. Themistocles commands
The sev'n Geræstian tyrants from his ship,
Where at the bottom they had gnash'd their teeth
In chains unslacken'd. To the merchant then:
Without a price these miscreants from our climes
Remove, the farthest hence will best repay
The obligation. For a master chuse
The most ferocious savage on the wilds
Of horrid Scythia, or the Caspian bound.
Remove, the farthest hence will best repay
The obligation. For a master chuse
The most ferocious savage on the wilds
Of horrid Scythia, or the Caspian bound.
Secure conductors he appoints, a band
To chain them fast aboard. Each irksome step
They count in curses. O'er Eubœa lost,
Not as their native region, but the seat
Of pow'r and crimes triumphantly enjoy'd,
They weep, still criminal in tears. But soon,
When from the harbour distance had obscur'd
The well-row'd bark, the fetters from their limbs
The merchant orders, who, another tone,
Another mien assuming, thus began:
To chain them fast aboard. Each irksome step
They count in curses. O'er Eubœa lost,
Not as their native region, but the seat
92
They weep, still criminal in tears. But soon,
When from the harbour distance had obscur'd
The well-row'd bark, the fetters from their limbs
The merchant orders, who, another tone,
Another mien assuming, thus began:
Geræstian lords, redemption you derive
From Demonax of Oreus. Me the first
Among his council, Lamachus by name,
He sent to practice on the wily chief
Of Athens, wiles which undermine his own.
From Demonax of Oreus. Me the first
Among his council, Lamachus by name,
He sent to practice on the wily chief
Of Athens, wiles which undermine his own.
They land at Dium, thence to Oreus march;
Where Demonax admits them, as he sat
In secret council: ‘Your disasters known
‘Obtain'd our instant succour. What intends
‘Themistocles?’ This answer is return'd.
Where Demonax admits them, as he sat
In secret council: ‘Your disasters known
‘Obtain'd our instant succour. What intends
‘Themistocles?’ This answer is return'd.
93
Not less, great prince, Themistocles intends
Than thy destruction. Of Eretrian blood
All who survive, Geræstus, Styra join
Against thy throne. Carystus from her walls
Will pour battalions, by Eudora fir'd.
The Amarynthian priestess hath declar'd
War in Diana's name. The lab'ring hind
Will quit the furrow; shepherds from their flocks,
Youths from their sport, the keeper from his herd
Will run to arms at her commanding voice,
So prevalent the sound. The tyrant turns
To Mindarus the Persian: Let us march
Swift to destroy the serpent in his egg.
Than thy destruction. Of Eretrian blood
All who survive, Geræstus, Styra join
Against thy throne. Carystus from her walls
Will pour battalions, by Eudora fir'd.
The Amarynthian priestess hath declar'd
War in Diana's name. The lab'ring hind
Will quit the furrow; shepherds from their flocks,
Youths from their sport, the keeper from his herd
Will run to arms at her commanding voice,
So prevalent the sound. The tyrant turns
To Mindarus the Persian: Let us march
Swift to destroy the serpent in his egg.
To him the Persian: Demonax forgets,
That winter's rigour chills the soldier's blood.
Dost thou not hear the tempest, while it howls
Around us? Ev'n Mardonius active, bold,
Now rests in covert of Thessalian roofs,
Nor fights with nature. Shall my gen'ral hear
That I conduct the race of hottest climes
In freezing rain and whirlwinds to assail
A strong-wall'd town, protected by a chief
For valour, skill, and stratagem renown'd,
With all th' unsparing elements his guard?
That winter's rigour chills the soldier's blood.
Dost thou not hear the tempest, while it howls
Around us? Ev'n Mardonius active, bold,
Now rests in covert of Thessalian roofs,
94
That I conduct the race of hottest climes
In freezing rain and whirlwinds to assail
A strong-wall'd town, protected by a chief
For valour, skill, and stratagem renown'd,
With all th' unsparing elements his guard?
Again the tyrant: Mindarus, confine
Thy Asiatics, till the roses bud;
While I, in howling storms, in damps, or frost
Will head my own Eubœans. Heav'n forbid!
The wary Lamachus subjoins: My lord,
Repose no trust without thy foreign bands
In these new subjects. Gods! th' alluring guile
Of that Athenian would dissolve thy ranks,
To his own hostile banner would seduce
Half thy battalions. Demonax again:
Thy Asiatics, till the roses bud;
While I, in howling storms, in damps, or frost
Will head my own Eubœans. Heav'n forbid!
The wary Lamachus subjoins: My lord,
Repose no trust without thy foreign bands
In these new subjects. Gods! th' alluring guile
Of that Athenian would dissolve thy ranks,
To his own hostile banner would seduce
Half thy battalions. Demonax again:
Then policy with policy shall war.
Among th' Eretrians publish, from their hands
This virulent Athenian I require
Bound and deliver'd to my will; their wives,
Their children else, late captives of my sword,
Shall from their state of servitude be dragg'd
To bleed th' immediate victims of my wrath.
Among th' Eretrians publish, from their hands
95
Bound and deliver'd to my will; their wives,
Their children else, late captives of my sword,
Shall from their state of servitude be dragg'd
To bleed th' immediate victims of my wrath.
Then Mindarus: Should great Mardonius hear,
That I such inhumanity permit,
He would exert his full monarchal pow'r,
My guilty limbs condemning to a cross.
That I such inhumanity permit,
He would exert his full monarchal pow'r,
My guilty limbs condemning to a cross.
In fury foaming, Demonax exclaims:
I am betray'd. Thee, Mindarus, the son
Of that stern prince, who laid Eretria waste,
Thee Xerxes, future sov'reign of the world,
Appointed my supporter; in this isle
That I, a branch from his imperial root,
Might grow a splendid vassal of his throne.
My cause, his service, now thy heart disowns,
Perverse thy sword abandons. Of my friends
Thou best requited, most ingrate! Preferr'd
Once to have been my son, of treasures vast
The destin'd heir, my successor in sway,
Dost thou desert me, and protect my foes?
But to Mardonius, to the mighty king,
I will accuse thee. By th' infernal pow'rs
Themistocles hath gain'd thee; or thou fear'st
To face that captain on the field of war.
I am betray'd. Thee, Mindarus, the son
Of that stern prince, who laid Eretria waste,
Thee Xerxes, future sov'reign of the world,
Appointed my supporter; in this isle
That I, a branch from his imperial root,
Might grow a splendid vassal of his throne.
My cause, his service, now thy heart disowns,
96
Thou best requited, most ingrate! Preferr'd
Once to have been my son, of treasures vast
The destin'd heir, my successor in sway,
Dost thou desert me, and protect my foes?
But to Mardonius, to the mighty king,
I will accuse thee. By th' infernal pow'rs
Themistocles hath gain'd thee; or thou fear'st
To face that captain on the field of war.
His breast the Persian striking, thus in tears:
Dost thou recall thy parricide to wound
My inmost bosom? though another held
My dear Cleora by the holiest ties,
I would have struggled with despairing love;
But sink o'erwhelm'd by horror of that deed,
Which, blasting such perfection, calls on heav'n
For punishment unbounded. If thou fall'st,
It is the hand of Horomazes weighs
To earth a body overcharg'd with guilt.
Dost thou upbraid me, undeserving man,
Forgetting recent service? Who restor'd
Thy scepter lost? what captain hath reduc'd
Orobia, Dium, half Eubœa's towns,
But Mindarus? He these atchievements past
Regrets, but while appointed by his prince
Will urge his duty to accomplish new.
Then come the season for a warrior's toil,
Themistocles shall see my banner guide
Twelve thousand spears; shall see my early sword
To gen'ral battle, or to single fight,
Defy th' experience of his pow'rful arm.
Dost thou recall thy parricide to wound
My inmost bosom? though another held
My dear Cleora by the holiest ties,
I would have struggled with despairing love;
But sink o'erwhelm'd by horror of that deed,
Which, blasting such perfection, calls on heav'n
For punishment unbounded. If thou fall'st,
It is the hand of Horomazes weighs
97
Dost thou upbraid me, undeserving man,
Forgetting recent service? Who restor'd
Thy scepter lost? what captain hath reduc'd
Orobia, Dium, half Eubœa's towns,
But Mindarus? He these atchievements past
Regrets, but while appointed by his prince
Will urge his duty to accomplish new.
Then come the season for a warrior's toil,
Themistocles shall see my banner guide
Twelve thousand spears; shall see my early sword
To gen'ral battle, or to single fight,
Defy th' experience of his pow'rful arm.
He said, and left the council. All withdrew
But Lamachus. The tiger, when escap'd,
Or fell hyæna from an eager chace
Of dogs and hunters, feels not more dismay,
Mix'd with a thirst insatiate of revenge,
Than shook the monster Demonax, who thus.
To Lamachus: Insulted and controul'd
By an audacious stranger, do I rule
In Oreus longer? By a poison'd draught,
Or midnight poniard Mindarus shall die.
Ariobarzanes, second in command,
Will serve me best. The counsellor subjoins:
But Lamachus. The tiger, when escap'd,
Or fell hyæna from an eager chace
Of dogs and hunters, feels not more dismay,
Mix'd with a thirst insatiate of revenge,
98
To Lamachus: Insulted and controul'd
By an audacious stranger, do I rule
In Oreus longer? By a poison'd draught,
Or midnight poniard Mindarus shall die.
Ariobarzanes, second in command,
Will serve me best. The counsellor subjoins:
If secret poison, or a midnight blow
Would remedy the grievance, I would try
Their instant operation; but reflect,
Twelve thousand warriors, masters of thy fate,
Who love their gen'ral living, on his death
Might prove too harsh inquisitors. At least
His courage use once more on open foes;
A valiant leader makes the soldier brave;
So have we found in Mindarus. Reserve
Assassination for a greater mark,
Themistocles. The tyrant quick: Proclaim
Five golden talents on his head the price.
Would remedy the grievance, I would try
Their instant operation; but reflect,
Twelve thousand warriors, masters of thy fate,
Who love their gen'ral living, on his death
Might prove too harsh inquisitors. At least
His courage use once more on open foes;
A valiant leader makes the soldier brave;
So have we found in Mindarus. Reserve
Assassination for a greater mark,
Themistocles. The tyrant quick: Proclaim
Five golden talents on his head the price.
99
Discreet, though wicked, Lamachus again:
Wouldst thou incense all Greece, whose navy rules
The main? Howe'er triumphant in the field,
No timely help Mardonius could extend.
The genius of Themistocles, the nymph
Of Salamis indignant by his side,
Would range from state to state. Their loud alarm
Would send the whole confederated fleet
Before the earliest breezes of the spring
To pour vindictive myriads on our coast.
Then what our doom? No, Demonax, my lord,
These sev'n Geræstians, while thy recent grace
Transports their minds, and blows the embers hot
Of rage at recent insult, let us league
Against this formidable man by oaths
Before the furies in their neighb'ring cave.
Thyself be present. Yes, the monster said,
I will be present, though Cleora's ghost
Be there, and that vile produce, which disgrac'd
Her virgin zone! Remembrance of his guilt,
He rous'd to strengthen fury and revenge.
Wouldst thou incense all Greece, whose navy rules
The main? Howe'er triumphant in the field,
No timely help Mardonius could extend.
The genius of Themistocles, the nymph
Of Salamis indignant by his side,
Would range from state to state. Their loud alarm
Would send the whole confederated fleet
Before the earliest breezes of the spring
To pour vindictive myriads on our coast.
Then what our doom? No, Demonax, my lord,
These sev'n Geræstians, while thy recent grace
Transports their minds, and blows the embers hot
Of rage at recent insult, let us league
Against this formidable man by oaths
Before the furies in their neighb'ring cave.
Thyself be present. Yes, the monster said,
I will be present, though Cleora's ghost
Be there, and that vile produce, which disgrac'd
100
He rous'd to strengthen fury and revenge.
There was a cavern in the bowels deep
Of naked rock by Oreus, where the stern
Eumenides possess'd a dusky shrine,
And frown'd in direful idols from the time
That Titan's offspring o'er Eubœa reign'd
The enemies of Jove. Around it slept
A stagnant water, overarch'd by yews,
Growth immemorial, which forbade the winds
E'er to disturb the melancholy pool.
To this, the fabled residence abhorr'd
Of hell-sprung beings, Demonax, himself
Predominating dæmon of the place,
Conducts the sev'n assassins. There no priest
Officiates; single there, as Charon grim,
A boatman wafts them to the cavern's mouth.
They enter, fenc'd in armour; down the black
Descent, o'er moist and lubricated stone,
They tread unstable. Night's impurest birds
With noisome wings each loathing visage beat;
Of each the shudd'ring flesh through plated steel
By slimy efts, and clinging snakes is chill'd;
Cold, creeping toads beset th' infected way.
Now at the cave's extremity obscene
They reach the sisters three, tremendous forms,
Of huge, mishapen size. Alecto there,
Tisiphoné, Megæra, on their fronts
Display their scorpion curls; within their grasp
Their serpents writh'd. Before them sulph'rous fires
In vases broad, antiquity's rude toil,
To render horror visible, diffus'd
Such light, as hell affords. Beside a chasm,
Whose bottom blind credulity confin'd
By Tartarus alone, with trembling feet
Stood Lamachus, the wicked and deform'd.
An ewe, in dye like ebony, he gor'd;
The dark abyss receiv'd a purple stream.
Next to the dire conspirators he held
A vessel; o'er the brim their naked arms
They stretch'd; he pierc'd the veins; th' envenom'd blood,
A fit libation mix'd for hell, he pour'd
Down the deep cleft; then falt'ring, half dismay'd
At his own rites, began: Ye injur'd men,
Of wealth and honours violently spoil'd,
Implacably condemn'd to bonds and rods
By insolent Themistocles, before
These dreadful goddesses you swear; his death
You vow, by every means revenge can prompt,
In secret ambush, or in open fight,
By day, by night, with poison, sword, or fire;
Else on your heads you imprecate the wrath
Of these inexorable pow'rs. They swore.
Of naked rock by Oreus, where the stern
Eumenides possess'd a dusky shrine,
And frown'd in direful idols from the time
That Titan's offspring o'er Eubœa reign'd
The enemies of Jove. Around it slept
A stagnant water, overarch'd by yews,
Growth immemorial, which forbade the winds
E'er to disturb the melancholy pool.
To this, the fabled residence abhorr'd
Of hell-sprung beings, Demonax, himself
Predominating dæmon of the place,
Conducts the sev'n assassins. There no priest
Officiates; single there, as Charon grim,
A boatman wafts them to the cavern's mouth.
They enter, fenc'd in armour; down the black
101
They tread unstable. Night's impurest birds
With noisome wings each loathing visage beat;
Of each the shudd'ring flesh through plated steel
By slimy efts, and clinging snakes is chill'd;
Cold, creeping toads beset th' infected way.
Now at the cave's extremity obscene
They reach the sisters three, tremendous forms,
Of huge, mishapen size. Alecto there,
Tisiphoné, Megæra, on their fronts
Display their scorpion curls; within their grasp
Their serpents writh'd. Before them sulph'rous fires
In vases broad, antiquity's rude toil,
To render horror visible, diffus'd
Such light, as hell affords. Beside a chasm,
Whose bottom blind credulity confin'd
By Tartarus alone, with trembling feet
Stood Lamachus, the wicked and deform'd.
An ewe, in dye like ebony, he gor'd;
102
Next to the dire conspirators he held
A vessel; o'er the brim their naked arms
They stretch'd; he pierc'd the veins; th' envenom'd blood,
A fit libation mix'd for hell, he pour'd
Down the deep cleft; then falt'ring, half dismay'd
At his own rites, began: Ye injur'd men,
Of wealth and honours violently spoil'd,
Implacably condemn'd to bonds and rods
By insolent Themistocles, before
These dreadful goddesses you swear; his death
You vow, by every means revenge can prompt,
In secret ambush, or in open fight,
By day, by night, with poison, sword, or fire;
Else on your heads you imprecate the wrath
Of these inexorable pow'rs. They swore.
Meantime the object of their impious oaths,
Whate'er his future destiny, enjoy'd
The comforts which Eretria now partook
Through him, so justly her preserver styl'd;
While thus reflection whisper'd to his heart:
Whate'er his future destiny, enjoy'd
103
Through him, so justly her preserver styl'd;
While thus reflection whisper'd to his heart:
This Aristides would delight to see,
For this commend his rival. Though my soul
Knows that in quest of glory for this port
I spread th' advent'rous sail, yet sweeter far
She feels that glory, since a gallant race,
Snatch'd from the gripe of misery and death
By her exalted faculties, become
Her means of pow'r and greatness. I confess,
An act like this my rival would achieve,
Nor other motive seek, than acting well.
Perhaps with more attention to myself,
More sudden, more complete is my success.
For this commend his rival. Though my soul
Knows that in quest of glory for this port
I spread th' advent'rous sail, yet sweeter far
She feels that glory, since a gallant race,
Snatch'd from the gripe of misery and death
By her exalted faculties, become
Her means of pow'r and greatness. I confess,
An act like this my rival would achieve,
Nor other motive seek, than acting well.
Perhaps with more attention to myself,
More sudden, more complete is my success.
Lo! in his view Sicinus, just arriv'd
From Chalcis. Him his joyful lord thus hail'd:
From Chalcis. Him his joyful lord thus hail'd:
104
We have been long asunder; welcome thrice,
Thou long expected; on thy brow I see
Intelligence. To whom the faithful man:
Thou long expected; on thy brow I see
Intelligence. To whom the faithful man:
One moon I spent in Chalcis; I address'd
Nearchus first, of Chares, slain in fight
At Artemisium, successor approv'd
To lead his country's banners. He rejoic'd
In thy arrival; not so frank in joy
Timoxenus the archon. On the day
Of my return that hesitating chief,
While invitation to his roof he gave,
Was dreading thy acceptance. But supreme
O'er him, and all his house, a daughter sways,
In beauty's full meridian left to mourn
The loss of Chares on her widow'd bed.
Not thy Timothea, not Cleander's spouse
Træzene's wonder, not Sandauce young,
Not Medon's sister of th' Oetæan hill,
Though beauteous like the goddesses she serves,
Exceed Acanthè; she may almost vye
With Amarantha's celebrated form,
The pride of Delphian Timon! To behold
The conqueror of Xerxes is her wish.
Nearchus first, of Chares, slain in fight
At Artemisium, successor approv'd
To lead his country's banners. He rejoic'd
In thy arrival; not so frank in joy
Timoxenus the archon. On the day
Of my return that hesitating chief,
While invitation to his roof he gave,
Was dreading thy acceptance. But supreme
O'er him, and all his house, a daughter sways,
In beauty's full meridian left to mourn
The loss of Chares on her widow'd bed.
Not thy Timothea, not Cleander's spouse
Træzene's wonder, not Sandauce young,
Not Medon's sister of th' Oetæan hill,
105
Exceed Acanthè; she may almost vye
With Amarantha's celebrated form,
The pride of Delphian Timon! To behold
The conqueror of Xerxes is her wish.
The hero thought a moment; soon resolv'd,
He spake: The car, the mantle, Sparta's gifts,
The gems from Ariabignes won that day,
When at my feet his proud tiara bow'd,
Provide by dawn. Retire we now to rest.
He spake: The car, the mantle, Sparta's gifts,
The gems from Ariabignes won that day,
When at my feet his proud tiara bow'd,
Provide by dawn. Retire we now to rest.
End of the Fourteenth Book.
106
BOOK the Fifteenth.
Now dimm'd by vapours, frequent in his track,
The twelfth division of his annual round
The sun is ent'ring. Long hath vernal bloom,
Hath summer's prime from thy descriptive lays,
O Muse! withdrawn; and now the aged year
Its last remains of beauty hath resign'd;
Transparent azure of autumnal skies
Is chang'd to mist, the air serene to storms.
But inspiration from th' imagin'd balm
Of spring, or summer's warmth, enrich'd by sweets
From flow'ry beds, and myrtles' fragrant bow'rs,
Thou dost not want; then bid thy numbers roll
In cadence deep to imitate the voice
Of boist'rous winter in his mantle hoar.
The twelfth division of his annual round
The sun is ent'ring. Long hath vernal bloom,
Hath summer's prime from thy descriptive lays,
O Muse! withdrawn; and now the aged year
Its last remains of beauty hath resign'd;
Transparent azure of autumnal skies
Is chang'd to mist, the air serene to storms.
But inspiration from th' imagin'd balm
Of spring, or summer's warmth, enrich'd by sweets
107
Thou dost not want; then bid thy numbers roll
In cadence deep to imitate the voice
Of boist'rous winter in his mantle hoar.
All night by rude Hippotades the air
Tormented round the foaming harbour wheel'd;
Each mast was pliant to the raging gust,
The mooring cable groan'd. Long slept the son
Of Neocles, unvisited by care,
Till, as the hours attendant on the morn
Had just unclos'd the orient gate of day,
He starts. Acanthè, who controuls her sire,
His active fancy pictures on his mind
Thus pond'ring: Dear Timothea, yet less dear
Than pow'r and fame acquir'd by saving Greece,
Without Chalcidic aid thy husband's hope
Is meer abortion. Chalcis must be gain'd
Best, Aristides, by the purest means,
But well by any. Swift his inner garb
Of softest wool thick-woven he assumes,
Of finer texture then a scarlet vest;
O'er these, in dye of violet's deep hue,
His Spartan mantle negligently waves.
A golden tissue with a crimson plume,
To fence his manly temples and adorn,
He wears. His car is ready; ready wait
Th' Eretrian people, his conducting guard
To Chalcis not remote. The sounding way
Is hard and hoar; crystalline dew congeal'd
Hath tipt the spiry grass; the waters, bound
In sluggish ice, transparency have lost;
No flock is bleating on the rigid lawn,
No rural pipe attunes th' inclement air;
No youths and damsels trip the choral round
Beneath bare oaks, whose frost-incrusted boughs
Drop chilling shadows; icicles invest
The banks of rills, which, grating harsh in strife
With winter's fetters, to their dreary sides
No passenger invite. The cautious chief
In sight of Chalcis to their homes dismiss'd
The whole Eretrian number, but retain'd
His hundred Attic and Laconian friends:
He pass'd the gate before expiring day.
Tormented round the foaming harbour wheel'd;
Each mast was pliant to the raging gust,
The mooring cable groan'd. Long slept the son
Of Neocles, unvisited by care,
Till, as the hours attendant on the morn
Had just unclos'd the orient gate of day,
He starts. Acanthè, who controuls her sire,
His active fancy pictures on his mind
Thus pond'ring: Dear Timothea, yet less dear
Than pow'r and fame acquir'd by saving Greece,
Without Chalcidic aid thy husband's hope
Is meer abortion. Chalcis must be gain'd
Best, Aristides, by the purest means,
108
Of softest wool thick-woven he assumes,
Of finer texture then a scarlet vest;
O'er these, in dye of violet's deep hue,
His Spartan mantle negligently waves.
A golden tissue with a crimson plume,
To fence his manly temples and adorn,
He wears. His car is ready; ready wait
Th' Eretrian people, his conducting guard
To Chalcis not remote. The sounding way
Is hard and hoar; crystalline dew congeal'd
Hath tipt the spiry grass; the waters, bound
In sluggish ice, transparency have lost;
No flock is bleating on the rigid lawn,
No rural pipe attunes th' inclement air;
No youths and damsels trip the choral round
Beneath bare oaks, whose frost-incrusted boughs
Drop chilling shadows; icicles invest
The banks of rills, which, grating harsh in strife
109
No passenger invite. The cautious chief
In sight of Chalcis to their homes dismiss'd
The whole Eretrian number, but retain'd
His hundred Attic and Laconian friends:
He pass'd the gate before expiring day.
Sicinus, staid forerunner, not unknown
By residence in Chalcis, publish'd loud
His lord's approach. The citizens in throngs
Salute the celebrated man. His gates
Timoxenus the archon throws abroad,
And, true to hospitality, prepares
For his distinguish'd, though unwelcome guest,
Her lib'ral rites. Themistocles he leads
To share a banquet in a sumptuous hall,
Where stands divine Acanthè. Is there wife,
Or maid, or widow'd matron, now in Greece,
Who would not all her ornaments assume
To welcome this known saviour of the Greeks
Where'er he passes? As the queen of heav'n
In dazzling dress to match her goddess form,
Grac'd by the zone of Cytherea, met
Th' Olympian king on Ida; brilliant thus
Acanthè greets Themistocles. Mature
In manhood he, nor bord'ring on decline,
The ornamental cov'ring from his head
Lifts in obeisance; careless curls releas'd,
Thick overshadowing his forehead high,
Present a rival to the Phidian front
Of Jupiter at Pisa. With a look,
Which summon'd all his talents, all his mind
To view, he blends a sweetness, nature's gift,
But heighten'd now by energy of wiles,
Alluring wiles, to melt the proudest fair.
In his approach he moves the genuine sire
Of all the Graces on Acanthè's hand
To print his lips. Invited by that hand,
Close to her lovely side of her alone
He sits observant, while the rich repast
Continu'd. Soon his vigilance perceiv'd,
That her unsated ear devour'd his words,
That from her lip an equal spell enthrall'd
Her doating father, who adoring view'd
Minerva in Acanthè. Now withdrawn
Was all attendance, when the daughter thus:
By residence in Chalcis, publish'd loud
His lord's approach. The citizens in throngs
Salute the celebrated man. His gates
Timoxenus the archon throws abroad,
And, true to hospitality, prepares
For his distinguish'd, though unwelcome guest,
Her lib'ral rites. Themistocles he leads
To share a banquet in a sumptuous hall,
Where stands divine Acanthè. Is there wife,
Or maid, or widow'd matron, now in Greece,
Who would not all her ornaments assume
110
Where'er he passes? As the queen of heav'n
In dazzling dress to match her goddess form,
Grac'd by the zone of Cytherea, met
Th' Olympian king on Ida; brilliant thus
Acanthè greets Themistocles. Mature
In manhood he, nor bord'ring on decline,
The ornamental cov'ring from his head
Lifts in obeisance; careless curls releas'd,
Thick overshadowing his forehead high,
Present a rival to the Phidian front
Of Jupiter at Pisa. With a look,
Which summon'd all his talents, all his mind
To view, he blends a sweetness, nature's gift,
But heighten'd now by energy of wiles,
Alluring wiles, to melt the proudest fair.
In his approach he moves the genuine sire
Of all the Graces on Acanthè's hand
To print his lips. Invited by that hand,
111
He sits observant, while the rich repast
Continu'd. Soon his vigilance perceiv'd,
That her unsated ear devour'd his words,
That from her lip an equal spell enthrall'd
Her doating father, who adoring view'd
Minerva in Acanthè. Now withdrawn
Was all attendance, when the daughter thus:
O first of men, sole grace of each abode
Where thou art present, fortunate are those
Who saw thy actions, fortunate who hear
The bare narration; happier still those ears,
Which from thy mouth can treasure in the mind
A full impression of the glorious tale!
Forgive a woman, whom thy manners tempt
To sue—if yet thy gentleness should deem
Too curious, too importunate her suit,
Thy host Timoxenus at least indulge,
That o'er his festive hall th' achievements high,
Which Salamis and Artemisium saw,
Though now but whisper'd from thy gracious lips,
May sound hereafter loud. The wily chief,
Ne'er disinclin'd to celebrate his deeds,
Now to this lovely auditress, whose aid
His further fame requir'd, a tale began,
Where elegance of thought, and paint of words,
Embellish'd truth beyond her native guise,
In various lengthen'd texture of discourse,
A web of pleasing wonders to ensnare
The hearer's heart. Till midnight he pursues
A strain like magic to the list'ning fair;
Nor yet his thread to Salamis had reach'd,
Extended fine for many sweet repasts
To her inflam'd desire of hearing more.
Where thou art present, fortunate are those
Who saw thy actions, fortunate who hear
The bare narration; happier still those ears,
Which from thy mouth can treasure in the mind
A full impression of the glorious tale!
Forgive a woman, whom thy manners tempt
To sue—if yet thy gentleness should deem
Too curious, too importunate her suit,
Thy host Timoxenus at least indulge,
112
Which Salamis and Artemisium saw,
Though now but whisper'd from thy gracious lips,
May sound hereafter loud. The wily chief,
Ne'er disinclin'd to celebrate his deeds,
Now to this lovely auditress, whose aid
His further fame requir'd, a tale began,
Where elegance of thought, and paint of words,
Embellish'd truth beyond her native guise,
In various lengthen'd texture of discourse,
A web of pleasing wonders to ensnare
The hearer's heart. Till midnight he pursues
A strain like magic to the list'ning fair;
Nor yet his thread to Salamis had reach'd,
Extended fine for many sweet repasts
To her inflam'd desire of hearing more.
Timoxenus at length to due repose
Imparts the signal; they disperse. Her guest
Delights Acanthè's pillow; but her sire
In care lies anxious, lest the season rude
Detain that guest, and fatal umbrage give
To Demonax terrific. Morn and eve
Return. Acanthè drinks the pleasing stream
Of eloquence exhaustless in its flow,
Whose draughts repeated but augment her thirst.
Imparts the signal; they disperse. Her guest
113
In care lies anxious, lest the season rude
Detain that guest, and fatal umbrage give
To Demonax terrific. Morn and eve
Return. Acanthè drinks the pleasing stream
Of eloquence exhaustless in its flow,
Whose draughts repeated but augment her thirst.
Now in description's animating gloss
The various scenes at Salamis exalt
The fair one's mind. The Attic wives and maids
She emulates in wish, and sees in thought
Their beauteous ranks inspiring youth and age
To battle; now the tumult rude of Mars,
The crashing oars, the bloody-streaming decks
Chill her soft bosom; now that snowy seat
Of gen'rous pity heaves; her azure eyes
Melt o'er Sandauce, in her years of bloom
Disconsolately widow'd, and transpiere'd
By death-like horror at her children doom'd
To savage Bacchus. Here the artful man
Dwells on his own humanity, but hides
The stratagem, which policy, not dimm'd
By his compassion, on compassion built,
When to her freedom he restor'd the fair,
Who blameless help'd his artifice to drive
From Greece her royal brother. To the worth
Of Artamanes tribute just he pays.
His own reception by the Spartan state
He colours high, the public chariot giv'n,
The purple mantle, and the coursers proud,
Deriv'd from those, who won th' Olympian wreath
For Demaratus; but omits to speak,
How, while seducing vanity misled
His steps so far from Athens, she conferr'd
The naval guidance on Xanthippus brave,
And rule supreme on Aristides just.
The various scenes at Salamis exalt
The fair one's mind. The Attic wives and maids
She emulates in wish, and sees in thought
Their beauteous ranks inspiring youth and age
To battle; now the tumult rude of Mars,
The crashing oars, the bloody-streaming decks
Chill her soft bosom; now that snowy seat
Of gen'rous pity heaves; her azure eyes
Melt o'er Sandauce, in her years of bloom
Disconsolately widow'd, and transpiere'd
114
To savage Bacchus. Here the artful man
Dwells on his own humanity, but hides
The stratagem, which policy, not dimm'd
By his compassion, on compassion built,
When to her freedom he restor'd the fair,
Who blameless help'd his artifice to drive
From Greece her royal brother. To the worth
Of Artamanes tribute just he pays.
His own reception by the Spartan state
He colours high, the public chariot giv'n,
The purple mantle, and the coursers proud,
Deriv'd from those, who won th' Olympian wreath
For Demaratus; but omits to speak,
How, while seducing vanity misled
His steps so far from Athens, she conferr'd
The naval guidance on Xanthippus brave,
And rule supreme on Aristides just.
115
Th' ensnaring story, to this period drawn,
While sev'n nocturnal rounds the planets ran,
Possesses all Acanthè, but disturbs
Her timid father, trembling at the pow'r
Of Demonax; yet fondness oft would smile
On her delight. The evening which succeeds
Themistocles, in fiction mix'd with truth,
Not to Acanthè, but his host, began:
While sev'n nocturnal rounds the planets ran,
Possesses all Acanthè, but disturbs
Her timid father, trembling at the pow'r
Of Demonax; yet fondness oft would smile
On her delight. The evening which succeeds
Themistocles, in fiction mix'd with truth,
Not to Acanthè, but his host, began:
Accompany'd from Sparta by the flow'r
Of her illustrious citizens I gain'd
Her borders, there indignant was appris'd,
That Demonax, whom heretofore I chac'd
From Oreus, now by Persian arms restor'd,
Was trampling on Eubœa. Vengeance fir'd
My spirit; fifty of the Spartan troop
At once became associates of my zeal,
With fifty nobles more of Attic blood.
My full stor'd vessels at Eretria's port
From Sunium's cape arriv'd. He now unfolds
The wond'rous series of his recent deeds.
What divers passions, sweet Acanthè, rise
In thy attentive, gen'rous mind? What sighs
Do Hyacinthus and Cleora wake,
What horror black Nicomachus, what joy
Reviv'd Eretria, and Geræstus freed,
What admiration great Eudora's state,
What rev'rence good Tisander's sacred locks,
What detestation Demonax accurs'd?
Behold me here, Themistocles concludes,
Who lift in Athens' and Laconia's name,
A guardian shield o'er Chalcis. But thy sword,
Offensive drawn, shall utterly confound
The homicide thy neighbour. Ah! replies
Timoxenus, alarm'd, thou little know'st
The might of Oreus. Demonax can range
Twelve thousand warriors cull'd from Asia's host,
Of train'd Eubœan youth and light-arm'd slaves
A multitude innum'rous on the plain.
His own exactions, and the Persian's boons,
O'erload his treasure. When the annual sun
In his new course three monthly terms hath fill'd,
Expect Mardonius from Thessalia's bounds
On Greece to pour invasion. Ah! what help,
Should we exchange tranquillity for war,
From her own wants could Attica supply,
What Lacedæmon?—Cool th' Athenian here:
Of her illustrious citizens I gain'd
Her borders, there indignant was appris'd,
That Demonax, whom heretofore I chac'd
From Oreus, now by Persian arms restor'd,
Was trampling on Eubœa. Vengeance fir'd
My spirit; fifty of the Spartan troop
At once became associates of my zeal,
With fifty nobles more of Attic blood.
My full stor'd vessels at Eretria's port
116
The wond'rous series of his recent deeds.
What divers passions, sweet Acanthè, rise
In thy attentive, gen'rous mind? What sighs
Do Hyacinthus and Cleora wake,
What horror black Nicomachus, what joy
Reviv'd Eretria, and Geræstus freed,
What admiration great Eudora's state,
What rev'rence good Tisander's sacred locks,
What detestation Demonax accurs'd?
Behold me here, Themistocles concludes,
Who lift in Athens' and Laconia's name,
A guardian shield o'er Chalcis. But thy sword,
Offensive drawn, shall utterly confound
The homicide thy neighbour. Ah! replies
Timoxenus, alarm'd, thou little know'st
The might of Oreus. Demonax can range
Twelve thousand warriors cull'd from Asia's host,
Of train'd Eubœan youth and light-arm'd slaves
117
His own exactions, and the Persian's boons,
O'erload his treasure. When the annual sun
In his new course three monthly terms hath fill'd,
Expect Mardonius from Thessalia's bounds
On Greece to pour invasion. Ah! what help,
Should we exchange tranquillity for war,
From her own wants could Attica supply,
What Lacedæmon?—Cool th' Athenian here:
Weigh well the grace your Polyphemus dy'd
In carnage grants, reserving for his last,
Most precious morsel, your Chalcidian wealth.
Shall this rich mansion, casket to a gem
Which none can value (earnest here he caught
Acanthè's earnest look) shall this abode
Feel pillage, insult, which my shudd'ring mind
Scarce dares to think, from that despoiler's hand,
Who, scourging half Eubœa, in this hour
Dreads thee, great archon? Murderer, who cut
His own Cleora's thread in early bloom,
He trembles now, Timoxenus, at thee,
O bless'd of parents, blessing such a child
As thy Acanthè; he thy vengeance dreads,
O paragon of fathers, dreads thy sword
Unsheath'd with mine. Presumption I disclaim,
Or want of def'rence to the wise like thee.
Accept this roll; contemplate there the force
Of Amarynthus, of Carystus large,
Geræstus and Eretria; add the spears
Of Delphian Timon, of that hero fam'd,
Oïlean Medon, who my signal watch
From Atalantè's isle. Remote the time
For action; then deliberate. I wait
Without impatience thy resolves mature.
In carnage grants, reserving for his last,
Most precious morsel, your Chalcidian wealth.
Shall this rich mansion, casket to a gem
Which none can value (earnest here he caught
Acanthè's earnest look) shall this abode
Feel pillage, insult, which my shudd'ring mind
Scarce dares to think, from that despoiler's hand,
Who, scourging half Eubœa, in this hour
118
His own Cleora's thread in early bloom,
He trembles now, Timoxenus, at thee,
O bless'd of parents, blessing such a child
As thy Acanthè; he thy vengeance dreads,
O paragon of fathers, dreads thy sword
Unsheath'd with mine. Presumption I disclaim,
Or want of def'rence to the wise like thee.
Accept this roll; contemplate there the force
Of Amarynthus, of Carystus large,
Geræstus and Eretria; add the spears
Of Delphian Timon, of that hero fam'd,
Oïlean Medon, who my signal watch
From Atalantè's isle. Remote the time
For action; then deliberate. I wait
Without impatience thy resolves mature.
Retir'd, Acanthè, whose enlighten'd mind
Was bless'd with native talents, as her form
With beauty, strives a while in reason's scale
To weigh th' importance of this high attempt
Propos'd; when something whispers, canst thou doubt
Themistocles a moment? Can his sword
Do less, than conquer? Where the pow'rful arm,
The valour, where the policy to vie
With him, whose faculties no man can reach,
No god raise higher? These conceptions prove
A guide to fancy half the sleepless night
Through all th' enchanting scenery of thought,
Which recollection of his brilliant deeds,
His courage, might, humanity, and grace,
His gentle manners, and majestic frame,
Exhibits lovely, dazzling and sublime
To melt her softness, and her wisdom blind.
Envelop'd now by slumber, in a dream,
Which overleaps all measur'd time and space,
She sees the laurell'd hero, as return'd
From subjugated Oreus. On his spear
The gory head of Demonax he bears.
Her yet untainted purity of heart,
Which in sincerity of grief had mourn'd
Cleora's fate, applauds the just award
By Nemesis and Themis on the guilt
Of parricide. Her nobleness of soul
Enjoys the blessings which Eubœa reaps
From such a conquest; but no vision kind
Would interpose a warning to allay
Excess of transport at the conqu'ror's sight.
Was bless'd with native talents, as her form
119
To weigh th' importance of this high attempt
Propos'd; when something whispers, canst thou doubt
Themistocles a moment? Can his sword
Do less, than conquer? Where the pow'rful arm,
The valour, where the policy to vie
With him, whose faculties no man can reach,
No god raise higher? These conceptions prove
A guide to fancy half the sleepless night
Through all th' enchanting scenery of thought,
Which recollection of his brilliant deeds,
His courage, might, humanity, and grace,
His gentle manners, and majestic frame,
Exhibits lovely, dazzling and sublime
To melt her softness, and her wisdom blind.
Envelop'd now by slumber, in a dream,
Which overleaps all measur'd time and space,
She sees the laurell'd hero, as return'd
From subjugated Oreus. On his spear
120
Her yet untainted purity of heart,
Which in sincerity of grief had mourn'd
Cleora's fate, applauds the just award
By Nemesis and Themis on the guilt
Of parricide. Her nobleness of soul
Enjoys the blessings which Eubœa reaps
From such a conquest; but no vision kind
Would interpose a warning to allay
Excess of transport at the conqu'ror's sight.
From fair Acanthè's own retreat at night
A well-embellish'd gallery's long range
Bounds on the splendid chamber, which admits
Themistocles to rest. Acanthè here,
When magisterial duties from his home
Her father call'd, had entertain'd the guest
By morn, and feasted all and every morn
On rich profusion of his Attic words.
The sun was ris'n, and summon'd from her couch
To this accustom'd interview the fair.
Not meeting straight the object of her search,
As each preceding morn, she feels a pain,
That he is absent. With a voice though low
His chamber sounds; to listen she disdains,
Back to her own by delicacy led.
A well-embellish'd gallery's long range
Bounds on the splendid chamber, which admits
Themistocles to rest. Acanthè here,
When magisterial duties from his home
Her father call'd, had entertain'd the guest
By morn, and feasted all and every morn
On rich profusion of his Attic words.
121
To this accustom'd interview the fair.
Not meeting straight the object of her search,
As each preceding morn, she feels a pain,
That he is absent. With a voice though low
His chamber sounds; to listen she disdains,
Back to her own by delicacy led.
In cautious tones Sicinus with his lord
Was thus discoursing: In my wonted walk,
To watch events since thy arrival here,
I met Nearchus. Haste, he said, apprise
Themistocles that long ere op'ning day
His potent friends Timoxenus conven'd,
Heads of his faction. They refuse to arm.
Some, I suspect, are tainted by the gold
Of Demonax; the major part in all
Obey the timid archon. I have strength,
Which, when Themistocles commands, shall try
To force compliance from the coward's breast;
But would Acanthè, noble dame, espouse
The glorious cause, her prevalence could guide
His doating fondness, and controul his fears.
Was thus discoursing: In my wonted walk,
To watch events since thy arrival here,
I met Nearchus. Haste, he said, apprise
Themistocles that long ere op'ning day
His potent friends Timoxenus conven'd,
Heads of his faction. They refuse to arm.
Some, I suspect, are tainted by the gold
Of Demonax; the major part in all
Obey the timid archon. I have strength,
Which, when Themistocles commands, shall try
122
But would Acanthè, noble dame, espouse
The glorious cause, her prevalence could guide
His doating fondness, and controul his fears.
Enough, replies Themistocles. Again
The learned tutor, fervent and sincere:
The learned tutor, fervent and sincere:
If thy persuasive eloquence could win
Her noble spirit to direct her sire,
It would be well. But, O resistless man,
Let thy persuasion moderate its charm;
Let not a gen'rous lady's peace of mind
Become the victim of her winning guest;
The laws of hospitality revere.
Remember too the hymeneal vow,
Remember thy Timothea, fair and kind,
Who bore those children, pupils of my care;
She now in Athens at thy absence pines.
Her noble spirit to direct her sire,
It would be well. But, O resistless man,
Let thy persuasion moderate its charm;
Let not a gen'rous lady's peace of mind
Become the victim of her winning guest;
The laws of hospitality revere.
Remember too the hymeneal vow,
Remember thy Timothea, fair and kind,
Who bore those children, pupils of my care;
She now in Athens at thy absence pines.
123
Misjudging friend, Timothea never pines,
When I am urging my career of fame,
Returns the chief. Eubœans must be freed.
She shall know all, and knowing will commend.
Go, charge Nearchus to suppress all thought
Of violence; his valour shall have scope,
Dy'd in Barbarian, not in civil blood.
When I am urging my career of fame,
Returns the chief. Eubœans must be freed.
She shall know all, and knowing will commend.
Go, charge Nearchus to suppress all thought
Of violence; his valour shall have scope,
Dy'd in Barbarian, not in civil blood.
Thus he, well-caution'd that in Chalcis pow'r
Aristocratic, both in wealth and strength,
Out-weigh'd the people. Then a splendid gem,
Of all his spoils the richest, he selects,
And from his chamber o'er the sounding plank,
Which floors the echoing gallery, proceeds.
Behold Acanthè; not the orient sky
Forth from its amber gates in summer's prime
The goddess-widow of Tithonus sends
More fragrant, nor in blushes more to charm.
A new emotion heaves her gentle breast
Of swelling snow. Th' Athenian distant, mute
Remains. To speak, her hesitating lips
Awhile, though prompted by her heart, delay;
When, shap'd by chance, this elegant request
Flows from her unpremeditated thoughts:
Aristocratic, both in wealth and strength,
Out-weigh'd the people. Then a splendid gem,
Of all his spoils the richest, he selects,
And from his chamber o'er the sounding plank,
Which floors the echoing gallery, proceeds.
Behold Acanthè; not the orient sky
Forth from its amber gates in summer's prime
The goddess-widow of Tithonus sends
More fragrant, nor in blushes more to charm.
A new emotion heaves her gentle breast
124
Remains. To speak, her hesitating lips
Awhile, though prompted by her heart, delay;
When, shap'd by chance, this elegant request
Flows from her unpremeditated thoughts:
So much oblig'd already, courteous guest,
By thy narration, I have cause to blush
While I solicit a recital new
Of one exploit, distinguish'd from the rest,
When Ariabignes fell before thy sword
In sight of Greece. Themistocles requir'd
No repetition of the flatt'ring suit,
But in transcendent energy of style,
Impress'd the bright achievement on her mind
More deep, than ev'n by novelty before.
By thy narration, I have cause to blush
While I solicit a recital new
Of one exploit, distinguish'd from the rest,
When Ariabignes fell before thy sword
In sight of Greece. Themistocles requir'd
No repetition of the flatt'ring suit,
But in transcendent energy of style,
Impress'd the bright achievement on her mind
More deep, than ev'n by novelty before.
Thus he concluded: Doubly now I bless
Th' auspicious hour when my successful hand
Despoil'd the bravest chief in Asia's host
Of this, my humble off'ring to adorn
The fairest head in Greece. He said, the gem
Presenting graceful, which she turn'd aside,
Rejecting not the giver, but the gift;
And answer'd thus: To heaps of richest gems,
To all the tribute pour'd at Persia's throne,
Thy words alone, thy converse I prefer.
Th' auspicious hour when my successful hand
125
Of this, my humble off'ring to adorn
The fairest head in Greece. He said, the gem
Presenting graceful, which she turn'd aside,
Rejecting not the giver, but the gift;
And answer'd thus: To heaps of richest gems,
To all the tribute pour'd at Persia's throne,
Thy words alone, thy converse I prefer.
Her look perusing earnest, he proceeds:
Dost thou refuse a token of regard
From one, thy hospitable hand hath bless'd
Beyond th' expression of his grateful tongue?
When, at this hour departing, he again
Perhaps may ne'er behold thee—Ah! depart!
She in unguarded consternation sighs.
Dost thou refuse a token of regard
From one, thy hospitable hand hath bless'd
Beyond th' expression of his grateful tongue?
When, at this hour departing, he again
Perhaps may ne'er behold thee—Ah! depart!
She in unguarded consternation sighs.
Th' Athenian here in seeming sadness thus:
Alas! thy father, I too surely know,
Will never join my arms; can I remain
Till this fair city, populous and rich,
This mansion, thy inestimable worth
Become the prey of Demonax—This heav'n
Will ne'er permit, she eagerly replies;
Thou wilt protect me—Guardian to distress,
Thou wilt not hurry to desert a friend,
Whose hospitable kindness thou hast prais'd.
Fill, fill with pow'rful argument the mouth
Of me thy suppliant for another week;
My words Timoxenus regards ... The chief
By interruption sooths her troubled mind:
Alas! thy father, I too surely know,
126
Till this fair city, populous and rich,
This mansion, thy inestimable worth
Become the prey of Demonax—This heav'n
Will ne'er permit, she eagerly replies;
Thou wilt protect me—Guardian to distress,
Thou wilt not hurry to desert a friend,
Whose hospitable kindness thou hast prais'd.
Fill, fill with pow'rful argument the mouth
Of me thy suppliant for another week;
My words Timoxenus regards ... The chief
By interruption sooths her troubled mind:
I came to save thee. If another week
Thou wilt employ ... I will, I will, she said,
Do thou but stay; my father I will bind
To thee, whom victory can ne'er forsake.
Thou wilt employ ... I will, I will, she said,
Do thou but stay; my father I will bind
To thee, whom victory can ne'er forsake.
They part; his chamber he regains; not long
He meditates. Acanthè grants her aid
Spontaneous. Now to elevate her soul
By dignity of thought, and gen'rous hope
Of glory, purchas'd by a noble deed,
He thus contrives: On tablets fair and large,
For her deportment tow'rds a doating sire,
His ready style instruction copious draws,
Clos'd in these words: ‘Among the guardians heav'n
‘To Greece hath destin'd, an exalted mind
‘Enrolls Acanthè; let her constant feet
‘Pursue her leading genius; grateful flow'rs
‘Before her steps shall freed Eubœa strew;
‘The brightest laurels shall Minerva chuse
‘Among the groves of Athens, to entwine
‘The first of women with immortal wreaths;
‘The Muses all shall triumph in their sex;
‘A double rapture Æschylus shall feel,
‘Who, fam'd in martial action, as in song,
‘Shall celebrate Acanthè.’ To her hand
This by discreet Sicinus is convey'd.
He meditates. Acanthè grants her aid
127
By dignity of thought, and gen'rous hope
Of glory, purchas'd by a noble deed,
He thus contrives: On tablets fair and large,
For her deportment tow'rds a doating sire,
His ready style instruction copious draws,
Clos'd in these words: ‘Among the guardians heav'n
‘To Greece hath destin'd, an exalted mind
‘Enrolls Acanthè; let her constant feet
‘Pursue her leading genius; grateful flow'rs
‘Before her steps shall freed Eubœa strew;
‘The brightest laurels shall Minerva chuse
‘Among the groves of Athens, to entwine
‘The first of women with immortal wreaths;
‘The Muses all shall triumph in their sex;
‘A double rapture Æschylus shall feel,
‘Who, fam'd in martial action, as in song,
128
This by discreet Sicinus is convey'd.
Day after day the fair-one, as inspir'd,
Now forcibly persuasive, now in tears
Of importuning tenderness, assails
A parent fond. She penetrates his heart;
His resolution melts; at length his fears
To her superior guidance yield the rein.
Now forcibly persuasive, now in tears
Of importuning tenderness, assails
A parent fond. She penetrates his heart;
His resolution melts; at length his fears
To her superior guidance yield the rein.
Meantime, instructed by their chief, the train
Of Spartans and Athenians, all dispers'd
Around the hospitable town, prociaim,
To list'ning ears, the well-advis'd design
Against the tyrant Demonax. Not long
Acanthè's purpose is unknown, divulg'd
By vigilant Sicinus; while each mind
Among th' applauding populace is warm'd,
Who venerate her name. Among the chiefs
The archon's weighty approbation known,
Hath banish'd doubt; in council they decide
To march with great Themistocles. Light fame
Mounts on her wings, and through Eubœa sounds
The preparations ardent. Shields and spears,
Swords, corselets, helms new furbish'd, banners old
Produc'd, which gallant ancestry had wav'd,
Youth now commences, ripen'd age renews
The exercise of arms. Nearchus loud
Extols Themistocles. Like glorious Mars
From his first trophies on Phlegræan sields
Among encircling brethren of the sky,
Who from his sword perpetual conquest hop'd,
The Salaminian victor is rever'd
In Chalcis. Daily, hourly he surveys
The martial toil. Acanthè's presence aids;
His prudence leads her through these active scenes;
He talks on military themes alone,
And pictures freedom trampling on the necks
Of tyrants and Barbarians. This at length
Might have abated in a virtuous breast
The flame, his guilty policy had rais'd;
But fate and black conspiracy forbid.
Of Spartans and Athenians, all dispers'd
Around the hospitable town, prociaim,
To list'ning ears, the well-advis'd design
Against the tyrant Demonax. Not long
Acanthè's purpose is unknown, divulg'd
By vigilant Sicinus; while each mind
Among th' applauding populace is warm'd,
Who venerate her name. Among the chiefs
129
Hath banish'd doubt; in council they decide
To march with great Themistocles. Light fame
Mounts on her wings, and through Eubœa sounds
The preparations ardent. Shields and spears,
Swords, corselets, helms new furbish'd, banners old
Produc'd, which gallant ancestry had wav'd,
Youth now commences, ripen'd age renews
The exercise of arms. Nearchus loud
Extols Themistocles. Like glorious Mars
From his first trophies on Phlegræan sields
Among encircling brethren of the sky,
Who from his sword perpetual conquest hop'd,
The Salaminian victor is rever'd
In Chalcis. Daily, hourly he surveys
The martial toil. Acanthè's presence aids;
His prudence leads her through these active scenes;
He talks on military themes alone,
And pictures freedom trampling on the necks
130
Might have abated in a virtuous breast
The flame, his guilty policy had rais'd;
But fate and black conspiracy forbid.
End of the Fifteenth Book.
131
BOOK the Sixteenth.
That month severe, unfolding to the sun
A frosty portal, whence his steeds renew
Their yearly round, was clos'd. O'ercome at night
By toil uncommon, lay th' Athenian chief
In early sleep profound, which early freed
His eyes again. In suffocating fumes
He wakes. Upstarting, round his limbs he wraps
Th' external garment, and Sicinus cails,
Who slept not distant. He unbars a door,
Which shews the gallery in flames. Down sinks
The crackling floor. A main sustaining beam
From end to end, transverse another, stands
Yet unconsum'd. Lo! trembling in his view
Acanthè; inextinguishable flames
Between them rage. A moment he devotes
To eye the gulph, which menaces with death
Him and his hopes, in him the Grecian weal.
A frosty portal, whence his steeds renew
Their yearly round, was clos'd. O'ercome at night
By toil uncommon, lay th' Athenian chief
In early sleep profound, which early freed
His eyes again. In suffocating fumes
He wakes. Upstarting, round his limbs he wraps
Th' external garment, and Sicinus cails,
Who slept not distant. He unbars a door,
Which shews the gallery in flames. Down sinks
132
From end to end, transverse another, stands
Yet unconsum'd. Lo! trembling in his view
Acanthè; inextinguishable flames
Between them rage. A moment he devotes
To eye the gulph, which menaces with death
Him and his hopes, in him the Grecian weal.
Would Aristides hesitate thus long
To save the meanest? I before me see
On life's last verge a creature half divine.
To save the meanest? I before me see
On life's last verge a creature half divine.
Urg'd by that thought, along the burning beam
He rushes swift. He catches in his arms
The loose-rob'd fair-one, clinging round his neck.
Returning, not like Orpheus, who regain'd
Eurydicè and lost, with matchless strength
He holds his prize above the pointed spires
Of fiery volumes, which on either side
Assail his passing steps. The son of Jove
Not more undaunted through the livid blaze
Of Piuto's mansion bore the victim pure
Of conjugal affection back to life,
Alcestis. Lo! Sicinus stops his feet
In their mid course. Thy chamber flames, he cries;
Speed o'er this traverse beam; yon open door
Leads to a passage yet unscorch'd. He guides;
The hero follows; danger here augments.
As through a swelling tide he wades through fire,
Which scath'd his brows, his blazing beard and hair,
Nor spar'd the garments of his precious charge;
Yet her unhurt through that befriending door
His unrelax'd rapidity conveys.
Of pain regardless to the public street
He thence descends; no populace is here;
That front vulcanian fury had not reach'd;
The other draws the throng; confusion there
Prevails, uproar and terror. On he speeds
Through frozen air, and falling flakes of snow,
Unwearied still his lovely burden holds,
Acanthè fainting; her uncover'd breast,
Unless that ringlets of her locks unbound
Let fall at times their loose and silky threads,
Against his cheek with marble coldness press'd.
At last the dwelling of Nearchus nigh
Affords a refuge. On a friendly bed,
But not of rest, Themistocles in pain
Extends his limbs; Acanthè female slaves
Receive and cherish. Absent is their lord,
Who, at the head of military files
In haste collected, early, but in vain
Had issued forth. The palace is consum'd.
Timoxenus to shelter he conducts;
The archon, trembling for his daughter's fate,
Beholds her safe, and feels no other loss.
He rushes swift. He catches in his arms
The loose-rob'd fair-one, clinging round his neck.
Returning, not like Orpheus, who regain'd
Eurydicè and lost, with matchless strength
He holds his prize above the pointed spires
Of fiery volumes, which on either side
133
Not more undaunted through the livid blaze
Of Piuto's mansion bore the victim pure
Of conjugal affection back to life,
Alcestis. Lo! Sicinus stops his feet
In their mid course. Thy chamber flames, he cries;
Speed o'er this traverse beam; yon open door
Leads to a passage yet unscorch'd. He guides;
The hero follows; danger here augments.
As through a swelling tide he wades through fire,
Which scath'd his brows, his blazing beard and hair,
Nor spar'd the garments of his precious charge;
Yet her unhurt through that befriending door
His unrelax'd rapidity conveys.
Of pain regardless to the public street
He thence descends; no populace is here;
That front vulcanian fury had not reach'd;
The other draws the throng; confusion there
134
Through frozen air, and falling flakes of snow,
Unwearied still his lovely burden holds,
Acanthè fainting; her uncover'd breast,
Unless that ringlets of her locks unbound
Let fall at times their loose and silky threads,
Against his cheek with marble coldness press'd.
At last the dwelling of Nearchus nigh
Affords a refuge. On a friendly bed,
But not of rest, Themistocles in pain
Extends his limbs; Acanthè female slaves
Receive and cherish. Absent is their lord,
Who, at the head of military files
In haste collected, early, but in vain
Had issued forth. The palace is consum'd.
Timoxenus to shelter he conducts;
The archon, trembling for his daughter's fate,
Beholds her safe, and feels no other loss.
135
Now all salute Themistocles; but first
Sicinus spake: Infernal arts have laid
Thy palace waste, Timoxenus. I saw
Sulphureous, glutinous materials blaze
Close to the chamber of my lord's repose.
Sicinus spake: Infernal arts have laid
Thy palace waste, Timoxenus. I saw
Sulphureous, glutinous materials blaze
Close to the chamber of my lord's repose.
From lips nigh parch'd by torture of his pains
Themistocles began: My earthly term
If heav'n requir'd me now to close, enough
I have atchiev'd to fill the trump of fame.
To have preserv'd thy daughter, gen'rous host,
Would crown my glory! Medon is not far;
Well would that chief my vacant post supply,
Were I remov'd. But, friends, my hurts are light,
Which common succour of Machaon's art
Will soon repair; yet publish you my state
As dang'rous; words and looks observe; keen spies
To Oreus send. Thus caution'd, each retir'd
Except Sicinus, who address'd his lord:
Themistocles began: My earthly term
If heav'n requir'd me now to close, enough
I have atchiev'd to fill the trump of fame.
To have preserv'd thy daughter, gen'rous host,
Would crown my glory! Medon is not far;
Well would that chief my vacant post supply,
Were I remov'd. But, friends, my hurts are light,
Which common succour of Machaon's art
Will soon repair; yet publish you my state
As dang'rous; words and looks observe; keen spies
To Oreus send. Thus caution'd, each retir'd
Except Sicinus, who address'd his lord:
136
Wilt thou trust rumour in her flight at large
To sound thy state as dang'rous? Shall a tale
To cozen foes, and try thy new allies,
Pass unrefuted to Cecropian shores,
Rive thy Timothea's bosom, grieve thy friends,
Dismay all Athens, and suspend that aid
Which she might lend thee in some adverse hour?
To sound thy state as dang'rous? Shall a tale
To cozen foes, and try thy new allies,
Pass unrefuted to Cecropian shores,
Rive thy Timothea's bosom, grieve thy friends,
Dismay all Athens, and suspend that aid
Which she might lend thee in some adverse hour?
The hero then: O monitor expert!
Thou hast foreftall'd me; instant will I spare
Thee to prevent such fears. Thou canst not stem
The vex'd Euripus. From Geræstus sail;
To my Timothea fly. Thy looks enquire
How to relate my story: Tell her all;
I have been faithful to my nuptial vow,
Yet have succeeded. Let th' Athenians know
My force and destin'd enterprize; forbear
Of them to crave assistance; let them act
As humour sways. Cleander shouldst thou meet,
In kindest greetings tell him, I should prize
Trœzenian succour—To its healing solds
I am solicited by sleep—Farewell.
Thou hast foreftall'd me; instant will I spare
Thee to prevent such fears. Thou canst not stem
The vex'd Euripus. From Geræstus sail;
To my Timothea fly. Thy looks enquire
How to relate my story: Tell her all;
I have been faithful to my nuptial vow,
Yet have succeeded. Let th' Athenians know
My force and destin'd enterprize; forbear
Of them to crave assistance; let them act
As humour sways. Cleander shouldst thou meet,
137
Trœzenian succour—To its healing solds
I am solicited by sleep—Farewell.
Not so Acanthè's troubles are compos'd.
When lenient balm of Morpheus steep'd the cares
Of other bosoms, in the midnight damps
She quits a thorny pillow. Half array'd,
With naked feet she roams a spacious floor,
Whence she contemplates that retreat of rest,
Inclosing all her wishes, hapless fair,
Without one hope; there stifling sighs, she melts
In silent tears. The sullen groan of winds,
Which shake the roof, the beating rain she hears
Unmov'd, nor heeds stern winter, who benumbs
Her tender beauties in his harsh embrace.
When lenient balm of Morpheus steep'd the cares
Of other bosoms, in the midnight damps
She quits a thorny pillow. Half array'd,
With naked feet she roams a spacious floor,
Whence she contemplates that retreat of rest,
Inclosing all her wishes, hapless fair,
Without one hope; there stifling sighs, she melts
In silent tears. The sullen groan of winds,
Which shake the roof, the beating rain she hears
Unmov'd, nor heeds stern winter, who benumbs
Her tender beauties in his harsh embrace.
O Love! to vernal sweets, to summer's air,
To bow'rs, which temper sult'ry suns at noon,
Art thou confin'd? To rills in lulling flow,
To flow'rs, which scent thy arbours of recess,
To birds, who sing of youth and soft desire?
All is thy empire, ev'ry season thine,
Thou universal origin of things,
Sole ruler, oft a tyrant. Stealing steps
Full frequent draw Acanthè to the door
Of her preserver. While he sleeps, and pain
Excites no groan to wound her list'ning ear,
Anxiety abates; but passion grows.
Then recollecting his intrepid strides
Through fiery surge, devouring, as he pass'd,
His hair majestic, wreathing round his limbs
In torment, which none else to save her life
Would face, or could endure, unguarded thought
In murm'ring transport issues from her lips.
To bow'rs, which temper sult'ry suns at noon,
138
To flow'rs, which scent thy arbours of recess,
To birds, who sing of youth and soft desire?
All is thy empire, ev'ry season thine,
Thou universal origin of things,
Sole ruler, oft a tyrant. Stealing steps
Full frequent draw Acanthè to the door
Of her preserver. While he sleeps, and pain
Excites no groan to wound her list'ning ear,
Anxiety abates; but passion grows.
Then recollecting his intrepid strides
Through fiery surge, devouring, as he pass'd,
His hair majestic, wreathing round his limbs
In torment, which none else to save her life
Would face, or could endure, unguarded thought
In murm'ring transport issues from her lips.
To boundless obligation can I shew
Less, than unbounded gratitude—Base tongue,
Dar'st thou the name of gratitude profane,
Which is a virtue—Oh! thou impious flame
Within my breast, not gratitude hath blown
Thee from a spark to so intense a heat.
Deprav'd Acanthè, vagabond impure
Of night, from honour and its laws estrang'd,
A robber's criminal desire of spoil
Thou feel'st, a rage of sacrilege to force
The sanctuary of Hymen, and that fire,
Which law, religion, men and gods protect,
Quench on his altar by the hand of vice.
Less, than unbounded gratitude—Base tongue,
139
Which is a virtue—Oh! thou impious flame
Within my breast, not gratitude hath blown
Thee from a spark to so intense a heat.
Deprav'd Acanthè, vagabond impure
Of night, from honour and its laws estrang'd,
A robber's criminal desire of spoil
Thou feel'st, a rage of sacrilege to force
The sanctuary of Hymen, and that fire,
Which law, religion, men and gods protect,
Quench on his altar by the hand of vice.
She could no more. A parting cloud reveal'd
The moon. Before the silver light she dropp'd
On her bare knee, enfeebled by the cold;
There fix'd and freezing, from that awful pow'r
Of chastity she seem'd invoking help;
When, newly-waken'd by her piercing moan,
With smarting limbs Themistocles had left
His pillow; keener his internal pang,
To see an image of despair, the work
Of his fallacious art. On his approach,
At once the worn remains of spirit fled
From her cold bosom, heaving now no more.
The twilight glimmers on the rear of night;
His painful arms uplift her from the floor,
And to her couch with decency of care
Commit her lifeless charms. To sense restor'd,
Just as the morn's exploring eye unclos'd,
Acanthè, faint and speechless, by a sign
Forbids his presence; cautious he retires.
The moon. Before the silver light she dropp'd
On her bare knee, enfeebled by the cold;
There fix'd and freezing, from that awful pow'r
Of chastity she seem'd invoking help;
When, newly-waken'd by her piercing moan,
With smarting limbs Themistocles had left
140
To see an image of despair, the work
Of his fallacious art. On his approach,
At once the worn remains of spirit fled
From her cold bosom, heaving now no more.
The twilight glimmers on the rear of night;
His painful arms uplift her from the floor,
And to her couch with decency of care
Commit her lifeless charms. To sense restor'd,
Just as the morn's exploring eye unclos'd,
Acanthè, faint and speechless, by a sign
Forbids his presence; cautious he retires.
Now she indulg'd her agonies of shame
And self-reproach. With horrid visions teem'd
Her agitated brain; black-rob'd despair
Stalk'd round her curtains, in his double grasp
A bloody poniard, and empoison'd bowl
To her sad choice upholding; but ere long
That thirsty, parching malady, which boils
The putrid blood, and ravages like fire,
Invades her frame. Whole days, whole nights she saw
A tender sire beside her pillow mourn,
Her beauties wasting hourly in his view.
To gentler forms delirium then would change;
The moon, so lately to her aid invok'd,
She saw, descending from her lucid sphere,
Assume her shape of goddess, who inspir'd
A soothing thought to seek for health and peace
At her propitious oracle, not rob
So kind a father of his only joy.
And self-reproach. With horrid visions teem'd
Her agitated brain; black-rob'd despair
Stalk'd round her curtains, in his double grasp
A bloody poniard, and empoison'd bowl
To her sad choice upholding; but ere long
141
The putrid blood, and ravages like fire,
Invades her frame. Whole days, whole nights she saw
A tender sire beside her pillow mourn,
Her beauties wasting hourly in his view.
To gentler forms delirium then would change;
The moon, so lately to her aid invok'd,
She saw, descending from her lucid sphere,
Assume her shape of goddess, who inspir'd
A soothing thought to seek for health and peace
At her propitious oracle, not rob
So kind a father of his only joy.
Meantime the tidings vague of Chalcis burn'd,
And great Themistocles destroy'd, had fame
Proclaim'd aloud through each Eubœan town,
Save where Sicinus, passing to his port
Of embarkation, spreads a milder tale,
Alarming still. Eretria scarce confines
Tisander's falt'ring age; but Cleon thence,
From Styra Lampon hastes; Geræstus sends
Eudemus; Hyacinthus feels no more
His own distress, and rapid, as the bird
Of Jupiter through heav'n's aerial way,
Flies to his guardian friend. Eudora, skill'd
In healing juices, condescends to mount
Herself the sacred axle, and her state
Displays in Chalcis worshipping her wheels.
And great Themistocles destroy'd, had fame
Proclaim'd aloud through each Eubœan town,
Save where Sicinus, passing to his port
Of embarkation, spreads a milder tale,
Alarming still. Eretria scarce confines
142
From Styra Lampon hastes; Geræstus sends
Eudemus; Hyacinthus feels no more
His own distress, and rapid, as the bird
Of Jupiter through heav'n's aerial way,
Flies to his guardian friend. Eudora, skill'd
In healing juices, condescends to mount
Herself the sacred axle, and her state
Displays in Chalcis worshipping her wheels.
The archon waits respectful on her steps,
When she salutes th' Athenian, still recluse
From public view, though nigh restor'd. He bends
The knee before her. Him with stately grace
She raises, then addresses: Glad I see
Thy convalescence; to impart my help
Became a duty. So Diana will'd,
By me consulted in her solemn grove
Mysterious; where an impulse warn'd my soul,
That none, but thou, can set Eubœa free,
Protect the temples, and her tyrant quell.
When she salutes th' Athenian, still recluse
From public view, though nigh restor'd. He bends
The knee before her. Him with stately grace
She raises, then addresses: Glad I see
Thy convalescence; to impart my help
Became a duty. So Diana will'd,
By me consulted in her solemn grove
Mysterious; where an impulse warn'd my soul,
143
Protect the temples, and her tyrant quell.
He kiss'd her sacred vestment, and replied:
I now perceive how pow'rful are thy pray'rs.
To them, so favour'd by the gods, I owe
My preservation, which, O learn'd and wise,
Forestalls thy skill! Ah! since thy face hath deign'd
To cheer this city, by a long abode
Complete the blessing. As to ancient Troy
Was that Palladian image sent from heav'n,
Be thou to Chalcis. At thy presence known
Pale Demonax will shrink. But first apply
Thy lenient succour to my friend's distress,
Whose daughter pines in sickness, and deserves
Thy full regard, most holy and benign.
I now perceive how pow'rful are thy pray'rs.
To them, so favour'd by the gods, I owe
My preservation, which, O learn'd and wise,
Forestalls thy skill! Ah! since thy face hath deign'd
To cheer this city, by a long abode
Complete the blessing. As to ancient Troy
Was that Palladian image sent from heav'n,
Be thou to Chalcis. At thy presence known
Pale Demonax will shrink. But first apply
Thy lenient succour to my friend's distress,
Whose daughter pines in sickness, and deserves
Thy full regard, most holy and benign.
To sad Acanthè's couch the archon leads
Eudora. Soon from Oreus tidings stern
Awake the native terrors in his heart;
In haste he greets Themistocles: O guest!
Fierce Demonax assembles all his force,
But first will try an embassy; expect
Within three days the tyrant's fell demands,
Which, not accepted, bring th' avenging waste
Of his redoubled fury on our heads.
Eudora. Soon from Oreus tidings stern
144
In haste he greets Themistocles: O guest!
Fierce Demonax assembles all his force,
But first will try an embassy; expect
Within three days the tyrant's fell demands,
Which, not accepted, bring th' avenging waste
Of his redoubled fury on our heads.
Is he so poor in counsellors, began
Th' Athenian calm? Amid disabling storms
In this rough season will th' insensate brute
Drag to the field his Asiatic host?
He thinks me dead; remember thou, my friend,
Themistocles is living, nor conceive
The rash, disturb'd and self-tormenting breast
Of such a tyrant, whom the furies haunt,
Hath fortitude and conduct to withstand
Themistocles in arms. Not half-reviv'd
Subjoins the archon: Thou alas! may'st want
The brave auxiliars promis'd to thy arms;
To thee alike unfriendly are the storms
Which lock our harbours; not a bark can sail;
Illustrious Medon dares not plough the surge
From Atalantè; nor on Artic shores
Of our distress can Aristides hear.
Th' Athenian calm? Amid disabling storms
In this rough season will th' insensate brute
Drag to the field his Asiatic host?
He thinks me dead; remember thou, my friend,
Themistocles is living, nor conceive
The rash, disturb'd and self-tormenting breast
Of such a tyrant, whom the furies haunt,
Hath fortitude and conduct to withstand
Themistocles in arms. Not half-reviv'd
Subjoins the archon: Thou alas! may'st want
145
To thee alike unfriendly are the storms
Which lock our harbours; not a bark can sail;
Illustrious Medon dares not plough the surge
From Atalantè; nor on Artic shores
Of our distress can Aristides hear.
True, answers firm Themistocles, though stung,
Nor shall we want him. Is not Cleon here,
Nearchus, Lampon, sharers of success
In my preceding conflicts? Of no price
Is staid Eudemus, Hyacinthus brave?
Is not Eudora present, sacred dame,
Who will her face majestical unveil
Among confederated ranks to bless
The Eleutherian banner, and inspire
Your populace with all religion's flame?
Yon despicable embassy prepare
To answer nobly, or let me be heard.
Now to this chamber summon all my friends.
Nor shall we want him. Is not Cleon here,
Nearchus, Lampon, sharers of success
In my preceding conflicts? Of no price
Is staid Eudemus, Hyacinthus brave?
Is not Eudora present, sacred dame,
Who will her face majestical unveil
Among confederated ranks to bless
The Eleutherian banner, and inspire
Your populace with all religion's flame?
Yon despicable embassy prepare
To answer nobly, or let me be heard.
Now to this chamber summon all my friends.
146
Timoxenus conven'd them. Swift the chief
Dispatch'd them ardent to their native states,
Thence their collected citizens in arms,
The guardians of Chalcidic walls, to lead.
Dispatch'd them ardent to their native states,
Thence their collected citizens in arms,
The guardians of Chalcidic walls, to lead.
Three days elaps'd; the embassy arriv'd.
Amid the senate, on his chair of state,
The archon sat. Th' Athenian's sure support
Behind is planted. Fierce in tone and look
Th' Orēan herald represents his lord:
Amid the senate, on his chair of state,
The archon sat. Th' Athenian's sure support
Behind is planted. Fierce in tone and look
Th' Orēan herald represents his lord:
Ye men of Chalcis, Demonax requires
That you acknowledge Xerxes; that your gates
A Persian garrison admit. Be wise;
Refusal draws perdition on your heads.
That you acknowledge Xerxes; that your gates
A Persian garrison admit. Be wise;
Refusal draws perdition on your heads.
Timoxenus turns pale; his falt'ring lips
Make no reply. Th' indignant senate mourn
Their state dishonour'd by a timid chief,
When timely steps Themistocles in sight;
Whose name is murmur'd through th' applauding court.
As at the aspect of a single cloud,
Known by the trembling seaman to contain
Destructive blasts, the sail he swiftly furls
With anxious wish for shelter in the lee
Of some still shore; the herald thus relax'd
His alter'd features. Arrogance abash'd
Foreboded ruin from that mighty arm,
In vigour brac'd by unexpected health.
In act to speak, the hero stretch'd his hand.
To fear and impotent distress he seem'd
Extending refuge like a poplar tall,
Whose grateful branches cool the green descent
To some pellucid fountain, where his course
Th' o'erweary'd passenger suspends to slake
His eager thirst beneath such friendly shade.
Make no reply. Th' indignant senate mourn
Their state dishonour'd by a timid chief,
147
Whose name is murmur'd through th' applauding court.
As at the aspect of a single cloud,
Known by the trembling seaman to contain
Destructive blasts, the sail he swiftly furls
With anxious wish for shelter in the lee
Of some still shore; the herald thus relax'd
His alter'd features. Arrogance abash'd
Foreboded ruin from that mighty arm,
In vigour brac'd by unexpected health.
In act to speak, the hero stretch'd his hand.
To fear and impotent distress he seem'd
Extending refuge like a poplar tall,
Whose grateful branches cool the green descent
To some pellucid fountain, where his course
Th' o'erweary'd passenger suspends to slake
His eager thirst beneath such friendly shade.
148
Bent to provoke the tyrant, and mislead
His rashness, thus Themistocles—his look
Transpierc'd the humbled herald while he spake:
His rashness, thus Themistocles—his look
Transpierc'd the humbled herald while he spake:
Begone, base Greek, from Chalcis. In her name
Defiance bear to Demonax, whose head
Shall on the gate of Oreus be affix'd;
Thine to some trafficker in slaves be sold.
Defiance bear to Demonax, whose head
Shall on the gate of Oreus be affix'd;
Thine to some trafficker in slaves be sold.
To Oreus back th' astonish'd herald flies,
On whose report his impious lord incens'd
Blasphemes the gods. The Furies he invokes,
To them, a human sacrifice, devotes
His first Chalcidian captives. From his host
Two chosen myriads on the plain he pours.
Brave Mindarus, by duty to his king
Compell'd to service which his sword abhors,
Ariobarzanes, second in command,
Barbarian homicide, whose joy is blood,
The sev'n Geræstians sworn to deeds of hell,
With Lamachus, of foul mishapen frame,
Attend the tyrant, spreading to rude storms
His banner fell. So Satan from the north
Of heav'n, his region once, with Moloc grim,
Beëlzebub and Nisroc, led the host
Of impious angels, all the destin'd prey
Of Tartarus. Meanwhile th' Athenian sat
Serene in Chalcis; his auxiliar bands
Successively arriv'd. Eretria sent
Twelve hundred spears; Carystus doubled those;
Beneath her standard Amarynthus rang'd
Eudora's vassals; Styra cas'd in steel
Five hundred warriors tried; seven hundred more
Geræstus; Chalcis from her loins supplied
Four thousand youths, Nearchus was their chief.
On whose report his impious lord incens'd
Blasphemes the gods. The Furies he invokes,
To them, a human sacrifice, devotes
His first Chalcidian captives. From his host
Two chosen myriads on the plain he pours.
Brave Mindarus, by duty to his king
Compell'd to service which his sword abhors,
Ariobarzanes, second in command,
Barbarian homicide, whose joy is blood,
149
With Lamachus, of foul mishapen frame,
Attend the tyrant, spreading to rude storms
His banner fell. So Satan from the north
Of heav'n, his region once, with Moloc grim,
Beëlzebub and Nisroc, led the host
Of impious angels, all the destin'd prey
Of Tartarus. Meanwhile th' Athenian sat
Serene in Chalcis; his auxiliar bands
Successively arriv'd. Eretria sent
Twelve hundred spears; Carystus doubled those;
Beneath her standard Amarynthus rang'd
Eudora's vassals; Styra cas'd in steel
Five hundred warriors tried; seven hundred more
Geræstus; Chalcis from her loins supplied
Four thousand youths, Nearchus was their chief.
Th' Athenian's care had trac'd the region round.
A level champaign tow'rds septentrion skies
Extends; its western border is the frith,
Whose shore is bold, and press'd by waters deep.
A line of anchor'd vessels, which o'erlook
The land, the chief disposes here; whose crews
Were menials, train'd to missile weapons light.
Full opposite, and cross the plain, he mark'd
A quarry, parent of the domes and tow'rs,
Exalting Chalcis o'er Eubœan towns.
The subterranean passages by all
Inscrutable, but lab'ring hinds, who cleave
Earth's marble womb, he garrisons with bands
From that rough breed, supported by a force
Of heavy-mail'd Chalcideans, left in charge
To bold Nearchus. So the watchful bees
Within their hive lie dangerous on guard
Against invasion of their precious stores,
Their industry and state. By morn the care
Of active scouts proclaims the adverse host
Not far, though yet unseen. The trumpet sounds
To fight; Eudora mounts her car, and wields
The arms of Dian. Through the spacious streets,
Where under ensigns of their sev'ral states
The warriors blaze in steel, from band to band
She, by her prompter well-instructed, tow'rs
Like new-born Pallas from the head of Jove.
Her voice exhorts, her sentiments inspire,
Her majesty commands them; all are fir'd,
All, but Timoxenus. With armed files
In safe reserve, though destin'd to remain
Behind the walls, he dreads th' important day.
His gen'rous daughter, whose distemper'd mind
Eudora's converse had begun to calm,
Not so debas'd her thoughts; her country's cause
She felt; heroic talents she admir'd;
Him, who possess'd them all, her heart recall'd,
Though with abated passion. All his tale
Of Salamis, the stratagem deriv'd
From conjugal affection, from the sight
Of forms belov'd to animate the brave,
Recurr'd; she summon'd to her languid bed
The most distinguish'd matrons, them besought
To mount the walls, and overlook the fight,
In all its terrors. Imitate, she said,
The Attic dames, that Chalcis may partake
Of Attic glory. They approving went.
A level champaign tow'rds septentrion skies
150
Whose shore is bold, and press'd by waters deep.
A line of anchor'd vessels, which o'erlook
The land, the chief disposes here; whose crews
Were menials, train'd to missile weapons light.
Full opposite, and cross the plain, he mark'd
A quarry, parent of the domes and tow'rs,
Exalting Chalcis o'er Eubœan towns.
The subterranean passages by all
Inscrutable, but lab'ring hinds, who cleave
Earth's marble womb, he garrisons with bands
From that rough breed, supported by a force
Of heavy-mail'd Chalcideans, left in charge
To bold Nearchus. So the watchful bees
Within their hive lie dangerous on guard
Against invasion of their precious stores,
Their industry and state. By morn the care
Of active scouts proclaims the adverse host
Not far, though yet unseen. The trumpet sounds
151
The arms of Dian. Through the spacious streets,
Where under ensigns of their sev'ral states
The warriors blaze in steel, from band to band
She, by her prompter well-instructed, tow'rs
Like new-born Pallas from the head of Jove.
Her voice exhorts, her sentiments inspire,
Her majesty commands them; all are fir'd,
All, but Timoxenus. With armed files
In safe reserve, though destin'd to remain
Behind the walls, he dreads th' important day.
His gen'rous daughter, whose distemper'd mind
Eudora's converse had begun to calm,
Not so debas'd her thoughts; her country's cause
She felt; heroic talents she admir'd;
Him, who possess'd them all, her heart recall'd,
Though with abated passion. All his tale
Of Salamis, the stratagem deriv'd
From conjugal affection, from the sight
152
Recurr'd; she summon'd to her languid bed
The most distinguish'd matrons, them besought
To mount the walls, and overlook the fight,
In all its terrors. Imitate, she said,
The Attic dames, that Chalcis may partake
Of Attic glory. They approving went.
O mortals, born to err, when most you smart
With self-reproach on guilty passion's wound,
Attempt one act of virtue! then your breasts
Will, like Acanthè's now, enjoy a calm.
In supplication thus her wonder breaks:
With self-reproach on guilty passion's wound,
Attempt one act of virtue! then your breasts
Will, like Acanthè's now, enjoy a calm.
In supplication thus her wonder breaks:
Ye lights, who, shining on my darkness, deign
To lift the veil of error from my eyes,
Protecting pow'rs, accept Acanthè's pray'r
For this her native city, for a sire
Too kind, for great Themistocles, who draws
The sword of Justice—Now with purer lips
I sound his name—And, O illustrious dame!
Of all Athenian excellence the flow'r,
Bless'd in a hero's love, the precious gift
Of hymeneal Juno, couldst thou know
What I have suffer'd by an envious flame,
What still I suffer, while remorse awakes
A thought of thee, thy gen'rous soul would melt
In pity, ev'n forgiveness, when I vow
To ev'ry chaste divinity invok'd,
That I will see Themistocles no more.
To lift the veil of error from my eyes,
Protecting pow'rs, accept Acanthè's pray'r
For this her native city, for a sire
Too kind, for great Themistocles, who draws
153
I sound his name—And, O illustrious dame!
Of all Athenian excellence the flow'r,
Bless'd in a hero's love, the precious gift
Of hymeneal Juno, couldst thou know
What I have suffer'd by an envious flame,
What still I suffer, while remorse awakes
A thought of thee, thy gen'rous soul would melt
In pity, ev'n forgiveness, when I vow
To ev'ry chaste divinity invok'd,
That I will see Themistocles no more.
This victory accomplish'd, renders back
Her virtue late a captive, which recalls
Affections pure, and sanctity of mind,
Still thoughts, and hope, restorative of peace.
Her virtue late a captive, which recalls
Affections pure, and sanctity of mind,
Still thoughts, and hope, restorative of peace.
But on a diff'rent victory intent
Themistocles within Chalcidic walls
Contains his ready host; nor means to throw
The portals open, nor display the face
Of battle, till the enemies in sight
Yield full advantage in his choice of time.
So in his deep concealment of green reeds
On Ganges' margin, or the flaggy strand
Of Niger's flood, from Æthiopia roll'd,
The alligator vigilant maintains
His fraudful ambush, that unwary steps
May bring the prey to his voracious jaws.
Themistocles within Chalcidic walls
154
The portals open, nor display the face
Of battle, till the enemies in sight
Yield full advantage in his choice of time.
So in his deep concealment of green reeds
On Ganges' margin, or the flaggy strand
Of Niger's flood, from Æthiopia roll'd,
The alligator vigilant maintains
His fraudful ambush, that unwary steps
May bring the prey to his voracious jaws.
End of the Sixteenth Book.
155
BOOK the Seventeenth.
Sicinus, long by unpropitious winds
Lock'd in Geræstus, to their fickle breath,
Half-adverse still, impatient spread the sail.
Six revolutions of the sun he spent
To gain Phaleron. To his lord's abode
He swiftly pass'd, when chance his wond'ring eyes
On Aristides fix'd. An open space
Reveal'd the hero, issuing sage commands.
Th' omnipotent artificer of worlds
From chaos seem'd with delegated pow'r
To have entrusted that selected man.
From ashes, lo! a city new ascends,
One winter's indefatigable toil
Of citizens, whose spirit unsubdu'd
Subdues calamity. Each visage wears
A cheerful hue, yet solemn. Through the streets
Successive numbers from adjacent fields
Drive odorif'rous loads of plants and flow'rs,
Which please the manes. Amaranth and rose,
Fresh parsley, myrtle, and whate'er the sun,
Now not remote from Aries in his course,
Call'd from the quick and vegetating womb
Of nature green or florid, from their seats
Of growth are borne for pious hands to weave
In fun'ral chaplets. From the Grecian states,
To honour Athens, their deputed chiefs,
Cleander foremost, throng the public place;
Whence Aristides with advancing speed
Salutes Sicinus: Welcome is thy face,
Good man, thou know'st; from Athens long estrang'd,
Now doubly welcome. In thy looks I read
Important news. Retiring from the crowd,
Swift in discourse, but full, Sicinus ran
Through all the series of his lord's exploits,
Which drew this question: Has thy patron ought
To ask of Aristides? Silent bow'd
Sicinus. Smiling then, the chief pursu'd:
Lock'd in Geræstus, to their fickle breath,
Half-adverse still, impatient spread the sail.
Six revolutions of the sun he spent
To gain Phaleron. To his lord's abode
He swiftly pass'd, when chance his wond'ring eyes
On Aristides fix'd. An open space
Reveal'd the hero, issuing sage commands.
Th' omnipotent artificer of worlds
From chaos seem'd with delegated pow'r
156
From ashes, lo! a city new ascends,
One winter's indefatigable toil
Of citizens, whose spirit unsubdu'd
Subdues calamity. Each visage wears
A cheerful hue, yet solemn. Through the streets
Successive numbers from adjacent fields
Drive odorif'rous loads of plants and flow'rs,
Which please the manes. Amaranth and rose,
Fresh parsley, myrtle, and whate'er the sun,
Now not remote from Aries in his course,
Call'd from the quick and vegetating womb
Of nature green or florid, from their seats
Of growth are borne for pious hands to weave
In fun'ral chaplets. From the Grecian states,
To honour Athens, their deputed chiefs,
Cleander foremost, throng the public place;
Whence Aristides with advancing speed
Salutes Sicinus: Welcome is thy face,
157
Now doubly welcome. In thy looks I read
Important news. Retiring from the crowd,
Swift in discourse, but full, Sicinus ran
Through all the series of his lord's exploits,
Which drew this question: Has thy patron ought
To ask of Aristides? Silent bow'd
Sicinus. Smiling then, the chief pursu'd:
Do thou attend the ceremonial pomp
Of obsequies to morrow; when the slain
At Salamis receive their just reward
From us, survivors by their glorious fall.
I have detain'd thee from Timothea long,
The first entitled to thy grateful news.
Of obsequies to morrow; when the slain
At Salamis receive their just reward
From us, survivors by their glorious fall.
I have detain'd thee from Timothea long,
The first entitled to thy grateful news.
Now to that matron, whom beyond himself
He priz'd, Sicinus hastens. At her loom
He finds her placid o'er a web, whose glow
Of colours rivall'd Iris, where intent
She wove th' atchievements of her lord. Her skill
Had just portray'd Sandauce in the arms
Of Artamanes, when her children's doom
Congeal'd her breast. Themistocles in look
Expresses all that subtlety humane,
Which cozen'd superstition of her prey;
His godlike figure dignifies the work.
Two boys, two lovely little maids, surround
Th' illustrious artist, while their eyes pursue
Their mother's flying fingers in delight
Attentive. But their tutor once in view,
From absence long regretted, light with joy
To him they bound. Sicinus melts in tears
Of soft affection. They around him lift
Their gratulating voices, on his neck
Cling, and contend for kisses from those lips
Approv'd in kindness; as a flutt'ring brood
With chirping fondness, nature's sweetest note,
Inclose their feather'd parent, who attunes
Her tender pipe, and spreads endearing plumes.
He priz'd, Sicinus hastens. At her loom
158
Of colours rivall'd Iris, where intent
She wove th' atchievements of her lord. Her skill
Had just portray'd Sandauce in the arms
Of Artamanes, when her children's doom
Congeal'd her breast. Themistocles in look
Expresses all that subtlety humane,
Which cozen'd superstition of her prey;
His godlike figure dignifies the work.
Two boys, two lovely little maids, surround
Th' illustrious artist, while their eyes pursue
Their mother's flying fingers in delight
Attentive. But their tutor once in view,
From absence long regretted, light with joy
To him they bound. Sicinus melts in tears
Of soft affection. They around him lift
Their gratulating voices, on his neck
Cling, and contend for kisses from those lips
Approv'd in kindness; as a flutt'ring brood
159
Inclose their feather'd parent, who attunes
Her tender pipe, and spreads endearing plumes.
Sicinus, cries Timothea, thou dost bring
Auspicious tidings; from my hero I
Expect no less. Unaided by the state,
A private man, like Hercules he went,
In his own pow'rs confiding, and secure.
Sit down, thou witness of my husband's worth,
Thyself a proof of his discerning choice
In thee, good man, by me and mine rever'd,
Discreet and faithful. No, Sicinus spake,
Thou art that proof, most faithful, most discreet,
Most excellent of women. Come, she said,
Suppress my praises; let me hear of none,
But his; and copious let thy story flow.
Auspicious tidings; from my hero I
Expect no less. Unaided by the state,
A private man, like Hercules he went,
In his own pow'rs confiding, and secure.
Sit down, thou witness of my husband's worth,
Thyself a proof of his discerning choice
In thee, good man, by me and mine rever'd,
Discreet and faithful. No, Sicinus spake,
Thou art that proof, most faithful, most discreet,
Most excellent of women. Come, she said,
Suppress my praises; let me hear of none,
But his; and copious let thy story flow.
Glad through his whole heroic theme the sage,
By time to Attic eloquence inur'd,
Expatiates large; where loftiness of plan
Sustain'd by counsel, with exhaustless art
Pursu'd, now brought to valour's final proof,
Must end in sure success. His lord's commands
Observing strict, Acanthè's precious worth,
In talents, form and manners, he describes;
How she the aid of Chalcis had procur'd,
Her favour how Themistocles had won.
By time to Attic eloquence inur'd,
160
Sustain'd by counsel, with exhaustless art
Pursu'd, now brought to valour's final proof,
Must end in sure success. His lord's commands
Observing strict, Acanthè's precious worth,
In talents, form and manners, he describes;
How she the aid of Chalcis had procur'd,
Her favour how Themistocles had won.
If he pursue to victory his plan,
Timothea said, and borrow from her hand
The means of glory, and the gen'ral good,
Tell him, that I can imitate with joy
Andromachè, who foster'd on her breast
Her Hector's offspring by a stol'n embrace.
Timothea said, and borrow from her hand
The means of glory, and the gen'ral good,
Tell him, that I can imitate with joy
Andromachè, who foster'd on her breast
Her Hector's offspring by a stol'n embrace.
Not such thy lot, sole mistress of a form
Match'd by perfection of the mind alone,
Sicinus cheerful answer'd. I attest
To this my firm belief th' all-ruling sire,
Let Horomazes be his name, or Jove.
Match'd by perfection of the mind alone,
Sicinus cheerful answer'd. I attest
161
Let Horomazes be his name, or Jove.
Thou giv'st me transport—Thou hast leave to smile,
My good Sicinus, she replies—But heav'n
I too attest, that transport I conceive
Less for my own, than fair Acanthè's sake.
So amiably endow'd, so clear in fame,
Her purity resigning, she, alas!
Had prov'd the only suff'rer. Woman fall'n,
The more illustrious once, the more disgrac'd,
Ne'er can refume her lustre. Laurels hide
A hero's wanton lapse. The Greeks would bless
The guile which serves them, but to endless shame
The gen'rous auth'ress of that service doom.
Thou said'st, my husband from Cleander's sword
Solicits help; Cleander is my guest
With Ariphilia; ready in this port
His squadron lies; he plough'd the seas in quest
Of earliest action for the common cause.
Come, they are waiting for the night's repast.
My good Sicinus, she replies—But heav'n
I too attest, that transport I conceive
Less for my own, than fair Acanthè's sake.
So amiably endow'd, so clear in fame,
Her purity resigning, she, alas!
Had prov'd the only suff'rer. Woman fall'n,
The more illustrious once, the more disgrac'd,
Ne'er can refume her lustre. Laurels hide
A hero's wanton lapse. The Greeks would bless
The guile which serves them, but to endless shame
The gen'rous auth'ress of that service doom.
Thou said'st, my husband from Cleander's sword
Solicits help; Cleander is my guest
With Ariphilia; ready in this port
162
Of earliest action for the common cause.
Come, they are waiting for the night's repast.
She rose; Sicinus follow'd, and renew'd
In Ariphilia's and Cleander's ear
The wondrous narrative, but cautious veils
Acanthè's love. Timothea's looks approv'd.
He then concluded: Thus, to battle rous'd,
The force of half Eubœa cas'd in steel
Against the tyrant Demonax I left;
But in the chace of that devouring wolf
On thee relies Themistocles for help,
Undaunted chief of Trœzen. He replies:
In Ariphilia's and Cleander's ear
The wondrous narrative, but cautious veils
Acanthè's love. Timothea's looks approv'd.
He then concluded: Thus, to battle rous'd,
The force of half Eubœa cas'd in steel
Against the tyrant Demonax I left;
But in the chace of that devouring wolf
On thee relies Themistocles for help,
Undaunted chief of Trœzen. He replies:
Should I withhold it, by th' immortal gods,
The titles both of soldier and of friend
Were mine no longer. Ariphilia then,
Sweet as a vernal flow'r in early prime,
A Grace in manner, Hebè in her form:
The titles both of soldier and of friend
Were mine no longer. Ariphilia then,
163
A Grace in manner, Hebè in her form:
Say, gentle sage, of Delphi's rev'rend priest,
Of Haliartus, and Oïleus' son,
Kind guests of mine, no tidings dost thou bear?
Of Haliartus, and Oïleus' son,
Kind guests of mine, no tidings dost thou bear?
He answers: Them in Atalantè's isle
The turbulent Euripus yet confines;
They soon, fair matron, to thy lord and mine
Will add their strength and level from its base
The tyrant's hold. Amid this converse sweet
The warrior-poet Æschylus appears,
A grateful visitant to all. He spake:
The turbulent Euripus yet confines;
They soon, fair matron, to thy lord and mine
Will add their strength and level from its base
The tyrant's hold. Amid this converse sweet
The warrior-poet Æschylus appears,
A grateful visitant to all. He spake:
Fair dame, admit me, introducing men
Who saw thy gallant consort yester morn
Erecting trophies; men themselves renown'd,
Oïlean Medon, and Apollo's priest
Long lost, whom I, unknowing of their fate,
Have clasp'd in transport, as Laertes' son,
When he review'd his metamorphos'd friends
In Circe's island to their pristine forms
Uprising by her charms. Timothea glad
Salutes the ent'ring heroes, Medon known
Before, Leonteus, Delphi's holy seer
With Artemisia's brother, strangers all,
But of deportment to command regard.
Who saw thy gallant consort yester morn
Erecting trophies; men themselves renown'd,
Oïlean Medon, and Apollo's priest
164
Have clasp'd in transport, as Laertes' son,
When he review'd his metamorphos'd friends
In Circe's island to their pristine forms
Uprising by her charms. Timothea glad
Salutes the ent'ring heroes, Medon known
Before, Leonteus, Delphi's holy seer
With Artemisia's brother, strangers all,
But of deportment to command regard.
Then spake the Locrian: First of matrons, hail!
On Salaminian sands we parted last.
I have been long in Atalantè's isle
Sequester'd; but, determin'd to attend
The fun'ral honours which the morning pays
To brave Athenians slain, an hour serene
To cross the strait Euripus I embrac'd
For Chalcis. There thy consort fresh I found
In gather'd palms from Demonax o'erthrown
That day in battle. Hear the glorious tale,
Which from Themistocles himself I learn'd.
He, well-inform'd, the chiefs in either host
Distinctly told, their history, their names,
Their birth and deeds, on Hyacinthus most,
As most esteem'd, enlarg'd. That hapless youth
Was husband to Cleora; daughter she
Of Demonax was poison'd by her sire.
Survey this tablet, which before my sight
Thy hero took, with readiness of skill
Delineating the fight. Shew this, he said,
To my Timothea, friendly thou explain.
This part is Chalcis, this a champaign wide;
Here flows the sea, there winds a quarry dark.
On Salaminian sands we parted last.
I have been long in Atalantè's isle
Sequester'd; but, determin'd to attend
The fun'ral honours which the morning pays
To brave Athenians slain, an hour serene
To cross the strait Euripus I embrac'd
For Chalcis. There thy consort fresh I found
In gather'd palms from Demonax o'erthrown
165
Which from Themistocles himself I learn'd.
He, well-inform'd, the chiefs in either host
Distinctly told, their history, their names,
Their birth and deeds, on Hyacinthus most,
As most esteem'd, enlarg'd. That hapless youth
Was husband to Cleora; daughter she
Of Demonax was poison'd by her sire.
Survey this tablet, which before my sight
Thy hero took, with readiness of skill
Delineating the fight. Shew this, he said,
To my Timothea, friendly thou explain.
This part is Chalcis, this a champaign wide;
Here flows the sea, there winds a quarry dark.
Conceive a river by impetuous floods
O'erswol'n, and spread irregular, and wild,
Beyond its bounds; tumultuous thus the foes
At first appear'd. Expecting to surprise,
Themselves surpris'd at unexpected bands,
Through open'd portals issuing to the plain,
Are forc'd, dishearten'd by a toilsome march,
To range their numbers for immediate fight.
The wary son of Neocles suspends
Th' attack, till bursting drifts of southern clouds
Beat on the faces of his harrass'd foes
A storm of blinding sleet; then rushes down
In three deep columns. Of th' Orēan line
The right, which Mindarus conducting wheels
Along the sea's flat margin, sore is gall'd
By unremitted show'rs from bows and slings
On well-rang'd vessels. Lamachus commands
The left. Nearchus from the quarry pours
An ambush'd force, and breaks the hostile flank.
Compact of vet'rans, cull'd from ev'ry state,
That wedge of war, whose bristly front display'd
Athenian spears and Spartan mingling beams,
(Themistocles the leader) slow but sure
Bears down the center. At a second breach
The line gives way to Cleon, at a third
To swift Carystians. Not a life is spar'd
By wrong'd, incens'd Eretrians, not a life
By Hyacinthus, boiling with revenge
For his Cleora; while her cruel sire
Exerts a desp'rate valour to revive
Hope in an army spiritless by toil,
By sudden onset broken, at the name
And sight of thy Themistocles abash'd.
The rout is gen'ral. In the bloody chace
Five thousand slain the conquerors despoil.
Thy husband, prudent in success, preserves
Two thousand heads, all Persian, to redeem
Eretrian captives from the tyrant's bonds.
He, thus defeated, not subdu'd, retir'd
To Oreus. Pow'rful remnants of his host
He, draws within her circuit; furnish'd well
From boundless treasure, threatens there to hold
A firm defence, till, summon'd by the spring,
Mardonius quit Thessalia, and employ
The whole confederated pow'r of Greece.
O'erswol'n, and spread irregular, and wild,
Beyond its bounds; tumultuous thus the foes
At first appear'd. Expecting to surprise,
Themselves surpris'd at unexpected bands,
166
Are forc'd, dishearten'd by a toilsome march,
To range their numbers for immediate fight.
The wary son of Neocles suspends
Th' attack, till bursting drifts of southern clouds
Beat on the faces of his harrass'd foes
A storm of blinding sleet; then rushes down
In three deep columns. Of th' Orēan line
The right, which Mindarus conducting wheels
Along the sea's flat margin, sore is gall'd
By unremitted show'rs from bows and slings
On well-rang'd vessels. Lamachus commands
The left. Nearchus from the quarry pours
An ambush'd force, and breaks the hostile flank.
Compact of vet'rans, cull'd from ev'ry state,
That wedge of war, whose bristly front display'd
Athenian spears and Spartan mingling beams,
(Themistocles the leader) slow but sure
Bears down the center. At a second breach
167
To swift Carystians. Not a life is spar'd
By wrong'd, incens'd Eretrians, not a life
By Hyacinthus, boiling with revenge
For his Cleora; while her cruel sire
Exerts a desp'rate valour to revive
Hope in an army spiritless by toil,
By sudden onset broken, at the name
And sight of thy Themistocles abash'd.
The rout is gen'ral. In the bloody chace
Five thousand slain the conquerors despoil.
Thy husband, prudent in success, preserves
Two thousand heads, all Persian, to redeem
Eretrian captives from the tyrant's bonds.
He, thus defeated, not subdu'd, retir'd
To Oreus. Pow'rful remnants of his host
He, draws within her circuit; furnish'd well
From boundless treasure, threatens there to hold
A firm defence, till, summon'd by the spring,
168
The whole confederated pow'r of Greece.
That threat Themistocles will render vain,
Exults Timothea; he unfinish'd leaves
No toil begun. Again the Locrian chief:
Exults Timothea; he unfinish'd leaves
No toil begun. Again the Locrian chief:
Now my first duty is discharg'd; the next
To Ariphilia from her guest is due.
O soft in virtue, elegantly fair,
Cleander's favour'd paranymph retains
Thy hospitable kindness ever dear;
Thine too, my gallant host, by Neptune bless'd
In his own priestess, and with brightest fame
On his own floods adorn'd. The pleasing hours
All spend in mutual gratulation sweet,
Till for the morn's solemnity they part.
To Ariphilia from her guest is due.
O soft in virtue, elegantly fair,
Cleander's favour'd paranymph retains
Thy hospitable kindness ever dear;
Thine too, my gallant host, by Neptune bless'd
In his own priestess, and with brightest fame
On his own floods adorn'd. The pleasing hours
All spend in mutual gratulation sweet,
Till for the morn's solemnity they part.
Below th' Ægalean mountain, where the king
Of humbled Asia on his golden throne
Was seated late, spectator of his shame
At Salamis, a level space extends
To Neptune's border. Green Psittalia there
Full opposite exhibits, high and large,
A new erected trophy. Twenty masts
Appear, the tallest of Phœnician pines,
In circular position. Round their base
Are massive anchors, rudders, yards, and oars,
Irregularly pil'd, with beaks of brass,
And naval sculpture from Barbarian sterns,
Stupendous by confusion. Crested helms
Above, bright mail, habergeons scal'd in gold,
And figur'd shields along the spiry wood
Up to th' aerial heads in order wind,
Tremendous emblems of gigantic Mars.
Spears, bristling through the intervals, uprear
Their points obliquely; gilded staves project
Embroider'd colours; darts and arrows hang
In glitt'ring clusters. On the topmost height
Th' imperial standard broad, from Asia won,
Blaz'd in the sun, and floated in the wind.
Of smooth Pentelic marble on the beach,
Where flow'd the brine of Salamis, a tomb
Insculptur'd rose. Achievements of that day
When Asia's navy fell, in swelling forms
Fill'd on three sides the monument. The fourth,
Unfinish'd, open'd to th' interior grave.
Of humbled Asia on his golden throne
169
At Salamis, a level space extends
To Neptune's border. Green Psittalia there
Full opposite exhibits, high and large,
A new erected trophy. Twenty masts
Appear, the tallest of Phœnician pines,
In circular position. Round their base
Are massive anchors, rudders, yards, and oars,
Irregularly pil'd, with beaks of brass,
And naval sculpture from Barbarian sterns,
Stupendous by confusion. Crested helms
Above, bright mail, habergeons scal'd in gold,
And figur'd shields along the spiry wood
Up to th' aerial heads in order wind,
Tremendous emblems of gigantic Mars.
Spears, bristling through the intervals, uprear
Their points obliquely; gilded staves project
Embroider'd colours; darts and arrows hang
In glitt'ring clusters. On the topmost height
170
Blaz'd in the sun, and floated in the wind.
Of smooth Pentelic marble on the beach,
Where flow'd the brine of Salamis, a tomb
Insculptur'd rose. Achievements of that day
When Asia's navy fell, in swelling forms
Fill'd on three sides the monument. The fourth,
Unfinish'd, open'd to th' interior grave.
Now, through Minerva's populace, who kept
Religious silence, first white-vested maids,
Who from the strand of Salamis had seen
The patriots slain, their sepulchre approach
With wreaths and garlands; then of chosen youths
A troop, whose valour had the fight surviv'd.
The younger matrons, husbands ripe in age,
Nor less in fame, succeed. Of either sex
The elders follow. Kindred of the dead
Come next, their wives, their children. Urns, which hold
The sacred ashes, are in open cars
Discover'd. One close chariot is reserv'd
For them, whose bodies fate from search conceal'd.
Last Aristides, in his civil robe,
Attracts the gazing multitude; his wheels,
Myronides, Xanthippus, Cimon great,
Aminias, Æschylus, and ev'ry chief
For prowess known attend. Around the tomb
Are plac'd the children; roses in the bud
Entwine their brows; their little grasp upholds
Green sprigs of myrtle; well instructed, all
Refrain from weeping o'er paternal dust,
Deposited by glory in the grave.
A high tribunal Aristides mounts;
Near him, on ev'ry side, are seats assign'd
To strangers held in honour. Medon there,
Leonteus, Timon, and the brother known
Of Caria's queen, Cleander, numbers more
From states ennobled in their names are seen.
The godlike man uprises; on the tomb
His eyes he fixes first; their lustre mild
He then diffuses o'er th' assembly vast,
Where not a tongue is heard, nor gesture seen.
So through unclouded skies the argent lamp
Of Dian visits with her light benign
A surface broad of water, where no breeze
Excites a swell, nor sighs among the reeds.
Religious silence, first white-vested maids,
Who from the strand of Salamis had seen
The patriots slain, their sepulchre approach
With wreaths and garlands; then of chosen youths
A troop, whose valour had the fight surviv'd.
The younger matrons, husbands ripe in age,
Nor less in fame, succeed. Of either sex
The elders follow. Kindred of the dead
Come next, their wives, their children. Urns, which hold
171
Discover'd. One close chariot is reserv'd
For them, whose bodies fate from search conceal'd.
Last Aristides, in his civil robe,
Attracts the gazing multitude; his wheels,
Myronides, Xanthippus, Cimon great,
Aminias, Æschylus, and ev'ry chief
For prowess known attend. Around the tomb
Are plac'd the children; roses in the bud
Entwine their brows; their little grasp upholds
Green sprigs of myrtle; well instructed, all
Refrain from weeping o'er paternal dust,
Deposited by glory in the grave.
A high tribunal Aristides mounts;
Near him, on ev'ry side, are seats assign'd
To strangers held in honour. Medon there,
Leonteus, Timon, and the brother known
Of Caria's queen, Cleander, numbers more
From states ennobled in their names are seen.
172
His eyes he fixes first; their lustre mild
He then diffuses o'er th' assembly vast,
Where not a tongue is heard, nor gesture seen.
So through unclouded skies the argent lamp
Of Dian visits with her light benign
A surface broad of water, where no breeze
Excites a swell, nor sighs among the reeds.
Your fathers, wise and lib'ral, he began,
Appointed public obsequies to all
Who die in battle for the public good,
Ye men of Athens. Not a groan, or tear
Must violate their ashes. These have gain'd
What all should envy; these, by virtuous death,
The height of human excellence have reach'd,
Have found the surest path to endless joy
With demigods and heroes in those fields,
Which tyrants ne'er can enter to molest
The blissful region; but are far remov'd
To realms of horror, and from righteous Jove
Endure the pains they merit from mankind.
There, if retaining, as they surely must,
The memory of things belov'd on earth,
It will enhance their happiness to know
Their offspring cherish'd, and their wives rever'd
By grateful Athens, whom their glorious fall
Exalts, whose daughters they preserv'd from shame,
Whose sons from bonds. This bliss benignant Jove,
Who loves the patriot, never can withhold
From them, who little would deserve that name,
Unless those sweetest charities they feel,
Paternal cares, and conjugal esteem,
The props of public and domestic weal.
Them to defend, Athenians, to maintain
Inviolate your altars, tombs and laws,
Let contemplation of the present rites
Give principle new strength. Behold a foe,
Who hath profan'd your ancestors in dust.
Lo! on a cross Leonidas affix'd,
His patriot bones expos'd to bleaching winds
By that Barbarian, Xerxes. Kings alone,
Obtuse of mind, illiberal, the brutes
Of human nature, can devise and act
Barbarities like these. But such a foe
Leagues Heav'n against him. Nemesis will join
With Grecian Mars, and all her furies plant
His foot on Asia's boundaries, to shake
An impious tyrant on his native throne.
Then of the patriot dead, whose swords prepar'd
Your way to glory, and achiev'd their own,
This recent tomb, when dress'd in eastern spoils,
Will best delight their manes, and proclaim
To Gods and men your gratitude and arms.
Appointed public obsequies to all
Who die in battle for the public good,
Ye men of Athens. Not a groan, or tear
Must violate their ashes. These have gain'd
What all should envy; these, by virtuous death,
The height of human excellence have reach'd,
Have found the surest path to endless joy
With demigods and heroes in those fields,
Which tyrants ne'er can enter to molest
173
To realms of horror, and from righteous Jove
Endure the pains they merit from mankind.
There, if retaining, as they surely must,
The memory of things belov'd on earth,
It will enhance their happiness to know
Their offspring cherish'd, and their wives rever'd
By grateful Athens, whom their glorious fall
Exalts, whose daughters they preserv'd from shame,
Whose sons from bonds. This bliss benignant Jove,
Who loves the patriot, never can withhold
From them, who little would deserve that name,
Unless those sweetest charities they feel,
Paternal cares, and conjugal esteem,
The props of public and domestic weal.
Them to defend, Athenians, to maintain
Inviolate your altars, tombs and laws,
Let contemplation of the present rites
Give principle new strength. Behold a foe,
174
Lo! on a cross Leonidas affix'd,
His patriot bones expos'd to bleaching winds
By that Barbarian, Xerxes. Kings alone,
Obtuse of mind, illiberal, the brutes
Of human nature, can devise and act
Barbarities like these. But such a foe
Leagues Heav'n against him. Nemesis will join
With Grecian Mars, and all her furies plant
His foot on Asia's boundaries, to shake
An impious tyrant on his native throne.
Then of the patriot dead, whose swords prepar'd
Your way to glory, and achiev'd their own,
This recent tomb, when dress'd in eastern spoils,
Will best delight their manes, and proclaim
To Gods and men your gratitude and arms.
He paus'd. Ægaleos echo'd to the found
Of acclamation; Salamis reply'd.
But as the sun, when casual clouds before
His intercepted light have pass'd away,
Renews his splendour, so the righteous man
In eloquence and counsel thus again
Breaks forth: Xanthippus, in the gales of spring,
To brave the coast Barbaric you decree;
While, on Bœotia's plains, your phalanx meets
Mardonian ranks. Now hear of wond'rous acts
To you unknown, unpromis'd, just perform'd
By an Athenian. Winter hath not slept
Inactive; your Themistocles hath rous'd
That sluggish season by the clang of war;
A force creating by his matchless art,
He hath o'erthrown fierce Demonax, and coop'd
Within his fort. Delib'rate swift, my friends,
How to assist your hero; Justice calls
On ev'ry tongue ingenuous so to style
Themistocles; who wants but slender help.
Your skill, Athenians, in surmounting walls
Excels in Greece. Select experienc'd bands;
An instantaneous effort may o'erwhelm
Beneath the ruins of his last retreat
Eubœa's scourge, whose prevalence might shut
That granary of Athens, and transfer
To Asia's num'rous camp your needful stores.
Of acclamation; Salamis reply'd.
175
His intercepted light have pass'd away,
Renews his splendour, so the righteous man
In eloquence and counsel thus again
Breaks forth: Xanthippus, in the gales of spring,
To brave the coast Barbaric you decree;
While, on Bœotia's plains, your phalanx meets
Mardonian ranks. Now hear of wond'rous acts
To you unknown, unpromis'd, just perform'd
By an Athenian. Winter hath not slept
Inactive; your Themistocles hath rous'd
That sluggish season by the clang of war;
A force creating by his matchless art,
He hath o'erthrown fierce Demonax, and coop'd
Within his fort. Delib'rate swift, my friends,
How to assist your hero; Justice calls
On ev'ry tongue ingenuous so to style
Themistocles; who wants but slender help.
Your skill, Athenians, in surmounting walls
176
An instantaneous effort may o'erwhelm
Beneath the ruins of his last retreat
Eubœa's scourge, whose prevalence might shut
That granary of Athens, and transfer
To Asia's num'rous camp your needful stores.
All in applauding admiration hear
Disinterested virtue, which exalts
A rival's merit. But thy gen'rous breast,
To all superior in sensation high
Divine Timothea, entertains a warmth
Of grateful rapture in thy lord's behalf,
Which shines confess'd. Sicinus, at her side,
Condemns his lord, who nothing would request
Of Aristides; him, who grants unask'd,
His soul adores. Aminias, rising, spake;
A fearless warrior, brother to the bard,
Like him sincere, less polish'd, learn'd and wise,
By right intention more than conduct sway'd:
Disinterested virtue, which exalts
A rival's merit. But thy gen'rous breast,
To all superior in sensation high
Divine Timothea, entertains a warmth
Of grateful rapture in thy lord's behalf,
Which shines confess'd. Sicinus, at her side,
Condemns his lord, who nothing would request
Of Aristides; him, who grants unask'd,
His soul adores. Aminias, rising, spake;
A fearless warrior, brother to the bard,
Like him sincere, less polish'd, learn'd and wise,
By right intention more than conduct sway'd:
177
Who can for all deliberate so well,
As Aristides singly? Let us fight;
But with sole pow'r of counsel and command,
Throughout this war's duration, by a law
Invest him uncontrollable. Up starts
The interrupting patriot, nor permits
The people's confidence in him to grow
In wild excess: Ne'er yet th' almighty sire
Created man of purity to hold
A trust like this. Athenians, mark my words;
I am your legal military chief;
If your immediate safety should require
An use of pow'r, unwarranted by laws,
I will exert it, not accept as law;
The censure or acquittal of my act
With you shall rest. At present I advise,
That from Phaleron Æschylus transport
Two thousand skilful vet'rans. Him the seed
Of Neocles approves; not less in arms
Than arts excelling, him your warriors prize.
Them, ere two monthly periods of the sun,
You cannot want. Thick verdure must invest
The meadows, earth her foodful stores mature,
Before Mardonius can his numbers lead
From Thessaly remote. Ere then, my friends,
Themistocles will conquer, and erect
Cecropia's standard on Orēan walls;
Your timely aid he timely will restore
To fill the army of united Greece.
As Aristides singly? Let us fight;
But with sole pow'r of counsel and command,
Throughout this war's duration, by a law
Invest him uncontrollable. Up starts
The interrupting patriot, nor permits
The people's confidence in him to grow
In wild excess: Ne'er yet th' almighty sire
Created man of purity to hold
A trust like this. Athenians, mark my words;
I am your legal military chief;
If your immediate safety should require
An use of pow'r, unwarranted by laws,
I will exert it, not accept as law;
The censure or acquittal of my act
With you shall rest. At present I advise,
That from Phaleron Æschylus transport
Two thousand skilful vet'rans. Him the seed
Of Neocles approves; not less in arms
178
Them, ere two monthly periods of the sun,
You cannot want. Thick verdure must invest
The meadows, earth her foodful stores mature,
Before Mardonius can his numbers lead
From Thessaly remote. Ere then, my friends,
Themistocles will conquer, and erect
Cecropia's standard on Orēan walls;
Your timely aid he timely will restore
To fill the army of united Greece.
The gen'ral voice assents, and all retire,
While to her home Timothea brings her guests.
To her Sicinus prudent: Not an hour,
Till I rejoin thy consort, should be lost.
She then: Most faithful, from my arm receive
This bracelet rich in gems, Barbaric spoil;
Bear this to Chalcis, to Acanthè give;
Say, how I prize her elevated mind,
Enabling my Themistocles to quell
The hateful breed of tyrants. Further say,
The man engaging her connubial hand
I should esteem the favourite of gods.
Stay; Haliartus shall the present bear.
Thou to my lord a messenger of love
Shalt go, Sicinus; words to thee I leave;
My heart thou know'st. One fervent wish impart,
That he in private, as in public ties,
With Aristides may at last unite.
While to her home Timothea brings her guests.
To her Sicinus prudent: Not an hour,
Till I rejoin thy consort, should be lost.
She then: Most faithful, from my arm receive
This bracelet rich in gems, Barbaric spoil;
Bear this to Chalcis, to Acanthè give;
Say, how I prize her elevated mind,
179
The hateful breed of tyrants. Further say,
The man engaging her connubial hand
I should esteem the favourite of gods.
Stay; Haliartus shall the present bear.
Thou to my lord a messenger of love
Shalt go, Sicinus; words to thee I leave;
My heart thou know'st. One fervent wish impart,
That he in private, as in public ties,
With Aristides may at last unite.
So spake the first of women. Trœzen's chief
Subjoin'd: Sicinus, wait till morn; embark
With these our friends of Atalantè's isle
Aboard my squadron; soon will southern gales
My succour waft, and jointly we proclaim
Brave Æschylus to follow. Let us greet
Him, who our valour into action calls
For ev'ry chief to envy; him to clasp
My bosom pants, a hero, who surmounts
The sloth of winter while so many brave
Hang up their weapons. Ariphilia heard,
Sat mute and sad. To her Timothea thus:
Subjoin'd: Sicinus, wait till morn; embark
With these our friends of Atalantè's isle
Aboard my squadron; soon will southern gales
My succour waft, and jointly we proclaim
Brave Æschylus to follow. Let us greet
Him, who our valour into action calls
For ev'ry chief to envy; him to clasp
180
The sloth of winter while so many brave
Hang up their weapons. Ariphilia heard,
Sat mute and sad. To her Timothea thus:
We, who are wives of soldiers, will remain
Together, cheerful watch for tidings dear
Of their achievements, and rejoice at home.
Together, cheerful watch for tidings dear
Of their achievements, and rejoice at home.
End of the Seventeenth Book.
181
BOOK the Eighteenth.
Three days transport Cleander and his friends;
Timoxenus admits such welcome guests,
Who bring new succours. From Chalcidic walls
Th' Athenian chief was absent. With a pace
Unstable yet, a calm, but languid mien,
To grace her father's board Acanthè leaves
Her chamber; pale, but fragrant as the rose,
Which bears the hue of lilies, she descends.
Her soon the Carian, mindful of his charge,
Thus with Timothea's salutation greets:
Timoxenus admits such welcome guests,
Who bring new succours. From Chalcidic walls
Th' Athenian chief was absent. With a pace
Unstable yet, a calm, but languid mien,
To grace her father's board Acanthè leaves
Her chamber; pale, but fragrant as the rose,
Which bears the hue of lilies, she descends.
Her soon the Carian, mindful of his charge,
Thus with Timothea's salutation greets:
182
A costly bracelet, from her beauteous arm
Th' espous'd of great Themistocles unclasp'd
On my departure, and in words like these,
Of gracious tone, deliver'd to my care:
“Bear this to Chalcis, to Acanthè give;
“Say how I prize her elevated mind,
“Enabling my Themistocles to quell
“The hateful breed of tyrants. Further say,
“The man engaging her connubial hand
“I should esteem the favourite of gods.”
Th' espous'd of great Themistocles unclasp'd
On my departure, and in words like these,
Of gracious tone, deliver'd to my care:
“Bear this to Chalcis, to Acanthè give;
“Say how I prize her elevated mind,
“Enabling my Themistocles to quell
“The hateful breed of tyrants. Further say,
“The man engaging her connubial hand
“I should esteem the favourite of gods.”
Timoxenus is pleas'd; Acanthè's cheeks
A burning blush of perturbation feel.
Not soon recov'ring from a start of thought
At the first mention of Timothea's name,
She took, she kiss'd the present, and disguis'd
Her conscious trouble under busy care
To fix the bracelet in its lovely seat.
A burning blush of perturbation feel.
Not soon recov'ring from a start of thought
At the first mention of Timothea's name,
She took, she kiss'd the present, and disguis'd
Her conscious trouble under busy care
To fix the bracelet in its lovely seat.
183
The guests are plac'd around; her presence charms
The banquet. Though the lustre of her eyes
Grief had eclips'd and sickness, though her mouth
Had lost the ruby tinct and pleasing flow,
By melancholy silence long confin'd,
Her gestures speak the graces of her soul.
The banquet. Though the lustre of her eyes
Grief had eclips'd and sickness, though her mouth
Had lost the ruby tinct and pleasing flow,
By melancholy silence long confin'd,
Her gestures speak the graces of her soul.
Trœzene's captain, lively as the lark
Whose trill preludes to nature's various voice,
Begins discourse: Perhaps, accomplish'd fair,
Thou dost not know the messenger, who brought
Timothea's present, Haliartus styl'd;
He is deriv'd from Lygdamis, a name,
Ionia boasts. His daughter, Caria's queen,
Fam'd Artemisia, heroine of Mars,
Calls Haliartus brother; but from Greece
Could never alienate his truth. His sword
From violation, in his first essay
Against Barbarian multitudes, preserv'd
Bright Amarantha, consort to the king
Of Macedon, more noble in her sire,
Who sits beside thee, Timon, Delphi's priest.
Then Medon: How unwilling do I check
Our social converse. Generous host, no tongue
Can duly praise thy hospitable roof;
Yet we must leave its pleasures; Time forbids
Our longer stay. Two thousand Locrian spears,
Three hundred Delphians Atalantè holds;
Them Æschylus arriving will expect
To find in Chalcis. Gladly shall I hail,
Timoxenus rejoins, your quick return,
To guard these walls. Themistocles is march'd
To conquer Ægæ, rather to redeem
Her state aggriev'd, which courts his guardian hand.
Whose trill preludes to nature's various voice,
Begins discourse: Perhaps, accomplish'd fair,
Thou dost not know the messenger, who brought
Timothea's present, Haliartus styl'd;
He is deriv'd from Lygdamis, a name,
Ionia boasts. His daughter, Caria's queen,
Fam'd Artemisia, heroine of Mars,
Calls Haliartus brother; but from Greece
Could never alienate his truth. His sword
From violation, in his first essay
Against Barbarian multitudes, preserv'd
184
Of Macedon, more noble in her sire,
Who sits beside thee, Timon, Delphi's priest.
Then Medon: How unwilling do I check
Our social converse. Generous host, no tongue
Can duly praise thy hospitable roof;
Yet we must leave its pleasures; Time forbids
Our longer stay. Two thousand Locrian spears,
Three hundred Delphians Atalantè holds;
Them Æschylus arriving will expect
To find in Chalcis. Gladly shall I hail,
Timoxenus rejoins, your quick return,
To guard these walls. Themistocles is march'd
To conquer Ægæ, rather to redeem
Her state aggriev'd, which courts his guardian hand.
Sicinus here: Illustrious men, farewell;
In Ægæ soon Themistocles shall know
Of your arrival. Instant he began,
All night pursu'd his course, and saw the morn
Shine on that city yielded to his lord.
To him Sicinus counts the pow'rful aids
Expected, large of Aristides speaks,
Large of Timothea; in a rapt'rous style
Dwells on her wish for amity to bind
The two Cecropian heroes. Glad replies
Themistocles: On every new event
She rises lovelier, more endear'd; her worth
Shall meliorate her husband. I obey,
Content on this wide universe to see
Myself the second, Aristides first;
For still he tow'rs above me. Didst thou say,
Cleander, Medon, were already come,
That Æschylus was coming? All their force
I want, Sicinus; listen to my tale.
In Ægæ soon Themistocles shall know
Of your arrival. Instant he began,
All night pursu'd his course, and saw the morn
185
To him Sicinus counts the pow'rful aids
Expected, large of Aristides speaks,
Large of Timothea; in a rapt'rous style
Dwells on her wish for amity to bind
The two Cecropian heroes. Glad replies
Themistocles: On every new event
She rises lovelier, more endear'd; her worth
Shall meliorate her husband. I obey,
Content on this wide universe to see
Myself the second, Aristides first;
For still he tow'rs above me. Didst thou say,
Cleander, Medon, were already come,
That Æschylus was coming? All their force
I want, Sicinus; listen to my tale.
Last night an ancient personage, unknown,
I length of beard most awful, not unlike
Tisander, ask'd an audience, and obtain'd
My private ear. Themistocles, he said,
If I deliver tidings, which import
Thy present safety, and thy future weal,
I shall exact thy promise in the name
Of all the gods and goddesses to wave
Enquiry, whence I come, or who I am.
First know, that Mindarus, the Persian chief
In Oreus, newly for Thessalia's coast
Embark'd, whose neighb'ring Pagasæan cape
Looks on Eubœa. He this day return'd,
And reinforcement from Mardonius brought,
Ten thousand spears. Thessalia hath supply'd
Three thousand more. An army huge defends
Th' Orēan circuit. Further be inform'd
That sev'n Geræstian homicides are sworn
To thy destruction. By their secret wiles
The house of rich Timoxenus was fir'd;
Them in the field hereafter, all combin'd
Against thy head, their sable arms will shew;
The hideous impress on their shields is death.
Farewell, thou hero; if my parting step
Thou trace, farewell for ever; else be sure
Again to see me in thy greatest need.
I length of beard most awful, not unlike
Tisander, ask'd an audience, and obtain'd
186
If I deliver tidings, which import
Thy present safety, and thy future weal,
I shall exact thy promise in the name
Of all the gods and goddesses to wave
Enquiry, whence I come, or who I am.
First know, that Mindarus, the Persian chief
In Oreus, newly for Thessalia's coast
Embark'd, whose neighb'ring Pagasæan cape
Looks on Eubœa. He this day return'd,
And reinforcement from Mardonius brought,
Ten thousand spears. Thessalia hath supply'd
Three thousand more. An army huge defends
Th' Orēan circuit. Further be inform'd
That sev'n Geræstian homicides are sworn
To thy destruction. By their secret wiles
The house of rich Timoxenus was fir'd;
Them in the field hereafter, all combin'd
Against thy head, their sable arms will shew;
187
Farewell, thou hero; if my parting step
Thou trace, farewell for ever; else be sure
Again to see me in thy greatest need.
In mystery, Sicinus, not of heav'n,
But human art, immers'd is some event,
Which mocks my utmost fathom; but my course
Is plain. In fruitless search I waste no thought,
Who, as my servant, smiling fortune use,
Nor yet am hers, Sicinus, when she frowns.
Now mark: One passage winds among the hills
Encircling Oreus. When the vanquish'd foe
Her bulwarks sought for shelter, I detach'd
Eretrian Cleon, Hyacinthus brave,
And with Carystian bands Nicanor staid,
Who unoppos'd the strong defile secur'd;
There shall my banner, strengthen'd by the youth
Of Ægæ, soon be planted; there shall wait,
Till each auxiliar, thou hast nam'd, arrive,
Then pour on Demonax the storm of war.
Let Trœzen's squadron and th' Athenian ride
Before his port, Cleander have the charge.
Speed back to Chalcis; publish these resolves.
But human art, immers'd is some event,
Which mocks my utmost fathom; but my course
Is plain. In fruitless search I waste no thought,
Who, as my servant, smiling fortune use,
Nor yet am hers, Sicinus, when she frowns.
Now mark: One passage winds among the hills
Encircling Oreus. When the vanquish'd foe
Her bulwarks sought for shelter, I detach'd
Eretrian Cleon, Hyacinthus brave,
And with Carystian bands Nicanor staid,
Who unoppos'd the strong defile secur'd;
There shall my banner, strengthen'd by the youth
Of Ægæ, soon be planted; there shall wait,
188
Then pour on Demonax the storm of war.
Let Trœzen's squadron and th' Athenian ride
Before his port, Cleander have the charge.
Speed back to Chalcis; publish these resolves.
They part. Not long Themistocles delay'd
To gain the mountains; nor three days were pass'd
When brave Nearchus, Haliartus bold,
Th' illustrious brothers of Oïlean race,
Great Æschylus and Timon, with their bands
Arriv'd, and join'd him at the strong defile
Which now contain'd his whole collected force.
Thence he descended on a morning fair,
First of that month, which frequent sees the sun
Through vernal show'rs, distill'd from tepid clouds,
Diffuse prolific beams o'er moisten'd earth
To dress her lap, exuberant and fresh,
With flow'rs and verdure. Terrible the bands
Succeeding bands expatiate o'er the fields.
So when an earthquake rives a mountain's side,
Where stagnant water, gather'd and confin'd
Within a deep vacuity of rock,
For centuries hath slept, releas'd, the floods
In roaring cataracts impetuous fall;
They roll before them shepherds and their flocks,
Herds and their keepers; cottage, fold and stall,
Promiscuous ruins floating on the stream,
Are borne to plains remote. Now Oreus lifts
Her stately tow'rs in sight. Three myriads arm'd
Before the walls hath Demonax arrang'd
In proud defiance. So, at first o'erthrown,
Antæus huge, uprising in his might
Fresh and redoubled by his parent earth,
Return'd to combat with Alcmena's seed.
To gain the mountains; nor three days were pass'd
When brave Nearchus, Haliartus bold,
Th' illustrious brothers of Oïlean race,
Great Æschylus and Timon, with their bands
Arriv'd, and join'd him at the strong defile
Which now contain'd his whole collected force.
Thence he descended on a morning fair,
First of that month, which frequent sees the sun
Through vernal show'rs, distill'd from tepid clouds,
Diffuse prolific beams o'er moisten'd earth
To dress her lap, exuberant and fresh,
With flow'rs and verdure. Terrible the bands
Succeeding bands expatiate o'er the fields.
189
Where stagnant water, gather'd and confin'd
Within a deep vacuity of rock,
For centuries hath slept, releas'd, the floods
In roaring cataracts impetuous fall;
They roll before them shepherds and their flocks,
Herds and their keepers; cottage, fold and stall,
Promiscuous ruins floating on the stream,
Are borne to plains remote. Now Oreus lifts
Her stately tow'rs in sight. Three myriads arm'd
Before the walls hath Demonax arrang'd
In proud defiance. So, at first o'erthrown,
Antæus huge, uprising in his might
Fresh and redoubled by his parent earth,
Return'd to combat with Alcmena's seed.
Wide stretch'd th' Orēan van; the wary son
Of Neocles to equal that extent
Spread his inferiour number. By a front
Not depth of line the tyrant he deceiv'd;
But of Athenian veterans he form'd
A square battalion, which the martial bard
Rang'd on the sea-beat verge; the other wing
Is Medon's charge, where thirty shields in file
Compose the Locrian column. Ere the word
Is giv'n for onset, thus his wonted guard
Themistocles addresses: If a troop
In sable cuirass, and with shields impress'd
By death's grim figure, at my head should aim,
Let them assail me; be it then your care,
Postponing other duty, to surround,
To seize and bear them captives from the fight.
Of Neocles to equal that extent
Spread his inferiour number. By a front
190
But of Athenian veterans he form'd
A square battalion, which the martial bard
Rang'd on the sea-beat verge; the other wing
Is Medon's charge, where thirty shields in file
Compose the Locrian column. Ere the word
Is giv'n for onset, thus his wonted guard
Themistocles addresses: If a troop
In sable cuirass, and with shields impress'd
By death's grim figure, at my head should aim,
Let them assail me; be it then your care,
Postponing other duty, to surround,
To seize and bear them captives from the fight.
He march'd; himself the cent'ral phalanx led;
The floating crimson of his plumage known,
Minerva's bird his crest, whose terrors shook
The bloody field of Chalcis, soon proclaim
Themistocles. Now targets clash with shields;
Barbarian sabres with Cecropian swords,
Euboean spears with spears in sudden shock,
Bellona mingles. Medon first o'erthrew
Thessalia's line, his temp'rate mind was stung
By indignation; Timon bath'd his lance
In their perfidious blood; Leonteus gor'd
Their dissipated ranks. A chosen troop
To their assistance Lamachus advanc'd;
Him Haliartus met; his sinewy arm,
Which could have quell'd Lycaon, first of wolves,
The Erymanthian, or Ætolian boar,
Smote to the ground the miscreant's bulk deform'd,
Whose band, recoiling, leave the victor space
To drag him captive. Rout and carnage sweep
That shatter'd wing before th' Oïlean swords;
Not with less vigour Æschylus o'erturn'd
The other. Mindarus in vain oppos'd
Undaunted efforts. Pallas seem'd to fire
Her own Athenians; Neptune, in the shape
Of Æschylus, seem'd landed from his conch
To war, as once on Troy's Sigæan strand;
Or to have arm'd the warrior-poet's grasp
With that strong weapon, which can rock the earth.
Not in the center suddenly prevail'd
Themistocles; the sev'n Geræstians, leagu'd
By hell, combining their assassin points
Against the hero, for a while delay'd
His progress; firmly their united blows
His shield receiv'd. So Hercules endur'd
The sev'nfold stroke of Hydra; but the zeal
Of Iolaüs to assist that god
In his tremendous labour, was surpass'd
By each Athenian, each Laconian guard,
Who never left Themistocles. They watch'd
The fav'ring moment; with a hundred spears
They hedg'd the traitors round, forbade escape,
Clasp'd and convey'd them living from the field.
The floating crimson of his plumage known,
Minerva's bird his crest, whose terrors shook
The bloody field of Chalcis, soon proclaim
Themistocles. Now targets clash with shields;
191
Euboean spears with spears in sudden shock,
Bellona mingles. Medon first o'erthrew
Thessalia's line, his temp'rate mind was stung
By indignation; Timon bath'd his lance
In their perfidious blood; Leonteus gor'd
Their dissipated ranks. A chosen troop
To their assistance Lamachus advanc'd;
Him Haliartus met; his sinewy arm,
Which could have quell'd Lycaon, first of wolves,
The Erymanthian, or Ætolian boar,
Smote to the ground the miscreant's bulk deform'd,
Whose band, recoiling, leave the victor space
To drag him captive. Rout and carnage sweep
That shatter'd wing before th' Oïlean swords;
Not with less vigour Æschylus o'erturn'd
The other. Mindarus in vain oppos'd
Undaunted efforts. Pallas seem'd to fire
Her own Athenians; Neptune, in the shape
192
To war, as once on Troy's Sigæan strand;
Or to have arm'd the warrior-poet's grasp
With that strong weapon, which can rock the earth.
Not in the center suddenly prevail'd
Themistocles; the sev'n Geræstians, leagu'd
By hell, combining their assassin points
Against the hero, for a while delay'd
His progress; firmly their united blows
His shield receiv'd. So Hercules endur'd
The sev'nfold stroke of Hydra; but the zeal
Of Iolaüs to assist that god
In his tremendous labour, was surpass'd
By each Athenian, each Laconian guard,
Who never left Themistocles. They watch'd
The fav'ring moment; with a hundred spears
They hedg'd the traitors round, forbade escape,
Clasp'd and convey'd them living from the field.
193
Still Demonax resists; while near him tow'rs
Ariobarzanes, moving rock of war
In weight and stature. Of Eubœans, forc'd
By savage pow'r to battle, numbers low'r
Surrend'ring banners, some to Cleon, some
To humble Styra's well-conducted sword,
And thine, sad youth, a while by glory taught
To strive with anguish, and suspend despair,
Cleora's husband. Mindarus appears,
Who warns the tyrant timely to retreat,
Ere quite envelop'd by the wheeling files
Of Æschylus and Medon. Lo! in front,
More dang'rous still, amid selected ranks,
Themistocles. The monster gnash'd his teeth;
His impious voice, with execrations hoarse,
Assail'd the heav'nly thrones; his buckler firm
He grasp'd, receding to th' Orēan wall;
Where, under vaulted sheets of missive arms
Whirl'd on his fierce pursuers, through the gates
He rush'd to shelter. Thus a mighty boar,
Of Calydonian strength, long held at bay,
The hunter's point evading, and the fangs
Of staunchest hounds, with undiminish'd ire
Red in his eyes, and foaming from his jaws,
Impetuous plunges in accustom'd woods.
Ariobarzanes, moving rock of war
In weight and stature. Of Eubœans, forc'd
By savage pow'r to battle, numbers low'r
Surrend'ring banners, some to Cleon, some
To humble Styra's well-conducted sword,
And thine, sad youth, a while by glory taught
To strive with anguish, and suspend despair,
Cleora's husband. Mindarus appears,
Who warns the tyrant timely to retreat,
Ere quite envelop'd by the wheeling files
Of Æschylus and Medon. Lo! in front,
More dang'rous still, amid selected ranks,
Themistocles. The monster gnash'd his teeth;
His impious voice, with execrations hoarse,
Assail'd the heav'nly thrones; his buckler firm
He grasp'd, receding to th' Orēan wall;
Where, under vaulted sheets of missive arms
Whirl'd on his fierce pursuers, through the gates
194
Of Calydonian strength, long held at bay,
The hunter's point evading, and the fangs
Of staunchest hounds, with undiminish'd ire
Red in his eyes, and foaming from his jaws,
Impetuous plunges in accustom'd woods.
Th' Athenian chief, who sees th' incessant storms
Of darts and arrows from the rampart's height,
Retreats; but swift his numbers, now enlarg'd
By yielding thousands of Eubœan race,
Distributes round th' invested town to guard
Each avenue and station. From the sea
Cleander threatens. In his evening tent
The gen'ral views the captives; frowns condemn
The sev'n Geræstians to their former chains.
The hero smiles on Lamachus, the prize
Of Haliartus, and familiar thus:
Of darts and arrows from the rampart's height,
Retreats; but swift his numbers, now enlarg'd
By yielding thousands of Eubœan race,
Distributes round th' invested town to guard
Each avenue and station. From the sea
Cleander threatens. In his evening tent
The gen'ral views the captives; frowns condemn
The sev'n Geræstians to their former chains.
The hero smiles on Lamachus, the prize
Of Haliartus, and familiar thus:
195
Again, my Tyrian trafficker in slaves,
I greet thee: Son of Lygdamis, what praise
To thy distinguish'd efforts is not due?
This precious head to my disposal yield.
He then proceeds to Lamachus apart:
I greet thee: Son of Lygdamis, what praise
To thy distinguish'd efforts is not due?
This precious head to my disposal yield.
He then proceeds to Lamachus apart:
Now take thy freedom, villain; to my use
See thou employ it, else expect to die.
Your land, remember, and your sea are mine;
Soon on the head of Demonax this arm
Shall dash yon bulwarks; what I speak is fate.
Thou hast thy option, go. Sicinus, hear;
This man is free; conduct him through the camp.
See thou employ it, else expect to die.
Your land, remember, and your sea are mine;
Soon on the head of Demonax this arm
Shall dash yon bulwarks; what I speak is fate.
Thou hast thy option, go. Sicinus, hear;
This man is free; conduct him through the camp.
Now from his friends sequester'd, on a couch,
Which never care disturbs, he slept till dawn,
When, rous'd by heralds from the town, again
The leaders he conven'd. Before them came
Arbactus, fierce Barbarian, who began:
Which never care disturbs, he slept till dawn,
When, rous'd by heralds from the town, again
The leaders he conven'd. Before them came
Arbactus, fierce Barbarian, who began:
196
Themistocles of Athens, in the name
Of Mindarus the Persian, I defy
Thy arm to combat in the listed field;
The same defiance to thy boldest chiefs
Ariobarzanes sends. If you prevail,
The royal host shall quit Eubœa's isle,
Which shall submit to Xerxes if you fall.
Of Mindarus the Persian, I defy
Thy arm to combat in the listed field;
The same defiance to thy boldest chiefs
Ariobarzanes sends. If you prevail,
The royal host shall quit Eubœa's isle,
Which shall submit to Xerxes if you fall.
Up Hyacinthus, Haliartus, start
Indignant. First the young Carystian spake:
Indignant. First the young Carystian spake:
Are they so gross in ignorance to hope,
Themistocles will stoop to single fight
With twice-o'erthrown Barbarians, who, unsafe
Behind a rampart, tremble at his pow'r?
But if the Persian Mindarus would try
A Grecian's single valour, O permit,
Themistocles, thy soldier to assert
The Grecian fame. The friend of Medon next:
Themistocles will stoop to single fight
With twice-o'erthrown Barbarians, who, unsafe
Behind a rampart, tremble at his pow'r?
But if the Persian Mindarus would try
A Grecian's single valour, O permit,
Themistocles, thy soldier to assert
The Grecian fame. The friend of Medon next:
197
The same permission I implore, O chief,
Invincible thyself; that all this host
May witness my fidelity to Greece.
Invincible thyself; that all this host
May witness my fidelity to Greece.
Themistocles subjoins: Barbarian, go,
Provide thy champions; ours thou seest prepar'd
For honour, not decision of the doom
Reserv'd for Demonax; whose final lot
Lies in my breast alone. The herald back
To Oreus speeds. The prudent chief pursues:
Provide thy champions; ours thou seest prepar'd
For honour, not decision of the doom
Reserv'd for Demonax; whose final lot
Lies in my breast alone. The herald back
To Oreus speeds. The prudent chief pursues:
My Hyacinthus, all thy wrongs I feel;
But, if resentment can afford the grace
I ask thee, lend to policy thy arm:
Take Mindarus thy captive. From thy proofs
Of might and firmness, Haliartus brave,
My wish is lifted high in hope to see
Ariobarzanes gasping at thy feet.
But, if resentment can afford the grace
I ask thee, lend to policy thy arm:
Take Mindarus thy captive. From thy proofs
Of might and firmness, Haliartus brave,
My wish is lifted high in hope to see
Ariobarzanes gasping at thy feet.
198
He rises. Straight embattled on the plain,
His army shews a formidable gleam
To Demonax. Still num'rous for defence
Barbarian warriors, and Thessalian, throng
The battlements of Oreus. Through the gates,
In solemn pace and slow, a herald train
Precede their champions. Heralds from the camp
Produce th' illustrious Haliartus clad
In richest arms, the gift of Caria's queen;
A twig of slend'rest laurel, twisted round
A shepherd's crook, in portraiture adorn'd
His modest buckler. Grim his foe advanc'd
In mail blood-colour'd, with a targe of gold,
Ariobarzanes. Hyacinthus next
Appears in tried habiliments of war,
Which on his dearest patron Mars had seen
In Marathonian fields. A plumage black,
Denoting grief, he carries; on his shield
A female image, and the form of Death,
Who blasts her graces. Mindarus approach'd
In armour studded bright with orient gems;
His buckler too a shape of beauty pale,
Stretch'd on a fun'ral pyre, exhibits sad;
Of pearl her limbs, of rubies were the flames.
Ere they engage, the Persian warrior thus:
His army shews a formidable gleam
To Demonax. Still num'rous for defence
Barbarian warriors, and Thessalian, throng
The battlements of Oreus. Through the gates,
In solemn pace and slow, a herald train
Precede their champions. Heralds from the camp
Produce th' illustrious Haliartus clad
In richest arms, the gift of Caria's queen;
A twig of slend'rest laurel, twisted round
A shepherd's crook, in portraiture adorn'd
His modest buckler. Grim his foe advanc'd
In mail blood-colour'd, with a targe of gold,
Ariobarzanes. Hyacinthus next
Appears in tried habiliments of war,
Which on his dearest patron Mars had seen
In Marathonian fields. A plumage black,
Denoting grief, he carries; on his shield
A female image, and the form of Death,
199
In armour studded bright with orient gems;
His buckler too a shape of beauty pale,
Stretch'd on a fun'ral pyre, exhibits sad;
Of pearl her limbs, of rubies were the flames.
Ere they engage, the Persian warrior thus:
Since my encounter, whether through disdain
Or policy I know not, is refus'd
By your commander, not through fear I know,
Do thou in courtesy disclose thy name,
Thy rank in Grecian armies. May'st thou prove
In lustre such as Mindarus would chuse
To be th' opponent of a satrap's arm.
Or policy I know not, is refus'd
By your commander, not through fear I know,
Do thou in courtesy disclose thy name,
Thy rank in Grecian armies. May'st thou prove
In lustre such as Mindarus would chuse
To be th' opponent of a satrap's arm.
Then tremble, satrap, at my name, the name
Of Hyacinthus, fierce the youth returns;
Cleora's husband, whom thy barb'rous love
Hath wrong'd, whom hell-born Demonax hath damn'd
To ever-during torment, shakes this lance,
By vengeance pointed and invet'rate hate.
Of Hyacinthus, fierce the youth returns;
Cleora's husband, whom thy barb'rous love
Hath wrong'd, whom hell-born Demonax hath damn'd
200
By vengeance pointed and invet'rate hate.
Young man, rejoins the Persian, on thy grief
I drop a pitying tear, while thou dost wrong
Me clear of wrong to thee. No barb'rous love
Was mine; unconscious of your nuptial tie,
Till she confess'd it to her savage sire,
My flame was holy; not a thought impure
To violate a right could taint my breast.
But that I lov'd her, Hyacinthus, sure
He, who her dear perfections knew so well,
Must wave his wonder; that her fate o'erwhelms
My spirit, never to revive, I feel;
That my disastrous passion caus'd her doom,
Blame both our fortunes, not my guiltless heart.
If yet thy anguish can a moment look
Compassionate on me—but I forgive
Unjust reproaches from a grief like thine,
Which should, which must exceed my own, my own
Exceeding after thine all other woe.
I drop a pitying tear, while thou dost wrong
Me clear of wrong to thee. No barb'rous love
Was mine; unconscious of your nuptial tie,
Till she confess'd it to her savage sire,
My flame was holy; not a thought impure
To violate a right could taint my breast.
But that I lov'd her, Hyacinthus, sure
He, who her dear perfections knew so well,
Must wave his wonder; that her fate o'erwhelms
My spirit, never to revive, I feel;
That my disastrous passion caus'd her doom,
Blame both our fortunes, not my guiltless heart.
If yet thy anguish can a moment look
Compassionate on me—but I forgive
Unjust reproaches from a grief like thine,
201
Exceeding after thine all other woe.
Now Hyacinthus melted, but observ'd,
That during this sad interview the spear
Of Haliartus at his feet had laid
Ariobarzanes dead. Heart-stung by shame
At his inaction, with so many chiefs,
With such an army, and the godlike son
Of Neocles spectators, he begins
The fight, but recollects that friend's request.
The Persian more effeminate desponds
At past defeats, and present grief renew'd,
Whose weight, though lighter, he less firmly bore,
Than did the hardy Greek his heavier share
Of woe. Yet fearless he maintains the strife
With native force devoid of gymnic skill,
In which confiding Hyacinthus oft
Inverts his spear, and levels bloodless strokes,
Still vigilant to ward the hostile point,
Oft o'er his buckler glancing, though impell'd
By active strength. At last a pond'rous blow
Full on the Persian's front descends; a groan
Is heard throughout the rampart as he falls;
The groan redoubles, as the victor bears
That leader captive to th' investing camp.
That during this sad interview the spear
Of Haliartus at his feet had laid
Ariobarzanes dead. Heart-stung by shame
At his inaction, with so many chiefs,
With such an army, and the godlike son
Of Neocles spectators, he begins
The fight, but recollects that friend's request.
The Persian more effeminate desponds
At past defeats, and present grief renew'd,
Whose weight, though lighter, he less firmly bore,
Than did the hardy Greek his heavier share
Of woe. Yet fearless he maintains the strife
With native force devoid of gymnic skill,
In which confiding Hyacinthus oft
Inverts his spear, and levels bloodless strokes,
202
Oft o'er his buckler glancing, though impell'd
By active strength. At last a pond'rous blow
Full on the Persian's front descends; a groan
Is heard throughout the rampart as he falls;
The groan redoubles, as the victor bears
That leader captive to th' investing camp.
To his own tent Themistocles admits
The Persian's batter'd, but unwounded limbs;
He praises Hyacinthus; he consoles
The noble foe, commends to healing rest,
And at returning morn salutes him thus:
The Persian's batter'd, but unwounded limbs;
He praises Hyacinthus; he consoles
The noble foe, commends to healing rest,
And at returning morn salutes him thus:
If thee unransom'd, Mindarus, I send
To Oreus, canst thou pity her estate
Curs'd in a monster? Canst thou feel the wound
Of thy own glory longer to support
The worst of men, excluded by his crimes
From heav'n's protection, and the laws of faith?
Wilt thou, to spare whole rivulets of blood
Greek and Barbarian, render to my arms
The town, and thus procure thyself a name
To live sor ever, by a righteous act,
Delighting gods and mortals? Thee my ships
Shall land in safety on thy native shore;
The king will praise thee for his army sav'd,
Which shall partake my clemency. Reject
All hope, good Persian, to withstand my arm;
I am Themistocles. The satrap starts
From languor thus: Athenian, I confess
Thy greatness, thy ascendency have felt;
But will endure, whate'er a victor's pow'r
Inflicts on captives, rather than pollute
My loyal faith to Xerxes; from my king
I took my charge, and never will betray.
The crimes of Demonax I know; myself
Have prov'd their horrors in Cleora's fate,
I lov'd, ador'd her excellence; her thread
His impious rage dissever'd; on her tomb
My tears have daily flow'd. Retain me still
Thy captive, never to revisit more
Her father's hateful mansion. Heav'n permit,
By thy vindictive arm, but heav'n forbid,
That ever by disloyalty of mine,
Th' infernal author of her death may fall.
To Oreus, canst thou pity her estate
Curs'd in a monster? Canst thou feel the wound
Of thy own glory longer to support
The worst of men, excluded by his crimes
203
Wilt thou, to spare whole rivulets of blood
Greek and Barbarian, render to my arms
The town, and thus procure thyself a name
To live sor ever, by a righteous act,
Delighting gods and mortals? Thee my ships
Shall land in safety on thy native shore;
The king will praise thee for his army sav'd,
Which shall partake my clemency. Reject
All hope, good Persian, to withstand my arm;
I am Themistocles. The satrap starts
From languor thus: Athenian, I confess
Thy greatness, thy ascendency have felt;
But will endure, whate'er a victor's pow'r
Inflicts on captives, rather than pollute
My loyal faith to Xerxes; from my king
I took my charge, and never will betray.
The crimes of Demonax I know; myself
Have prov'd their horrors in Cleora's fate,
204
His impious rage dissever'd; on her tomb
My tears have daily flow'd. Retain me still
Thy captive, never to revisit more
Her father's hateful mansion. Heav'n permit,
By thy vindictive arm, but heav'n forbid,
That ever by disloyalty of mine,
Th' infernal author of her death may fall.
The barbarism of loyalty, which binds
Men to a monarch, but the monarch leaves
Free to his lusts, his cruelty and rage,
Th' enlighten'd Greek despis'd, yet now deplor'd
In one by nature gifted to deserve
A better lot from heav'n. Not less aware
Of democratic jealousy, which hurls
From fortune's summit heroes to the dust,
He press'd no further, cautious not to wound
A gallant mind, whose friendship won he meant
To use in wants, such fortune might create.
He leaves Sicinus near him; while his care
Exhausts the light in traversing the camp
To view the works. His evening orders hold
Each band in arms; while anxious in his tent
He sits deep-musing, whether to attempt
The town that night by storm, or patient wait
For some event less bloody, casual boon
Of time and fortune. Wasteful is delay,
But precious too his soldiers; such brave lives
The full completion of his vast design
Requires. Thus, dubious, till the second watch
Throughout the camp is toll'd, and clouded heav'n
Drops down her sable veil, he sits; when lo!
Before him stands his monitor unknown,
The venerable figure, which he saw
At Ægæ. Staid Sicinus is the guide,
Who swift retires, but watches faithful nigh.
Men to a monarch, but the monarch leaves
Free to his lusts, his cruelty and rage,
Th' enlighten'd Greek despis'd, yet now deplor'd
In one by nature gifted to deserve
A better lot from heav'n. Not less aware
Of democratic jealousy, which hurls
From fortune's summit heroes to the dust,
He press'd no further, cautious not to wound
A gallant mind, whose friendship won he meant
205
He leaves Sicinus near him; while his care
Exhausts the light in traversing the camp
To view the works. His evening orders hold
Each band in arms; while anxious in his tent
He sits deep-musing, whether to attempt
The town that night by storm, or patient wait
For some event less bloody, casual boon
Of time and fortune. Wasteful is delay,
But precious too his soldiers; such brave lives
The full completion of his vast design
Requires. Thus, dubious, till the second watch
Throughout the camp is toll'd, and clouded heav'n
Drops down her sable veil, he sits; when lo!
Before him stands his monitor unknown,
The venerable figure, which he saw
At Ægæ. Staid Sicinus is the guide,
Who swift retires, but watches faithful nigh.
206
Themistocles, the stranger solemn spake;
Thee I have trusted, thou hast trusted me,
Nor either hath repented. Who I am,
Now learn. By friendship's sacred ties, by blood
To thy best friend Eudora I am bound,
Elephenor am call'd, pontific seer
Of Jupiter in Oreus. Timely warn'd
By her most urgent mandate to repose
All confidence in thee, and lend my aid,
Nor less admonish'd by Tisander sage,
I help'd thee first with counsel; now I bring
Effectual succour. Demonax, though foil'd,
Hath still a pow'rful remnant of his host
To man his walls, and desp'rate will defend.
Select two thousand spears; avoid delay;
A secret passage, known to holy steps
Alone, o'er town and tyrant will complete
Thy bloodless conquest. Swift the Attic chief:
Thee I have trusted, thou hast trusted me,
Nor either hath repented. Who I am,
Now learn. By friendship's sacred ties, by blood
To thy best friend Eudora I am bound,
Elephenor am call'd, pontific seer
Of Jupiter in Oreus. Timely warn'd
By her most urgent mandate to repose
All confidence in thee, and lend my aid,
Nor less admonish'd by Tisander sage,
I help'd thee first with counsel; now I bring
Effectual succour. Demonax, though foil'd,
Hath still a pow'rful remnant of his host
To man his walls, and desp'rate will defend.
Select two thousand spears; avoid delay;
A secret passage, known to holy steps
Alone, o'er town and tyrant will complete
Thy bloodless conquest. Swift the Attic chief:
207
O father! sacred in my ear the sound
Of good Tisander's, great Eudora's names;
Thy former warnings I have prov'd sincere
To merit gratitude and trust. He calls
Sicinus, bids him summon all the chiefs
Of Locris and Carystus; they appear.
To Hyacinthus and Nicanor then
Themistocles: Attend with all your bands
This rev'rend guide; intelligence transmit
As you advance. His orders are perform'd.
Next he exhorts th' Oïlean brethren thus,
Nor passes favour'd Haliartus by:
Of good Tisander's, great Eudora's names;
Thy former warnings I have prov'd sincere
To merit gratitude and trust. He calls
Sicinus, bids him summon all the chiefs
Of Locris and Carystus; they appear.
To Hyacinthus and Nicanor then
Themistocles: Attend with all your bands
This rev'rend guide; intelligence transmit
As you advance. His orders are perform'd.
Next he exhorts th' Oïlean brethren thus,
Nor passes favour'd Haliartus by:
You with your Locrians follow to support
These friends, lest ambush and deception lurk
Beneath a promise of assur'd success.
These friends, lest ambush and deception lurk
Beneath a promise of assur'd success.
This said, himself forth issues to prepare
The gen'ral host for action, ev'n that night,
If fair occasion summons, when he meets
Trœzene's leader. Is Cleander here,
Themistocles began? Momentous sure,
The cause which sends thee from thy naval charge.
The gen'ral host for action, ev'n that night,
208
Trœzene's leader. Is Cleander here,
Themistocles began? Momentous sure,
The cause which sends thee from thy naval charge.
To him Cleander: Anchor'd as I lay,
A slender skiff, when darkness first prevail'd,
Approach'd my galley. To an earnest suit
For conference I listen'd, and receiv'd
On board a man of Oreus, all in limbs
Deform'd, in lineaments all rude, whose name
Is Lamachus. To render up this night
A sep'rate sort he proffers, which commands
The town and harbour, if thy faith be pledg'd
Him and Thessalia's garrison to land
Safe on her neighb'ring coast. Thy will to learn
I come, he waits. His proffer I accept,
Rejoins th' alert Athenian, and the doom,
I had prepar'd for those degen'rate Greeks,
Postpone. Cleander to his station flies.
Serene th' Athenian in array contains
His army cool, with expectation mute.
So, in deceitful quiet oft the main
Before the glazing light of Dian spreads
A mirrour smooth; the ruler of the winds
Anon from troubled clouds, and ocean's god
From his tempestuous chariot, give the sign
For wild commotion; then the surging brine
Assails the loftiest tops of reeling masts,
Foams on the rocks, and deluges the beach.
A slender skiff, when darkness first prevail'd,
Approach'd my galley. To an earnest suit
For conference I listen'd, and receiv'd
On board a man of Oreus, all in limbs
Deform'd, in lineaments all rude, whose name
Is Lamachus. To render up this night
A sep'rate sort he proffers, which commands
The town and harbour, if thy faith be pledg'd
Him and Thessalia's garrison to land
Safe on her neighb'ring coast. Thy will to learn
I come, he waits. His proffer I accept,
Rejoins th' alert Athenian, and the doom,
I had prepar'd for those degen'rate Greeks,
209
Serene th' Athenian in array contains
His army cool, with expectation mute.
So, in deceitful quiet oft the main
Before the glazing light of Dian spreads
A mirrour smooth; the ruler of the winds
Anon from troubled clouds, and ocean's god
From his tempestuous chariot, give the sign
For wild commotion; then the surging brine
Assails the loftiest tops of reeling masts,
Foams on the rocks, and deluges the beach.
End of the Eighteenth Book.
210
BOOK the Nineteenth.
The morning breaks; Nicanor sudden greets
The gen'ral; welcome tidings in these words
He utters loud: The citadel is won,
The tyrant slaughter'd. With our sacred guide
A rugged, winding track, in brambles hid,
Half up a crag we climb'd; there, stooping low,
A narrow cleft we enter'd; mazy still
We trod through dusky bowels of a rock,
While our conductor gather'd, as he stepp'd,
A clue, which careful in his hand he coil'd.
Our spears we trail'd; each soldier held the skirt
Of his preceding comrade. We attain'd
An iron wicket, where the ending line
Was fasten'd; thence a long and steep ascent
Was hewn in steps; suspended on the sides,
Bright rows of tapers cheer'd our eyes with light.
We reach'd the top; there lifting o'er his head
A staff, against two horizontal valves
Our leader smote, which open'd at the sound.
Behind me Hyacinthus on the rock
Sunk sudden down, pronouncing in his fall
Cleora; I on Hyacinthus call'd.
The gen'ral; welcome tidings in these words
He utters loud: The citadel is won,
The tyrant slaughter'd. With our sacred guide
A rugged, winding track, in brambles hid,
Half up a crag we climb'd; there, stooping low,
A narrow cleft we enter'd; mazy still
We trod through dusky bowels of a rock,
While our conductor gather'd, as he stepp'd,
211
Our spears we trail'd; each soldier held the skirt
Of his preceding comrade. We attain'd
An iron wicket, where the ending line
Was fasten'd; thence a long and steep ascent
Was hewn in steps; suspended on the sides,
Bright rows of tapers cheer'd our eyes with light.
We reach'd the top; there lifting o'er his head
A staff, against two horizontal valves
Our leader smote, which open'd at the sound.
Behind me Hyacinthus on the rock
Sunk sudden down, pronouncing in his fall
Cleora; I on Hyacinthus call'd.
Is this Cleora's husband? cried the priest;
Descend, my Pamphila, my wife, descend.
Descend, my Pamphila, my wife, descend.
She came, a rev'rend priestess; tender both
With me assisting plac'd my speechless friend
Within a cleft by me unmark'd before,
Which seem'd a passage to some devious cell.
Me by the hand Elephenor remov'd
Precipitate; a grating door of brass
Clos'd on my parting steps. Ascend, he said,
Make no enquiry; but remain assur'd,
His absence now is best. I mount, I rise
Behind a massy basis which upheld
Jove grasping thunder, and Saturnia crown'd,
Who at his side outstretch'd her scepter'd hand.
The troops succeeding fill the spacious dome.
Last, unexpected, thence more welcome, rose,
Detach'd from Medon with five hundred spears,
Brave Haliartus, who repair'd the want
Of my disabled colleague. Now the priest:
With me assisting plac'd my speechless friend
212
Which seem'd a passage to some devious cell.
Me by the hand Elephenor remov'd
Precipitate; a grating door of brass
Clos'd on my parting steps. Ascend, he said,
Make no enquiry; but remain assur'd,
His absence now is best. I mount, I rise
Behind a massy basis which upheld
Jove grasping thunder, and Saturnia crown'd,
Who at his side outstretch'd her scepter'd hand.
The troops succeeding fill the spacious dome.
Last, unexpected, thence more welcome, rose,
Detach'd from Medon with five hundred spears,
Brave Haliartus, who repair'd the want
Of my disabled colleague. Now the priest:
Ye chiefs, auxiliar to the gods profan'd,
And men oppress'd, securely you have reach'd
The citadel of Oreus. The dark hour
Befriends your high attempt. Let one possess
The only entrance from the town below,
The other swift the palace must surprise,
Where Demonax lies slumb'ring, if his guilt
Admits of rest, and dreams not of your spears.
And men oppress'd, securely you have reach'd
The citadel of Oreus. The dark hour
213
The only entrance from the town below,
The other swift the palace must surprise,
Where Demonax lies slumb'ring, if his guilt
Admits of rest, and dreams not of your spears.
With small resistance from a drowsy guard
I seiz'd the gate; the palace soon was forc'd
By Haliartus. Demonax maintain'd,
From door to door fierce combat, till he sunk,
Blaspheming ev'ry pow'r of heav'n and hell,
On his own couch, beneath repeated wounds
Delv'd in his body by the Carian sword,
Whose point produc'd the sever'd head in view.
I seiz'd the gate; the palace soon was forc'd
By Haliartus. Demonax maintain'd,
From door to door fierce combat, till he sunk,
Blaspheming ev'ry pow'r of heav'n and hell,
On his own couch, beneath repeated wounds
Delv'd in his body by the Carian sword,
Whose point produc'd the sever'd head in view.
These news, Sicinus, to Eudora bear,
Themistocles began. Before her feet
Fall grateful, kiss for me her hallow'd robe;
My venerable friend Tisander hail,
To her, to him, this victory we owe.
Salute Timoxenus, my noble host,
Greet his excelling daughter; let them hear
Of brave Nicanor, and the Carian sword,
Which, closing at a blow this dang'rous war,
Preserves so many Greeks. Carystian chief,
Accept from me good tidings in return
For thine. Intelligence this hour hath brought,
That vigilant Cleander hath possess'd
The naval fort, an inlet to the town
For this whole army, pouring from our ships
Successive numbers, if the Persian bands
Yet meditate resistance. Not to give
Their consternation leisure to subside,
Against the walls each standard shall advance.
Themistocles began. Before her feet
Fall grateful, kiss for me her hallow'd robe;
My venerable friend Tisander hail,
To her, to him, this victory we owe.
214
Greet his excelling daughter; let them hear
Of brave Nicanor, and the Carian sword,
Which, closing at a blow this dang'rous war,
Preserves so many Greeks. Carystian chief,
Accept from me good tidings in return
For thine. Intelligence this hour hath brought,
That vigilant Cleander hath possess'd
The naval fort, an inlet to the town
For this whole army, pouring from our ships
Successive numbers, if the Persian bands
Yet meditate resistance. Not to give
Their consternation leisure to subside,
Against the walls each standard shall advance.
He said, and gave command. The diff'rent chiefs
Head their battalions. Oreus trembling sees
Encircling danger; heralds in their pomp,
Dread summoners, are nigh. Her foreign guard,
Depriv'd of wonted leaders, at the fall
Of Demonax aghast, in thought behold
Death in the conquer'd citadel extend
His hideous arms to beckon from the fleet
Cleander's valour, and from swarming tents
Themistocles. On his approach the gates
Are thrown abroad. From all the Persian bands
Their javelins, shields, and banners on the ground
Pale fear deposits. Thus the yielding masts
Of all their canvass mariners divest,
When Æolus is riding on a storm
To overwhelm the vessel, which would drive
In full apparel to resist his ire.
Head their battalions. Oreus trembling sees
Encircling danger; heralds in their pomp,
Dread summoners, are nigh. Her foreign guard,
215
Of Demonax aghast, in thought behold
Death in the conquer'd citadel extend
His hideous arms to beckon from the fleet
Cleander's valour, and from swarming tents
Themistocles. On his approach the gates
Are thrown abroad. From all the Persian bands
Their javelins, shields, and banners on the ground
Pale fear deposits. Thus the yielding masts
Of all their canvass mariners divest,
When Æolus is riding on a storm
To overwhelm the vessel, which would drive
In full apparel to resist his ire.
Th' Athenian, though triumphant, in his joy
Omits no care. To Æschylus awhile
The charge supreme transferring, he ascends
The citadel; the Catian victor there
Conducts him o'er the palace, shews the corse
Of Demonax, his treasury unspoil'd,
By chosen Locrians guarded. Pleas'd, the chief
Embraces Haliartus: Friend, he said,
Though late acquir'd, inestimable friend,
How shall I praise thee? but my bosom wrapt
In long concealment, now to thee alone
Disclos'd, shall warrant my profess'd regard.
Know, that whatever thou hast heard, or seen
Of my Eubœan labours, are no more,
Than preparation for a wider stage
Of action. Gold, one necessary means,
Thou hast provided; but I want a man
Of hardy limbs and vig'rous, bold, discreet,
Who all the Persian quarters would explore,
On either side Thermopylæ; would trace
Whate'er employs Mardonius, what the time
He takes the field, and where his gather'd stores
Of war deposits. Thessaly provok'd
Long since my just resentment. Ere the king
Of Asia pass'd the Hellespont, I led
Ten thousand Greeks her passes to defend;
By her deserted and betray'd, I march'd
Unprofitably back. The Carian here:
Omits no care. To Æschylus awhile
The charge supreme transferring, he ascends
The citadel; the Catian victor there
Conducts him o'er the palace, shews the corse
216
By chosen Locrians guarded. Pleas'd, the chief
Embraces Haliartus: Friend, he said,
Though late acquir'd, inestimable friend,
How shall I praise thee? but my bosom wrapt
In long concealment, now to thee alone
Disclos'd, shall warrant my profess'd regard.
Know, that whatever thou hast heard, or seen
Of my Eubœan labours, are no more,
Than preparation for a wider stage
Of action. Gold, one necessary means,
Thou hast provided; but I want a man
Of hardy limbs and vig'rous, bold, discreet,
Who all the Persian quarters would explore,
On either side Thermopylæ; would trace
Whate'er employs Mardonius, what the time
He takes the field, and where his gather'd stores
Of war deposits. Thessaly provok'd
Long since my just resentment. Ere the king
217
Ten thousand Greeks her passes to defend;
By her deserted and betray'd, I march'd
Unprofitably back. The Carian here:
Had I endowments equal to my will,
I were that man. Accept me, as I am,
Vers'd in those borders, me, whose faithful zeal
Leonidas experienc'd and approv'd;
So let Themistocles. My rustic weeds
I can resume to range th' Œtæan crags,
The fields of Locris, and Thessalia's plains.
I were that man. Accept me, as I am,
Vers'd in those borders, me, whose faithful zeal
Leonidas experienc'd and approv'd;
So let Themistocles. My rustic weeds
I can resume to range th' Œtæan crags,
The fields of Locris, and Thessalia's plains.
Thou art that man, th' Athenian quick rejoin'd;
Then hold thee ready. Sudden in their birth
Are my resolves, and when mature have wings.
Then hold thee ready. Sudden in their birth
Are my resolves, and when mature have wings.
This said, he visits Æschylus below.
Judicious he in stations had dispos'd
The various bands; the pris'ners were secur'd.
Throughout th' Orēan streets and dwellings reign'd
Tranquillity and order. Him the son
Of Neocles bespake: To-morrow's dawn
Shall see thee honour'd, as becomes a chief,
Whom Aristides nam'd, and Athens chose
To save Eubœa. I defer till night
Our consultations. I, not wanted here,
Will reascend the citadel; the voice
Of friendship calls me to a tender care.
Judicious he in stations had dispos'd
218
Throughout th' Orēan streets and dwellings reign'd
Tranquillity and order. Him the son
Of Neocles bespake: To-morrow's dawn
Shall see thee honour'd, as becomes a chief,
Whom Aristides nam'd, and Athens chose
To save Eubœa. I defer till night
Our consultations. I, not wanted here,
Will reascend the citadel; the voice
Of friendship calls me to a tender care.
He seeks the fane. Elephenor he greets;
Applause to him in gratitude unfeign'd
Presenting, next his earnest lips enquire
Of Hyacinthus. Here the rev'rend man:
Applause to him in gratitude unfeign'd
Presenting, next his earnest lips enquire
Of Hyacinthus. Here the rev'rend man:
First know, his dear Cleora is alive.
I, priest of Jove, and Pamphila my wife,
Who to th' Olympian empress in this feat
Of blended rites are ministers, when told
That Demonax had doom'd his child to death,
Solicited her pardon in the names
Of both divinities. At both he spurn'd,
While we contriv'd this stratagem. Her nurse,
By us admonish'd, in due time declar'd
Cleora dead. The body of a slave,
A youthful maiden recently expir'd,
Was for Cleora carried to the flames,
While her we shelter'd in a secret cell,
From human sight, from sight of day conceal'd.
These pow'rs, alike offended at th' intent
As perpetration of an impious deed,
Have sent thee forth their instrument of wrath,
Divinely-prompted hero. Wilt thou shed
On Hyacinthus and Cleora's bliss
Thy guardian smile? This utter'd, down the steps
He guides th' Athenian to the hidden cell.
I, priest of Jove, and Pamphila my wife,
Who to th' Olympian empress in this feat
Of blended rites are ministers, when told
219
Solicited her pardon in the names
Of both divinities. At both he spurn'd,
While we contriv'd this stratagem. Her nurse,
By us admonish'd, in due time declar'd
Cleora dead. The body of a slave,
A youthful maiden recently expir'd,
Was for Cleora carried to the flames,
While her we shelter'd in a secret cell,
From human sight, from sight of day conceal'd.
These pow'rs, alike offended at th' intent
As perpetration of an impious deed,
Have sent thee forth their instrument of wrath,
Divinely-prompted hero. Wilt thou shed
On Hyacinthus and Cleora's bliss
Thy guardian smile? This utter'd, down the steps
He guides th' Athenian to the hidden cell.
By his Cleora Hyacinthus sat.
The youthful husband o'er the snowy breast,
Which lull'd and cherish'd a reposing babe,
The blooming father o'er that precious fruit
Hung fondly. Thoughtful ecstasy recall'd
His dream at Juno's temple; where he saw
The visionary bosom of his bride
Disclose maternal to an infant new
That pillow smooth of lillies. Wan her cheek
Told her confinement from the cheerful day.
Six moons in deep obscurity she dwelt;
Where, as a sea-nymph underneath a rock,
Or Indian genie in the cavern'd earth,
Her cell in conchs and coral she had dress'd,
By gracious Pamphila supply'd to cheat
Time and despair. The loom her patient art
Had plied, her own sad story had begun,
Now to conclude in joy. The starting youth
Beholds his patron, rushes on his breast
In transport thus: Redeemer of my peace!
Balm of my grief! of happiness my source!
My health of mind and body is thy gift.
If in his anguish Hyacinthus felt
His obligation, in the hour of bliss
To what excess must gratitude expand
His bosom now! Cleora and my child
I owe to thy protection—this is she,
This is my goddess, this my light, my joy,
Deriv'd from thy humanity. Thou god
Of Hyacinthus, tutelary god!
Thou from the pit of horror didst upraise
My limbs, for ever to its bottom chain'd
Without thy helpful hand; without thee death
Had been my portion; never had I liv'd
To see Cleora, never known this day!
But will my gen'ral overlook my fault?
Thy soldier, in his subterranean march
Tow'rds this retirement, threw a casual glance,
Which met Cleora's. Down the shield and spear
Dropp'd from my hands disabled; life forsook
My heart, which irrecoverably lost
All sense of duty both to thee and Greece,
By me alone deserted. Bless that chance,
Themistocles replies, and leads aside
Th' attentive youth. Perhaps these gods ordain'd,
In compensation of thy long distress,
In recompense of pure and constant love,
That to Cleora thou unstain'd with blood,
Blood of her father by another slain,
Shouldst be restor'd, nor taint with horrors new
This thy new hymen. Æschylus by morn
Will sit in judgment righteous, but severe,
On each Eubœan criminal, the dead
Not less than living. Instantly remove
To thy Carystian home thy wife and babe;
Whate'er can pass in Oreus must offend
Her eye and ear. Then turning to the fair:
From warlike toils thy consort I dismiss;
He, who so nobly signaliz'd his sword
In single combat, and the open field,
And prov'd his valour equal to his love,
All future palms to others may resign.
Whatever comforts, time and peace can yield,
Are due to both your suff'rings; nor an hour
Shalt thou be cloister'd in this rueful cell.
Elephenor, discreet and rev'rend man,
Let thy kind clue conduct their secret steps.
With presents laden, tokens of my love,
Cars shall attend them at the cavern's mouth;
Thou add thy blessing, that their new-born day
May never set in sorrow. Thus the chief,
Relax'd from busy care, amid success,
Which not a shade of obstacle o'erhangs,
Spake, as he felt, remunerating full
For all his service Hyacinthus brave.
The youthful husband o'er the snowy breast,
220
The blooming father o'er that precious fruit
Hung fondly. Thoughtful ecstasy recall'd
His dream at Juno's temple; where he saw
The visionary bosom of his bride
Disclose maternal to an infant new
That pillow smooth of lillies. Wan her cheek
Told her confinement from the cheerful day.
Six moons in deep obscurity she dwelt;
Where, as a sea-nymph underneath a rock,
Or Indian genie in the cavern'd earth,
Her cell in conchs and coral she had dress'd,
By gracious Pamphila supply'd to cheat
Time and despair. The loom her patient art
Had plied, her own sad story had begun,
Now to conclude in joy. The starting youth
Beholds his patron, rushes on his breast
In transport thus: Redeemer of my peace!
Balm of my grief! of happiness my source!
221
If in his anguish Hyacinthus felt
His obligation, in the hour of bliss
To what excess must gratitude expand
His bosom now! Cleora and my child
I owe to thy protection—this is she,
This is my goddess, this my light, my joy,
Deriv'd from thy humanity. Thou god
Of Hyacinthus, tutelary god!
Thou from the pit of horror didst upraise
My limbs, for ever to its bottom chain'd
Without thy helpful hand; without thee death
Had been my portion; never had I liv'd
To see Cleora, never known this day!
But will my gen'ral overlook my fault?
Thy soldier, in his subterranean march
Tow'rds this retirement, threw a casual glance,
Which met Cleora's. Down the shield and spear
Dropp'd from my hands disabled; life forsook
222
All sense of duty both to thee and Greece,
By me alone deserted. Bless that chance,
Themistocles replies, and leads aside
Th' attentive youth. Perhaps these gods ordain'd,
In compensation of thy long distress,
In recompense of pure and constant love,
That to Cleora thou unstain'd with blood,
Blood of her father by another slain,
Shouldst be restor'd, nor taint with horrors new
This thy new hymen. Æschylus by morn
Will sit in judgment righteous, but severe,
On each Eubœan criminal, the dead
Not less than living. Instantly remove
To thy Carystian home thy wife and babe;
Whate'er can pass in Oreus must offend
Her eye and ear. Then turning to the fair:
From warlike toils thy consort I dismiss;
He, who so nobly signaliz'd his sword
223
And prov'd his valour equal to his love,
All future palms to others may resign.
Whatever comforts, time and peace can yield,
Are due to both your suff'rings; nor an hour
Shalt thou be cloister'd in this rueful cell.
Elephenor, discreet and rev'rend man,
Let thy kind clue conduct their secret steps.
With presents laden, tokens of my love,
Cars shall attend them at the cavern's mouth;
Thou add thy blessing, that their new-born day
May never set in sorrow. Thus the chief,
Relax'd from busy care, amid success,
Which not a shade of obstacle o'erhangs,
Spake, as he felt, remunerating full
For all his service Hyacinthus brave.
His knees embracing, thus Cleora spake:
I have not utt'rance for my grateful heart;
If thou dismiss us never more to see
Thy guardian face, our day will set in grief.
I have not utt'rance for my grateful heart;
224
Thy guardian face, our day will set in grief.
In smiles th' Athenian dissipates that fear:
Long ere thy husband's magisterial term
Is finish'd, I have further still to crave
From him as archon, not as soldier, help.
This to Carystus would alone direct
My footsteps; else amid domestic joys
To see thy days illumin'd, precious time
Themistocles would borrow from his charge.
Long ere thy husband's magisterial term
Is finish'd, I have further still to crave
From him as archon, not as soldier, help.
This to Carystus would alone direct
My footsteps; else amid domestic joys
To see thy days illumin'd, precious time
Themistocles would borrow from his charge.
Thus in the grateful fair-one he secur'd
Another friend, if wanted to support
His vast designs, which, gath'ring on his mind,
Speed his departure with a kind farewell.
Another friend, if wanted to support
His vast designs, which, gath'ring on his mind,
Speed his departure with a kind farewell.
The cars he orders, from the tyrant's stores
Rich presents draws, to Æschylus returns,
With him in conf'rence spends remaining day.
Aurora hears Themistocles command
Stern proclamation by the trumpet's voice
For judgment on the guilty. All in chains
The tyrant's hated counsellors are brought,
Save Lamachus by faith of treaty safe
Bound to Thessalian shores; but chief the sev'n
Geræstian ruffians, their assassin heads
Hang hopeless down. Amid the widest space
In Oreus lofty a tribunal stands,
Which Æschylus ascends, commander high
Of troops enroll'd by Athens. So her son
Disgrac'd, but courting favour new, devis'd
Her democratic jealousy to sooth.
The various chieftains, through this glorious war
So late distinguish'd, round the solemn seat
Conspicuous wait, Themistocles himself
At the right hand of Æschylus. He sits
Like Minos sage, whose justice gain'd from Jove
Th' appointment awful to condemn, or spare
His fellow mortals in the world below.
When now th' accusers and accus'd were heard,
Thus spake the warrior-poet: Crimes like these
The legislator punishes with death;
Let us attempt within our scanty sphere,
Far as we may, to imitate the gods
In punishment deserv'd. Through those abodes
Which Hades governs, long the vulture gnaws;
Long is the toil of Sisyphus; to fill
Their leaking vases long the murd'rous seed
Of Danaus must strive. By labour, pain,
And shame continu'd, let flagitious men
Long wish to end their suff'rings, not enjoy
That wish'd-for period in a single pang.
This heavy sentence on assassin heads,
On foul atrocious counsellors of ill,
Lo! I pronounce. An ignominious brand
Imprint on every forehead; plunge them chain'd,
Debas'd by vile impurity of garb,
In deep Chalcidian quarries; give them food
Just for endurance of continued toil,
With daily stripes, that cruelty may feel
What she inflicts on others, and, impell'd
By desperation, court relief in death.
Before the gate of Oreus on a cross
Extend the limbs of Demonax; the flesh
Let kites deform, let parching air the bones
Of that despotic malefactor bleach,
Avenging man, and vindicating heav'n.
Flow next a strain more pleasing through the ear,
A strain delightful to that fav'ring god
Who first created laurel to adorn
The good and brave. A chaplet from his tree,
Ten captives, ten selected suits of arms
To ev'ry leader; one Barbarian slave,
A sabre, targe, whatever to the field
Accouters one Barbarian, I allot
To ev'ry soldier. Phoebus will supply
His laurel too, encompassing your brows,
Ye gen'rous people. But a splendid store
Of tripods, urns, and images provide
For great Eudora, and th' Eretrian seer,
That your triumphal off'ring may emblaze
Eubœa's fanes; nor less with honours greet
Elephenor, your genius of success.
Eudora's portion thou, heroic priest,
Phoebean Timon, to her presence bear.
I need but name Acanthè to attract
Your veneration; for Acanthè chuse,
Sweet paragon of Chalcis, from your spoils
The costly tissue of Barbaric looms,
And dazzling gems, that gratitude may vie
With obligation. Haliartus, bright
In recent glories from a tyrant slain,
Thou at her feet the precious tribute lay.
For me, if, servant of Cecropia's state,
I have upheld her justice and renown,
Your approbation is the sole reward
Which I solicit, or will bear away
On my returning keel. He ceas'd. In roar
Surpassing waves, which beat the craggy strand
Amidst a tempest, from the gen'ral host
Broke forth applause. Themistocles subjoin'd:
Rich presents draws, to Æschylus returns,
With him in conf'rence spends remaining day.
225
Stern proclamation by the trumpet's voice
For judgment on the guilty. All in chains
The tyrant's hated counsellors are brought,
Save Lamachus by faith of treaty safe
Bound to Thessalian shores; but chief the sev'n
Geræstian ruffians, their assassin heads
Hang hopeless down. Amid the widest space
In Oreus lofty a tribunal stands,
Which Æschylus ascends, commander high
Of troops enroll'd by Athens. So her son
Disgrac'd, but courting favour new, devis'd
Her democratic jealousy to sooth.
The various chieftains, through this glorious war
So late distinguish'd, round the solemn seat
Conspicuous wait, Themistocles himself
At the right hand of Æschylus. He sits
Like Minos sage, whose justice gain'd from Jove
Th' appointment awful to condemn, or spare
His fellow mortals in the world below.
226
Thus spake the warrior-poet: Crimes like these
The legislator punishes with death;
Let us attempt within our scanty sphere,
Far as we may, to imitate the gods
In punishment deserv'd. Through those abodes
Which Hades governs, long the vulture gnaws;
Long is the toil of Sisyphus; to fill
Their leaking vases long the murd'rous seed
Of Danaus must strive. By labour, pain,
And shame continu'd, let flagitious men
Long wish to end their suff'rings, not enjoy
That wish'd-for period in a single pang.
This heavy sentence on assassin heads,
On foul atrocious counsellors of ill,
Lo! I pronounce. An ignominious brand
Imprint on every forehead; plunge them chain'd,
Debas'd by vile impurity of garb,
In deep Chalcidian quarries; give them food
227
With daily stripes, that cruelty may feel
What she inflicts on others, and, impell'd
By desperation, court relief in death.
Before the gate of Oreus on a cross
Extend the limbs of Demonax; the flesh
Let kites deform, let parching air the bones
Of that despotic malefactor bleach,
Avenging man, and vindicating heav'n.
Flow next a strain more pleasing through the ear,
A strain delightful to that fav'ring god
Who first created laurel to adorn
The good and brave. A chaplet from his tree,
Ten captives, ten selected suits of arms
To ev'ry leader; one Barbarian slave,
A sabre, targe, whatever to the field
Accouters one Barbarian, I allot
To ev'ry soldier. Phoebus will supply
His laurel too, encompassing your brows,
228
Of tripods, urns, and images provide
For great Eudora, and th' Eretrian seer,
That your triumphal off'ring may emblaze
Eubœa's fanes; nor less with honours greet
Elephenor, your genius of success.
Eudora's portion thou, heroic priest,
Phoebean Timon, to her presence bear.
I need but name Acanthè to attract
Your veneration; for Acanthè chuse,
Sweet paragon of Chalcis, from your spoils
The costly tissue of Barbaric looms,
And dazzling gems, that gratitude may vie
With obligation. Haliartus, bright
In recent glories from a tyrant slain,
Thou at her feet the precious tribute lay.
For me, if, servant of Cecropia's state,
I have upheld her justice and renown,
Your approbation is the sole reward
229
On my returning keel. He ceas'd. In roar
Surpassing waves, which beat the craggy strand
Amidst a tempest, from the gen'ral host
Broke forth applause. Themistocles subjoin'd:
Awhile, my friends, your labours I suspend;
Go to your homes; to kind, expecting wives
Recount your trophies; let your children see
Paternal mansions hung with Asian spòils.
Remember still, that valour must not sleep;
That law restor'd and freedom are not firm
While Asia's trumpet sounds a blast in Greece.
Go to your homes; to kind, expecting wives
Recount your trophies; let your children see
Paternal mansions hung with Asian spòils.
Remember still, that valour must not sleep;
That law restor'd and freedom are not firm
While Asia's trumpet sounds a blast in Greece.
Two days elapse; Timoxenus, arriv'd
From Chalcis, joyful gratulation brings.
Solicitous th' Athenian first enquires
Of fair Acanthè's state. The father fond
Thus answers: Wasting malady is fled,
But hath behind it left indiff'rence cold
To ev'ry joy. Thy wife a bracelet sent;
These words the bearer Haliartus brought,
Charg'd by Timothea elegant and wise.
“From me this present when Acanthè takes,
“Say, how I prize her elevated mind,
“Enabling my Themistocles to quell
“The hateful breed of tyrants. Further say,
“The man engaging her connubial hand
“I should esteem the favorite of heav'n.”
I heard approving; on the grateful hint
A secret hour I chose; my daughter's ear
I thus address'd. “My only child and hope,
“Shall no sweet offspring cheer a grandsire's age?
“Shall my possessions to a stranger pass,
“My blood be lost for ever? Shall this war,
“Thy work, Acanthè, which a father's love,
“In all to thee complying, at thy suit
“Commenc'd, produce no hero to console
“Thy widow'd couch?” “The sacrifice of life,
“Of my ideal, or my real peace,
“Is due to such a father,” she exclaim'd
In pious fervour. “Arguments to urge
“Against thy plea my age and thine forbid;
“But ah! dear parent, my capricious fate
“Presents no suitor to thy child's esteem.”
The Amarynthian priestess, whose controul
Surpasses mine, with sternness oft enforc'd
My just desire. At length my daughter thus
On my departure: “I obey; consult
“Themistocles; let him a consort name,
“Who best hath serv'd him in this righteous war.”
From Chalcis, joyful gratulation brings.
Solicitous th' Athenian first enquires
Of fair Acanthè's state. The father fond
Thus answers: Wasting malady is fled,
230
To ev'ry joy. Thy wife a bracelet sent;
These words the bearer Haliartus brought,
Charg'd by Timothea elegant and wise.
“From me this present when Acanthè takes,
“Say, how I prize her elevated mind,
“Enabling my Themistocles to quell
“The hateful breed of tyrants. Further say,
“The man engaging her connubial hand
“I should esteem the favorite of heav'n.”
I heard approving; on the grateful hint
A secret hour I chose; my daughter's ear
I thus address'd. “My only child and hope,
“Shall no sweet offspring cheer a grandsire's age?
“Shall my possessions to a stranger pass,
“My blood be lost for ever? Shall this war,
“Thy work, Acanthè, which a father's love,
“In all to thee complying, at thy suit
“Commenc'd, produce no hero to console
“Thy widow'd couch?” “The sacrifice of life,
231
“Is due to such a father,” she exclaim'd
In pious fervour. “Arguments to urge
“Against thy plea my age and thine forbid;
“But ah! dear parent, my capricious fate
“Presents no suitor to thy child's esteem.”
The Amarynthian priestess, whose controul
Surpasses mine, with sternness oft enforc'd
My just desire. At length my daughter thus
On my departure: “I obey; consult
“Themistocles; let him a consort name,
“Who best hath serv'd him in this righteous war.”
Ne'er yet ill chance, or sorrow, from the son
Of Neocles drew tears. His soul reflects
On this transcendent fair one, who had chang'd
The violence of passion to respect
So confidential, dress'd in sweetest grace
So far beyond his merits tow'rds a heart
Of purest texture, late by him misled
To error, now to purity restor'd
By native honour. At th' affecting thought
He turns those eyes, till then of stedfast look
On all events and objects, turns aside
To hide their oozing dews; yet soon he spake:
Of Neocles drew tears. His soul reflects
On this transcendent fair one, who had chang'd
The violence of passion to respect
So confidential, dress'd in sweetest grace
So far beyond his merits tow'rds a heart
232
To error, now to purity restor'd
By native honour. At th' affecting thought
He turns those eyes, till then of stedfast look
On all events and objects, turns aside
To hide their oozing dews; yet soon he spake:
None can I name, but wise Timothea's choice
To bear her present, Haliartus brave,
Who hath avow'd to Æschylus and me
A veneration for thy matchless child;
But he, appointed to a service high,
Like Hercules must labour yet to gain
The sum of bliss. For three successive moons
He must continue mine. The past events
In copious strains the hero now rehears'd,
Concluding thus: The army I disband;
Great Æschylus for Athens straight embarks;
I shall remain in Oreus to compose
This troubled city; thou resume thy way;
The criminals transported in thy train
Lock in the quarries; to Acanthè all
Unravel; her and Chalcis too prepare
For due reception of that happy man,
Whom Jove hath honour'd in a tyrant's death,
Whom Juno soon in nuptial ties will bless,
And all Eubœa to Acanthè sends
With tokens rich of public praise and love.
To bear her present, Haliartus brave,
Who hath avow'd to Æschylus and me
A veneration for thy matchless child;
But he, appointed to a service high,
Like Hercules must labour yet to gain
The sum of bliss. For three successive moons
He must continue mine. The past events
In copious strains the hero now rehears'd,
Concluding thus: The army I disband;
Great Æschylus for Athens straight embarks;
I shall remain in Oreus to compose
233
The criminals transported in thy train
Lock in the quarries; to Acanthè all
Unravel; her and Chalcis too prepare
For due reception of that happy man,
Whom Jove hath honour'd in a tyrant's death,
Whom Juno soon in nuptial ties will bless,
And all Eubœa to Acanthè sends
With tokens rich of public praise and love.
With joy Timoxenus assents; the morn
Sees him depart; at Chalcis he arrives,
Performing all Themistocles enjoin'd.
Now ev'ry temple breathes perfumes; prepar'd
Are chosen victims, colonnades and gates
With chaplets hung; the garden's flow'ry growth,
Each scented produce of luxuriant fields,
The maids and matrons bear to welcome home
Triumphant warriors. Now th' expected gleams
Of armour tinge the champaign's utmost verge;
Near and more near the military pomp,
At large develop'd o'er the green expanse,
Spears, bucklers, helmets, plumes, Barbaric spoils
In trophies pil'd on hollow-sounding cars,
Grow on the sight. Through Chalcis lies the march;
Those in abode the most remote precede.
Sees him depart; at Chalcis he arrives,
Performing all Themistocles enjoin'd.
Now ev'ry temple breathes perfumes; prepar'd
Are chosen victims, colonnades and gates
With chaplets hung; the garden's flow'ry growth,
Each scented produce of luxuriant fields,
The maids and matrons bear to welcome home
Triumphant warriors. Now th' expected gleams
234
Near and more near the military pomp,
At large develop'd o'er the green expanse,
Spears, bucklers, helmets, plumes, Barbaric spoils
In trophies pil'd on hollow-sounding cars,
Grow on the sight. Through Chalcis lies the march;
Those in abode the most remote precede.
Geræstian banners first Eudemus shews;
With Lampon follow Styra's gallant troop;
The Amarynthian and Carystian bands
Nicanor leads; th' Eretrians, now become
Once more a people, with their wives and race
At length redeem'd, to Cleon's orders move.
In blooming garlands had the mothers deck'd
Their children's heads, whom, tripping through the streets,
Spectatress equal to the loftiest scene,
Eudora blesses. Sweet Acanthè melts
In tears of gladness, while her father nigh
Awakes attention to a num'rous train,
Her native friends, whom brave Nearchus heads.
With Lampon follow Styra's gallant troop;
The Amarynthian and Carystian bands
Nicanor leads; th' Eretrians, now become
Once more a people, with their wives and race
At length redeem'd, to Cleon's orders move.
In blooming garlands had the mothers deck'd
Their children's heads, whom, tripping through the streets,
Spectatress equal to the loftiest scene,
235
In tears of gladness, while her father nigh
Awakes attention to a num'rous train,
Her native friends, whom brave Nearchus heads.
These are thy warriors, fondly cries the sire;
To whom Eudora: Who is he in state
Pontifical, a holy man in arms?
To whom Eudora: Who is he in state
Pontifical, a holy man in arms?
Three hundred Delphians then were passing by,
Phœbean branches twisted round their spears.
Behind them, lodg'd on axles rolling slow,
Were vases, tripods, images and busts,
Spoils of the palace Demonax had rais'd.
Phœbean branches twisted round their spears.
Behind them, lodg'd on axles rolling slow,
Were vases, tripods, images and busts,
Spoils of the palace Demonax had rais'd.
Thou seest, replies Timoxenus, a form
To Phœbus dear, the venerable form
Of Timon, priest and soldier. From that car
He will descend to kiss thy sacred hand,
Before thy feet a precious tribute lay
For thy pure goddess, sister of his god.
But look, my sweet Acanthè, on the man
Themistocles hath chosen to revive
My drooping years. Preceded by a troop
Of youths, whom Medon, ever kind, hath cull'd
From all his Locrian files to grace his friend;
Preceded by a trophy, which displays
The silver mail of Demonax, his shield,
His helm of gold, his variegated arms,
And spear in length ten cubits, which upholds
The tyrant's head, his victor meets our eyes,
Th' illustrious son of Lygdamis. She cast
Not an impassion'd, but revering glance
On one, whose might victorious had dissolv'd
Eubœan thraldom, one of noble frame,
In feature comely, and in look serene,
Whom her sole guide, the all controlling son
Of Neocles, had destin'd for her lord.
Her dream recurs; the tyrant's head she sees;
Th' exploit sublime, though not by him achiev'd,
Whom partial fancy on her pillow shew'd,
Her ever-wakeful loftiness of mind
Admires impartial, and applauds the hand
Which dealt the glorious blow. Her awful brow
The priestess softens to a smile, and thus:
To Phœbus dear, the venerable form
Of Timon, priest and soldier. From that car
He will descend to kiss thy sacred hand,
236
For thy pure goddess, sister of his god.
But look, my sweet Acanthè, on the man
Themistocles hath chosen to revive
My drooping years. Preceded by a troop
Of youths, whom Medon, ever kind, hath cull'd
From all his Locrian files to grace his friend;
Preceded by a trophy, which displays
The silver mail of Demonax, his shield,
His helm of gold, his variegated arms,
And spear in length ten cubits, which upholds
The tyrant's head, his victor meets our eyes,
Th' illustrious son of Lygdamis. She cast
Not an impassion'd, but revering glance
On one, whose might victorious had dissolv'd
Eubœan thraldom, one of noble frame,
In feature comely, and in look serene,
Whom her sole guide, the all controlling son
Of Neocles, had destin'd for her lord.
237
Th' exploit sublime, though not by him achiev'd,
Whom partial fancy on her pillow shew'd,
Her ever-wakeful loftiness of mind
Admires impartial, and applauds the hand
Which dealt the glorious blow. Her awful brow
The priestess softens to a smile, and thus:
Is this the suitor, whom my hero chose
For bright Acanthè? Favour'd by the gods,
Themistocles in ev'ry action proves
He cannot err. Acanthè hears, and press'd
By duty's insurmountable controul,
Aw'd by Eudora's majesty austere,
Resolves to meet him with becoming grace,
But of his virtue make one trial more.
For bright Acanthè? Favour'd by the gods,
Themistocles in ev'ry action proves
He cannot err. Acanthè hears, and press'd
By duty's insurmountable controul,
Aw'd by Eudora's majesty austere,
Resolves to meet him with becoming grace,
But of his virtue make one trial more.
The Delphian priest and Haliartus quit
Their chariots; them Timoxenus receives
To his rich mansion and a sumptuous board.
Eudora there, with curious eyes and voice,
Explores and questions oft the Carian brave.
His Delphian friend, observing, in these words
Besought him: O, distinguish'd by the gods!
Who have in thee their care of virtue shewn,
Since from Eubœa thou must soon depart,
Lose not the present hour. These matchless dames
Must hear thy wond'rous narrative at large;
For singular thy fortunes with events
Are interwoven to delight the ear,
Affect the heart, and win th' applauding tongue;
That all may honour thy desert supreme
Like me, so much thy debtor. Straight complies
The modest Carian; list'ning silence reigns.
Their chariots; them Timoxenus receives
238
Eudora there, with curious eyes and voice,
Explores and questions oft the Carian brave.
His Delphian friend, observing, in these words
Besought him: O, distinguish'd by the gods!
Who have in thee their care of virtue shewn,
Since from Eubœa thou must soon depart,
Lose not the present hour. These matchless dames
Must hear thy wond'rous narrative at large;
For singular thy fortunes with events
Are interwoven to delight the ear,
Affect the heart, and win th' applauding tongue;
That all may honour thy desert supreme
Like me, so much thy debtor. Straight complies
The modest Carian; list'ning silence reigns.
In native windings from his Lydian fount
As various flow'd Mæander, here along
A level champaign, daisy-painted meads,
Or golden fields of Ceres, here through woods
In green arcades projecting o'er his banks,
There shut in rock, which irritates the stream,
Here by low hamlets, there by stately towns,
Till he attained the rich Magnesian seat;
Thence with augmented fame and prouder floods
Roll'd down his plenteous tribute to the main:
So through the mazes of his fortune winds
In artless eloquence th' expressive strain
Of Haliartus, from his peasant state
To scenes heroic. Humble still in mind,
Compell'd to follow truth's historic clue,
He ends in glory, which his blushes grace;
Nor less they grace these frank and manly words,
Which to Acanthè singly he directs:
As various flow'd Mæander, here along
A level champaign, daisy-painted meads,
239
In green arcades projecting o'er his banks,
There shut in rock, which irritates the stream,
Here by low hamlets, there by stately towns,
Till he attained the rich Magnesian seat;
Thence with augmented fame and prouder floods
Roll'd down his plenteous tribute to the main:
So through the mazes of his fortune winds
In artless eloquence th' expressive strain
Of Haliartus, from his peasant state
To scenes heroic. Humble still in mind,
Compell'd to follow truth's historic clue,
He ends in glory, which his blushes grace;
Nor less they grace these frank and manly words,
Which to Acanthè singly he directs:
Such as I am, thou elevated fair,
Who hast Eubœa's liberty restor'd,
Her grateful off'rings to thy feet I bring;
With them an humble suppliant to thy smile,
That he may rank thy soldier, in thy name
His own distinguish, and, achieving well
The task by great Themistocles impos'd,
Deserve Acanthè's favour. She replies
With virtuous art: Can soldiers never know
Satiety of fame? must her career
Be still beginning, never be complete?
Must ev'ry passion yield to thirst of praise?
Should I request thee, wouldst thou for my sake
Thy new attempt relinquish, to enjoy
Thy ample portion of acquir'd renown
In peace at Chalcis? Haliartus then:
Who hast Eubœa's liberty restor'd,
Her grateful off'rings to thy feet I bring;
240
That he may rank thy soldier, in thy name
His own distinguish, and, achieving well
The task by great Themistocles impos'd,
Deserve Acanthè's favour. She replies
With virtuous art: Can soldiers never know
Satiety of fame? must her career
Be still beginning, never be complete?
Must ev'ry passion yield to thirst of praise?
Should I request thee, wouldst thou for my sake
Thy new attempt relinquish, to enjoy
Thy ample portion of acquir'd renown
In peace at Chalcis? Haliartus then:
Not love of fame, which oft'ner frowns than smiles,
Not victory, nor spoil inflate my breast
All unaspiring. Sense of duty pure,
Of obligation, which I owe to Greece,
Themistocles, and Medon, rules supreme
Within my soul. O first of mortal fair,
Thou of his peace thy servant might'st deprive;
But, wert thou fairer than the Paphian queen,
In each excelling art like Pallas skill'd,
Her paragon in wisdom, thy request
Should thus be answer'd from a bleeding heart:
To my performance of the trust repos'd
The only bar is fate. Astonish'd gaz'd
Timoxenus; nor knew the timid sire
That his Acanthè's breast then first conceiv'd
A spark of passion, but a spark divine,
Such as for heroes goddesses have felt;
As Thetis glow'd for Peleus. Thus the fair:
Not victory, nor spoil inflate my breast
All unaspiring. Sense of duty pure,
Of obligation, which I owe to Greece,
Themistocles, and Medon, rules supreme
241
Thou of his peace thy servant might'st deprive;
But, wert thou fairer than the Paphian queen,
In each excelling art like Pallas skill'd,
Her paragon in wisdom, thy request
Should thus be answer'd from a bleeding heart:
To my performance of the trust repos'd
The only bar is fate. Astonish'd gaz'd
Timoxenus; nor knew the timid sire
That his Acanthè's breast then first conceiv'd
A spark of passion, but a spark divine,
Such as for heroes goddesses have felt;
As Thetis glow'd for Peleus. Thus the fair:
O most deserving of that hero's choice,
To which alone Acanthè left her fate!
Weigh'd in the balance, nor deficient found,
Thou more than worthy of a hand like mine!
Go, but return; triumphantly return
Lord of Acanthè; of my truth unchang'd
Accept this pledge. She gave, he kiss'd her hand.
Eudora's vestment, while the solemn scene
Her looks approv'd, with fervent lips he touch'd;
Then, clasping glad Timoxenus, retir'd
To hoist his canvass in the morning gale.
To which alone Acanthè left her fate!
Weigh'd in the balance, nor deficient found,
Thou more than worthy of a hand like mine!
Go, but return; triumphantly return
242
Accept this pledge. She gave, he kiss'd her hand.
Eudora's vestment, while the solemn scene
Her looks approv'd, with fervent lips he touch'd;
Then, clasping glad Timoxenus, retir'd
To hoist his canvass in the morning gale.
End of the Nineteenth Book
243
BOOK the Twentieth.
An April zephyr, with reviving sweets
From gay Eubœa's myrtle-border'd meads,
Perfumes his breath, scarce ruffling in his course
The pearly robe of morn. A ready skiff
The Carian hero mounts; the gale, though soft,
To him is adverse. From a rapid keel
Of Oreus, lo! Sicinus lifts a sign
Of salutation. Haliartus joins
The faithful man, and joyfully relates
His acquisition of Acanthé's hand.
To good Sicinus grateful sounds the tale,
Who thus replies: To Athens I proceed.
No sooner march'd the warriors to their homes,
Than, disengag'd from public care, my lord
Address'd me thus: Sicinus, spread the sail.
To Athens fly; my wife and offspring waft
To my embraces; that, while gentle rest
Remits the labours of my limbs disarm'd,
I with Timothea, she with me, may share
The past success, and taste of present joy.
Thee, Haliartus, she esteems; thy fame,
Exploits and fortune will augment her bliss.
But of this friendly gale a moment more
I must not lose. His vessel sails along;
The other slowly with laborious strokes
Of oars contends for passage, till broad noon
Flames on the laurell'd poops and colours gay
Of Athens and Trœzene; on whose decks,
Emblaz'd with spoils, and trophies, Phœbus pours
His whole effulgence. Back to Attic strands
They steer in view. To fifes and trumpets clear
From ev'ry vessel in a blended sound
Reply the concave shores. Now sudden shifts
The wind, and checks their progress; but permits
Glad Haliartus close behind the helm
Of Æschylus to pass. The choral notes
Of triumph then were hush'd. The warrior-bard,
Who had so well accomplish'd all his charge,
Like Jove in judgment, on the plain like Mars,
Sat in oblivion of his arms, which lay
Beside him. O'er the Heliconian hill
In thought he wander'd, and invok'd the Muse
To sing of civic harmony. The Muse
To Aristides, and the conqu'ring son
Of Neocles united, touch'd the lyre
With melody rejoicing at their names.
The Attic warriors throng'd the silent decks,
The shrouds and yards. Attention clos'd their lips,
Their minds were open'd. Musical and learn'd,
Minerva's chosen people had been wont
To hear his numbers in the tragic scene.
Sententious weight of poesy, combin'd
With music's pow'rful spell, there tam'd the rude,
Abash'd the vicious, and the good refin'd,
From gay Eubœa's myrtle-border'd meads,
Perfumes his breath, scarce ruffling in his course
The pearly robe of morn. A ready skiff
The Carian hero mounts; the gale, though soft,
To him is adverse. From a rapid keel
Of Oreus, lo! Sicinus lifts a sign
Of salutation. Haliartus joins
The faithful man, and joyfully relates
His acquisition of Acanthé's hand.
244
Who thus replies: To Athens I proceed.
No sooner march'd the warriors to their homes,
Than, disengag'd from public care, my lord
Address'd me thus: Sicinus, spread the sail.
To Athens fly; my wife and offspring waft
To my embraces; that, while gentle rest
Remits the labours of my limbs disarm'd,
I with Timothea, she with me, may share
The past success, and taste of present joy.
Thee, Haliartus, she esteems; thy fame,
Exploits and fortune will augment her bliss.
But of this friendly gale a moment more
I must not lose. His vessel sails along;
The other slowly with laborious strokes
Of oars contends for passage, till broad noon
Flames on the laurell'd poops and colours gay
Of Athens and Trœzene; on whose decks,
Emblaz'd with spoils, and trophies, Phœbus pours
245
They steer in view. To fifes and trumpets clear
From ev'ry vessel in a blended sound
Reply the concave shores. Now sudden shifts
The wind, and checks their progress; but permits
Glad Haliartus close behind the helm
Of Æschylus to pass. The choral notes
Of triumph then were hush'd. The warrior-bard,
Who had so well accomplish'd all his charge,
Like Jove in judgment, on the plain like Mars,
Sat in oblivion of his arms, which lay
Beside him. O'er the Heliconian hill
In thought he wander'd, and invok'd the Muse
To sing of civic harmony. The Muse
To Aristides, and the conqu'ring son
Of Neocles united, touch'd the lyre
With melody rejoicing at their names.
The Attic warriors throng'd the silent decks,
The shrouds and yards. Attention clos'd their lips,
246
Minerva's chosen people had been wont
To hear his numbers in the tragic scene.
Sententious weight of poesy, combin'd
With music's pow'rful spell, there tam'd the rude,
Abash'd the vicious, and the good refin'd,
Oh! Artemisia, Haliartus sigh'd,
While at the strain his progress he delay'd,
How canst thou splendid vassalage prefer
In barb'rous climes, the residence of slaves,
To Greece, the land of freedom, arts and arms,
The legislator's and the hero's seat,
The guardian pure of equity and laws,
The nurse of orphans helpless and oppress'd,
Of all, whom Phœbus and the Muses lift
Above the rank of mortals! Greece, I owe
More than my birth and being to thy love,
My sentiments I owe. Adopted child,
For thee my better parent now I go
To hazard all in voluntary zeal,
Ev'n the possession of Acanthè's charms.
While at the strain his progress he delay'd,
How canst thou splendid vassalage prefer
In barb'rous climes, the residence of slaves,
To Greece, the land of freedom, arts and arms,
The legislator's and the hero's seat,
The guardian pure of equity and laws,
The nurse of orphans helpless and oppress'd,
Of all, whom Phœbus and the Muses lift
Above the rank of mortals! Greece, I owe
More than my birth and being to thy love,
My sentiments I owe. Adopted child,
For thee my better parent now I go
247
Ev'n the possession of Acanthè's charms.
On Atalantè's sea-beat verge he lands;
Swift he collects his peasant weeds, the crook,
The pipe and scrip, thus musing: Ancient garb,
Thou dost remind me of Oïleus good,
Dost summon all my gratitude to prove,
That he, who benefits receives, and feels
A grateful sense, is happy. From his side,
His arm, and temples, he ungirds the sword,
The shield releases, and unclasps the helm;
These he commits, Sophronia, to thy care,
Spouse of Leonteus, mother of the race
Oïlean. Them, in tenderness embrac'd,
He leaves with blessings, re-embarks and prints
His bounding feet on Locris. Hermes thus
In shepherd's weeds his deity conceal'd,
By Jove's appointment on the flow'ry meads
Of Inachus alighting; where he stole
On watchful Argus, and, his hundred eyes
Eluding, rescu'd from her bestial form
Afflicted Io. Like the mountain roe
The son of Lygdamis in speed excell'd;
He, had he run for Atalanta's love,
Would have rejected Cytherea's aid,
Nor, of her swiftness to beguile the fair,
Before her steps the golden apples thrown.
Swift he collects his peasant weeds, the crook,
The pipe and scrip, thus musing: Ancient garb,
Thou dost remind me of Oïleus good,
Dost summon all my gratitude to prove,
That he, who benefits receives, and feels
A grateful sense, is happy. From his side,
His arm, and temples, he ungirds the sword,
The shield releases, and unclasps the helm;
These he commits, Sophronia, to thy care,
Spouse of Leonteus, mother of the race
Oïlean. Them, in tenderness embrac'd,
He leaves with blessings, re-embarks and prints
His bounding feet on Locris. Hermes thus
In shepherd's weeds his deity conceal'd,
By Jove's appointment on the flow'ry meads
248
On watchful Argus, and, his hundred eyes
Eluding, rescu'd from her bestial form
Afflicted Io. Like the mountain roe
The son of Lygdamis in speed excell'd;
He, had he run for Atalanta's love,
Would have rejected Cytherea's aid,
Nor, of her swiftness to beguile the fair,
Before her steps the golden apples thrown.
He quits the shore impatient; on he flies
Unquestion'd, rank'd among the Locrian hinds,
All Persian subjects now. A midnight course
To Oeta's well-known mountains he prefers
Through winding vallies, sprinkled with his tears
In memory of past events. He finds
The track to Mycon's hut; that goat-herd hears
The sound of footsteps through the morning dew;
He sees, he flies to Melibœus, clings
Around his neck. The seeming shepherd thus:
Unquestion'd, rank'd among the Locrian hinds,
All Persian subjects now. A midnight course
To Oeta's well-known mountains he prefers
Through winding vallies, sprinkled with his tears
In memory of past events. He finds
The track to Mycon's hut; that goat-herd hears
The sound of footsteps through the morning dew;
He sees, he flies to Melibœus, clings
Around his neck. The seeming shepherd thus:
249
Kind friend, inform me of Melissa's weal.
To him the swain: In wonder thou wilt hear,
That no Barbarian dares ascend this hill;
Th' attempt with death Mardonius would chastise.
Benign Masistius, who his freedom gain'd
From gen'rous Medon, to his sister thus
The benefit repays. He often views
Thermopylæ, inspects th' obsequious band,
Which guards the cavern'd passage to our fane;
The fane he visits. Pleas'd, Melissa greets
The gentle Persian, who delights to speak
Of Aristides righteous and humane,
Of Medon's valour on Psittalia's isle,
Who made Masistius captive. Thus at times
The tedious winter's melancholy hours
She sooth'd; depriv'd of thee, superior swain,
At times convers'd with Mycon. She hath tun'd
My pipe to music, purify'd my tongue,
Refin'd its language, and my soul enlarg'd.
Despairing never of the public weal,
To Aristides, virtuous guardian pow'r
Of Greece, she strikes her celebrating chords.
To him the swain: In wonder thou wilt hear,
That no Barbarian dares ascend this hill;
Th' attempt with death Mardonius would chastise.
Benign Masistius, who his freedom gain'd
From gen'rous Medon, to his sister thus
The benefit repays. He often views
Thermopylæ, inspects th' obsequious band,
Which guards the cavern'd passage to our fane;
The fane he visits. Pleas'd, Melissa greets
The gentle Persian, who delights to speak
Of Aristides righteous and humane,
Of Medon's valour on Psittalia's isle,
Who made Masistius captive. Thus at times
The tedious winter's melancholy hours
She sooth'd; depriv'd of thee, superior swain,
At times convers'd with Mycon. She hath tun'd
My pipe to music, purify'd my tongue,
Refin'd its language, and my soul enlarg'd.
250
To Aristides, virtuous guardian pow'r
Of Greece, she strikes her celebrating chords.
So will she, Mycon, to the conqu'ring son
Of Neocles, our second guardian pow'r,
Cries Haliartus; but too long I wait
To hail my holy mistress. She, rejoins
The swain, hath left this mountain. Forty days,
Since I beheld Masistius, are elaps'd;
His welcome hand before Melissa plac'd
A woman, rather deity in form;
The hoary temple with her beauty seem'd
Illumin'd; regal was her state; her spouse,
The youthful king of Macedon, was by.
She, in Melissa's presence, cast aside
Her majesty; a suppliant in these words,
Whose strong impression I retain, she spake:
Of Neocles, our second guardian pow'r,
Cries Haliartus; but too long I wait
To hail my holy mistress. She, rejoins
The swain, hath left this mountain. Forty days,
Since I beheld Masistius, are elaps'd;
His welcome hand before Melissa plac'd
A woman, rather deity in form;
The hoary temple with her beauty seem'd
Illumin'd; regal was her state; her spouse,
The youthful king of Macedon, was by.
She, in Melissa's presence, cast aside
Her majesty; a suppliant in these words,
Whose strong impression I retain, she spake:
251
“Most gracious, learn'd, and prudent of thy rank,
“In Greece the highest, I, in Delphi born,
“Phœbean Timon's child, a pious suit
“Both in my father's and Apollo's name
“To thee prefer. Trachiniæ's neighb'ring walls
“Contain the object of my tend'rest care,
“Sandaucè, thither from Emathian bounds
“For help convey'd. Masistius will confirm,
“Whate'er I utter in Sandaucè's praise.
“Her virtues more than equal her estate
“Of princess, Xerxes' sister; but her woes
“Almost exceed her virtues. Nature droops
“Beneath its burden, sickness wastes her youth,
“Resists all med'cine, while her feeble frame
“To dissolution verges. O belov'd
“By ev'ry Muse illumining thy mind
“With ev'ry science, holy woman, fam'd
“Among these nations for benignant deeds,
“Vouchsafe, descending from thy pure abode,
“To grant thy healing aid”. Masistius then:
“In Greece the highest, I, in Delphi born,
“Phœbean Timon's child, a pious suit
“Both in my father's and Apollo's name
“To thee prefer. Trachiniæ's neighb'ring walls
“Contain the object of my tend'rest care,
“Sandaucè, thither from Emathian bounds
“For help convey'd. Masistius will confirm,
“Whate'er I utter in Sandaucè's praise.
“Her virtues more than equal her estate
“Of princess, Xerxes' sister; but her woes
“Almost exceed her virtues. Nature droops
“Beneath its burden, sickness wastes her youth,
“Resists all med'cine, while her feeble frame
“To dissolution verges. O belov'd
“By ev'ry Muse illumining thy mind
“With ev'ry science, holy woman, fam'd
“Among these nations for benignant deeds,
“Vouchsafe, descending from thy pure abode,
“To grant thy healing aid”. Masistius then:
252
“This is the princess, who her husband saw
“Slain at her feet, her infants doom'd to death
“By Euphrantides; never since that day
“The wound inflicted on her gentle heart
“Admitted cure.” The charitable suit
Prevail'd, and soon Trachiniæ's gates receiv'd
The priestess borne in Amarantha's car.
Here Haliartus: Hast thou never seen,
Among the Persians who frequent this hill,
A youth in rosy vigour, by the name
Of Artamanes known? I have, returns
The goat-herd; he with Amarantha came;
Scem'd doubly anxious for Melissa's help
To yon afflicted princess; urg'd the suit
In Medon's name, his friend and saviour styl'd,
Who made him captive on Psittalia's shore.
But on his cheek the roses, thou dost paint,
No longer bloom; his visage, worn and pale,
Denotes some inward malady, or grief.
Now, Melibœus, to my longing ear
Thy history unfold. We parted last,
Thou mayst remember, on this fatal spot.
The gentle Agis from this point survey'd
Yon froth of torrents in their stony beds,
Yon shagged rocks, and that disastrous pass
Beneath us; whence Barbarian numbers huge
O'erwhelm'd, Thermopylæ. But first accept
Refreshment. Under hairy boughs of pines
A rustic board he piles with oaten loaves,
Dry'd fruits and chestnuts; bubbling nigh, a spring
Supplies their bev'rage. Here th' illustrious son
Of Lygdamis recounts a copious tale
To wond'ring Mycon; but his birth conceals,
And consanguinity with Caria's queen.
“Slain at her feet, her infants doom'd to death
“By Euphrantides; never since that day
“The wound inflicted on her gentle heart
“Admitted cure.” The charitable suit
Prevail'd, and soon Trachiniæ's gates receiv'd
The priestess borne in Amarantha's car.
Here Haliartus: Hast thou never seen,
Among the Persians who frequent this hill,
A youth in rosy vigour, by the name
Of Artamanes known? I have, returns
The goat-herd; he with Amarantha came;
Scem'd doubly anxious for Melissa's help
To yon afflicted princess; urg'd the suit
In Medon's name, his friend and saviour styl'd,
Who made him captive on Psittalia's shore.
But on his cheek the roses, thou dost paint,
No longer bloom; his visage, worn and pale,
Denotes some inward malady, or grief.
253
Thy history unfold. We parted last,
Thou mayst remember, on this fatal spot.
The gentle Agis from this point survey'd
Yon froth of torrents in their stony beds,
Yon shagged rocks, and that disastrous pass
Beneath us; whence Barbarian numbers huge
O'erwhelm'd, Thermopylæ. But first accept
Refreshment. Under hairy boughs of pines
A rustic board he piles with oaten loaves,
Dry'd fruits and chestnuts; bubbling nigh, a spring
Supplies their bev'rage. Here th' illustrious son
Of Lygdamis recounts a copious tale
To wond'ring Mycon; but his birth conceals,
And consanguinity with Caria's queen.
He stops to note the narrow passage throng'd
With laden mules and camels. Mycon then:
With laden mules and camels. Mycon then:
254
These are my constant spectacle; his host
Mardonius now assembles. He transports,
Alpenus, yonder Locrian town, receives
The gather'd produce of Thessalia's fields;
Nicæa's fort contains an equal store,
Preparatives for war. Where lies the camp,
The Carian questions? On the Malian plain,
Which Oeta's cliffs command, the swain reply'd.
New tents on clear Spercheos daily rise
Of Persians banded from their winter holds;
Thou shalt behold them; follow. Both proceed
Along the green expanse Melissa lov'd;
Where genial spring had form'd of tufted shrubs
A florid cincture to the lucid pool
Behind the dome, inviolable seat
Of all the Muses. Thence harmonious nymphs,
Part of Melissa's ministerial choir,
Left in their function, with mellifluent voice
To harps in cadence true enchant the soul
Of Haliartus, doubly charm'd to hear
Leonidas the theme. With numbers sweet
His praise inwoven by Melissa's skill
Was their diurnal song. But sorrow soon
Invades a breast, where gratitude presides;
The time and place to Haliartus rise,
Where he and Medon took their last farewell
Of that devoted hero. In a sigh
The Carian thus: O well-remember'd scene
Once to these eyes delectable! Thy flow'rs
Have lost their odour; thy crystalline pool
Is dull in aspect to my sad'ning sight;
You cannot sooth, melodious maids, the pain
Of recollection; starting at the name
Your measures sound. Beneath yon solemn beech
Regret sits weeping; Lacedæmon's king
There of terrestrial music heard the last
From Æschylus, the last of banquets shar'd
With good Oïleus' daughter. Mycon here:
Mardonius now assembles. He transports,
Alpenus, yonder Locrian town, receives
The gather'd produce of Thessalia's fields;
Nicæa's fort contains an equal store,
Preparatives for war. Where lies the camp,
The Carian questions? On the Malian plain,
Which Oeta's cliffs command, the swain reply'd.
New tents on clear Spercheos daily rise
Of Persians banded from their winter holds;
Thou shalt behold them; follow. Both proceed
Along the green expanse Melissa lov'd;
Where genial spring had form'd of tufted shrubs
A florid cincture to the lucid pool
Behind the dome, inviolable seat
Of all the Muses. Thence harmonious nymphs,
Part of Melissa's ministerial choir,
Left in their function, with mellifluent voice
To harps in cadence true enchant the soul
255
Leonidas the theme. With numbers sweet
His praise inwoven by Melissa's skill
Was their diurnal song. But sorrow soon
Invades a breast, where gratitude presides;
The time and place to Haliartus rise,
Where he and Medon took their last farewell
Of that devoted hero. In a sigh
The Carian thus: O well-remember'd scene
Once to these eyes delectable! Thy flow'rs
Have lost their odour; thy crystalline pool
Is dull in aspect to my sad'ning sight;
You cannot sooth, melodious maids, the pain
Of recollection; starting at the name
Your measures sound. Beneath yon solemn beech
Regret sits weeping; Lacedæmon's king
There of terrestrial music heard the last
From Æschylus, the last of banquets shar'd
With good Oïleus' daughter. Mycon here:
256
Suppress this grief; the priestess has forbid
All lamentation for that hero's fate,
Who died so glorious. Follow to the cliff.
All lamentation for that hero's fate,
Who died so glorious. Follow to the cliff.
They soon attain a high projecting point,
When Haliartus in a second sigh:
When Haliartus in a second sigh:
Here stood Melissa; from her sacred lips
The queen of Caria hence endur'd reproof;
Hence did the great Leonidas explore
Th' advancing Persians, when his prudent care
The trees and marble fragments had amass'd,
Which from the mountain overwhelm'd below
Such multitudes of foes. But, Mycon, speak,
What is that cross beside the public way?
The queen of Caria hence endur'd reproof;
Hence did the great Leonidas explore
Th' advancing Persians, when his prudent care
The trees and marble fragments had amass'd,
Which from the mountain overwhelm'd below
Such multitudes of foes. But, Mycon, speak,
What is that cross beside the public way?
Ah! Melibœus, let thy spirit grieve
Like mine, exclaims, in gushing tears, the swain;
Lo! Xerxes' coward vengeance! Thou behold'st
Leonidas suspended on that cross.
Like mine, exclaims, in gushing tears, the swain;
257
Leonidas suspended on that cross.
As oft, when lightning strikes the human frame,
The wound, though imperceptible, destroys
Each vital pow'r throughout the stiff'ning limbs,
Which still retain their posture; rigid thus
Is Haliartus; riveted to earth
He seems, nor utters sound, nor breathes, nor moves
His ghastly eyeballs. Now, when Mycon thrice
His name repeated, briefly he replies:
The wound, though imperceptible, destroys
Each vital pow'r throughout the stiff'ning limbs,
Which still retain their posture; rigid thus
Is Haliartus; riveted to earth
He seems, nor utters sound, nor breathes, nor moves
His ghastly eyeballs. Now, when Mycon thrice
His name repeated, briefly he replies:
I am benumb'd—Conduct me to a cell
Where I may slumber—Tend thy herd—Expect
Me at thy home. A mossy cave is nigh;
There Mycon leaves him. Haliartus stays,
Not slumb'ring, but, when Mycon is remote,
Darts from the shelter, traverses a wood,
Descends a crag, which bounds the upper straits,
Thence winds his rapid journey to the cross,
Which stands a witness of Barbaric rage.
His ardent zeal to free those honour'd bones
Admits no pause. The midnight watch is past;
Importunate and hateful, birds obscene
Are gather'd round; disturb'd, their grating shrieks
They mix, and clatter their ill-omen'd wings.
A station'd guard is rous'd; resistless force
Surrounds the Carian, seizes, leads him bound
Before the chieftain of a camp advanc'd.
He, at the sight of Haliartus charg'd
With guilt, whose punishment is death, commands
Th' accusing soldiers to retire, and thus:
Where I may slumber—Tend thy herd—Expect
Me at thy home. A mossy cave is nigh;
There Mycon leaves him. Haliartus stays,
Not slumb'ring, but, when Mycon is remote,
Darts from the shelter, traverses a wood,
Descends a crag, which bounds the upper straits,
258
Which stands a witness of Barbaric rage.
His ardent zeal to free those honour'd bones
Admits no pause. The midnight watch is past;
Importunate and hateful, birds obscene
Are gather'd round; disturb'd, their grating shrieks
They mix, and clatter their ill-omen'd wings.
A station'd guard is rous'd; resistless force
Surrounds the Carian, seizes, leads him bound
Before the chieftain of a camp advanc'd.
He, at the sight of Haliartus charg'd
With guilt, whose punishment is death, commands
Th' accusing soldiers to retire, and thus:
Alas! hath sorrow so impair'd the hue
Of Artamanes, that oblivion masks
His face from Haliartus. Thee I know,
Thee Meliboeus once, benignant swain,
My comforter in bondage, when we plough'd
The Grecian seas in Delphian Timon's bark.
Was not I present, when the genuine seed
Of Lygdamis in thee Aronces trac'd?
But, O! illustrious brother of a queen
Ador'd in Asia, what disastrous star
Thy midnight steps misguided, to incur
The king's immutable decree of death?
Thy bold attempt was virtuous, but his will
Hath made thy virtue criminal. Thy head
At his own peril Artamanes still
Shall guard; thy liberty accept; myself
Will be thy guide to safety. Ah! replies
The gen'rous son of Lygdamis, and clasps
The meritorious Persian, I perceive
Still unimpair'd thy virtues; but receive
Thy noble proffer back. For my behoof
Not with its shadow danger shall approach
My friend; thy pris'ner let me rest till morn.
A lib'ral garb is all the boon I crave,
Then to Mardonius lead me; tell my crime,
No grace solicit; who I am, conceal.
Of Artamanes, that oblivion masks
His face from Haliartus. Thee I know,
Thee Meliboeus once, benignant swain,
My comforter in bondage, when we plough'd
259
Was not I present, when the genuine seed
Of Lygdamis in thee Aronces trac'd?
But, O! illustrious brother of a queen
Ador'd in Asia, what disastrous star
Thy midnight steps misguided, to incur
The king's immutable decree of death?
Thy bold attempt was virtuous, but his will
Hath made thy virtue criminal. Thy head
At his own peril Artamanes still
Shall guard; thy liberty accept; myself
Will be thy guide to safety. Ah! replies
The gen'rous son of Lygdamis, and clasps
The meritorious Persian, I perceive
Still unimpair'd thy virtues; but receive
Thy noble proffer back. For my behoof
Not with its shadow danger shall approach
My friend; thy pris'ner let me rest till morn.
A lib'ral garb is all the boon I crave,
260
No grace solicit; who I am, conceal.
In tears, replied the satrap: Then thou diest;
The royal edict cannot be controll'd.
The royal edict cannot be controll'd.
It can, return'd the Carian; rest assur'd,
My preservation in myself I bear.
Oh! that with equal certainty my pow'r
Might from thy bosom chace that inmate new,
Whate'er it be, which violates thy peace,
Thy early youth disfigures, and consumes
Its fruit unripe. Ah! tell me, is it grief
For some dead friend, or sickness, or the smart
Of injury, or love? Acanthè wak'd
That tender thought, which soften'd on the tongue
Of Haliartus. From the Persian's breast
A sigh, deep note of agony, which riv'd
His gentle heart, accompanied these words:
My preservation in myself I bear.
Oh! that with equal certainty my pow'r
Might from thy bosom chace that inmate new,
Whate'er it be, which violates thy peace,
Thy early youth disfigures, and consumes
Its fruit unripe. Ah! tell me, is it grief
For some dead friend, or sickness, or the smart
Of injury, or love? Acanthè wak'd
That tender thought, which soften'd on the tongue
Of Haliartus. From the Persian's breast
A sigh, deep note of agony, which riv'd
His gentle heart, accompanied these words:
261
Endear'd associate in affliction past,
Thou, and thou only, dost unlock the breast
Of Artamanes. It is love, my friend;
The object, once possessing ev'ry charm
Exterior, still each beauty of the soul,
By malady incurable devour'd
From day to day is hast'ning to the tomb.
Oh! long deplor'd Sandaucè; thee my steps
Shall follow close—My passion is unknown
To her; peculiar was her state and mine,
Too delicate at first for me to speak,
For her to hear. My hopes malignant time
Hath wasted since, my health in her decay.
But while my heart is bleeding for my love,
The sluice grows wider, and to friendship pours
A stream enlarg'd. Thy danger—Ah! permit,
That I reveal thy origin and rank;
Thy sister's name can shake the king's decree.
Thou, and thou only, dost unlock the breast
Of Artamanes. It is love, my friend;
The object, once possessing ev'ry charm
Exterior, still each beauty of the soul,
By malady incurable devour'd
From day to day is hast'ning to the tomb.
Oh! long deplor'd Sandaucè; thee my steps
Shall follow close—My passion is unknown
To her; peculiar was her state and mine,
Too delicate at first for me to speak,
For her to hear. My hopes malignant time
Hath wasted since, my health in her decay.
But while my heart is bleeding for my love,
The sluice grows wider, and to friendship pours
A stream enlarg'd. Thy danger—Ah! permit,
That I reveal thy origin and rank;
Thy sister's name can shake the king's decree.
262
No, Artamanes, by th' immortal gods,
Rejoins the Carian; of my just attempt,
I, if succeeding, all the merit knew,
If taken, knew my ransom. But the stars,
Half through their circles run, suggest repose.
May grief-asswaging heaviness of sleep
Embalm thy eyelids, and like mine thy breast
Feel no disquiet; mayst thou rise again,
Saluting hope the harbinger of peace.
Rejoins the Carian; of my just attempt,
I, if succeeding, all the merit knew,
If taken, knew my ransom. But the stars,
Half through their circles run, suggest repose.
May grief-asswaging heaviness of sleep
Embalm thy eyelids, and like mine thy breast
Feel no disquiet; mayst thou rise again,
Saluting hope the harbinger of peace.
Stretch'd on a carpet Haliartus slept;
Not so the troubled Persian, long disus'd
To lenient rest. Before the dawn he rose;
Among the Greek auxiliars he procur'd
Apparel fair of Greece. His Carian guest
Attir'd he guided o'er the Malian beach,
To that august pavilion, which contain'd
The royal person once, Mardonius now
In all the state of Xerxes, save the crown.
Not so the troubled Persian, long disus'd
To lenient rest. Before the dawn he rose;
Among the Greek auxiliars he procur'd
Apparel fair of Greece. His Carian guest
Attir'd he guided o'er the Malian beach,
To that august pavilion, which contain'd
The royal person once, Mardonius now
In all the state of Xerxes, save the crown.
263
Thus Artamanes: See a hapless man,
Who hath attempted to remove the corse
Of Sparta's king. That hapless man must die,
Returns the gen'ral; Xerxes so ordain'd,
Not I. Then absent on a charge remote,
Mardonius knew not, nor approv'd when known,
Th' indignity that noble corse sustain'd.
Who hath attempted to remove the corse
Of Sparta's king. That hapless man must die,
Returns the gen'ral; Xerxes so ordain'd,
Not I. Then absent on a charge remote,
Mardonius knew not, nor approv'd when known,
Th' indignity that noble corse sustain'd.
To him the Carian: Mindarus to death,
With hecatombs of nobles thou decreest,
Who in Euboea will appease my ghost.
With hecatombs of nobles thou decreest,
Who in Euboea will appease my ghost.
Ha! who art thou, in agitation spake
The satrap? Guard, bid Lamachus approach,
Our visitor so recent from that isle.
The satrap? Guard, bid Lamachus approach,
Our visitor so recent from that isle.
He was not far; the son of Gobryas thus
Address'd him ent'ring: Note that stranger well.
Why dost thou start? Themistocles can boast
No bolder warrior, Lamachus exclaim'd;
I was his captive in th' Orēan fight.
Address'd him ent'ring: Note that stranger well.
Why dost thou start? Themistocles can boast
264
I was his captive in th' Orēan fight.
Again the Carian: Truth for once he speaks;
I dragg'd him bound my captive on that field;
Ariobarzanes felt me; further learn,
By me the savage Demonax was slain.
But to have rescu'd from inhuman wrong
The mortal part of that transcendent man,
Who living shook all Asia with dismay,
Had been my proudest boast. Mardonius then:
I dragg'd him bound my captive on that field;
Ariobarzanes felt me; further learn,
By me the savage Demonax was slain.
But to have rescu'd from inhuman wrong
The mortal part of that transcendent man,
Who living shook all Asia with dismay,
Had been my proudest boast. Mardonius then:
By Horomazes, I admire and prize
Thy gen'rous flame, brave warrior! Under charge
Of Artamanes in Trachiniæ's round
Awhile remain. Now, Lamachus, ascend
Some ready bark; revisit yonder isle;
This Greek for Mindarus exchange; redeem
The rest of Asia's nobles; I allot
For each a talent. In these words salute
Themistocles: “To Athens I have sent
“Young Alexander, Macedonia's prince,
“Ambassador of friendship; I would call
“Themistocles ally; himself may name,
“But Persia's bounty shall exceed his price.
“This if his Attic arrogance rejects,
“Tell him, Mardonius, who disdains a war
“Of oars and sails, the dubious ocean's sport,
“Will give him battle on the plains of Thebes.”
Thy gen'rous flame, brave warrior! Under charge
Of Artamanes in Trachiniæ's round
Awhile remain. Now, Lamachus, ascend
Some ready bark; revisit yonder isle;
This Greek for Mindarus exchange; redeem
The rest of Asia's nobles; I allot
265
Themistocles: “To Athens I have sent
“Young Alexander, Macedonia's prince,
“Ambassador of friendship; I would call
“Themistocles ally; himself may name,
“But Persia's bounty shall exceed his price.
“This if his Attic arrogance rejects,
“Tell him, Mardonius, who disdains a war
“Of oars and sails, the dubious ocean's sport,
“Will give him battle on the plains of Thebes.”
Though Artamanes joyfully beholds
His friend in safety, with a trembling step
Trachiniæ's gates he passes to the roof,
Which holds Sandaucè. Ent'ring, he perceives
Melissa. She, transported at the sight
Of Haliartus, thus began: O friend!
Dear to my sire, to all th' Oïlean house,
What unexpected ecstacy were mine
At thy appearance, if—Ah! Persian lord,
Sandaucè, sweet Sandaucè, yields to fate.
Her dying lips on Artamanes call;
Soft gratitude o'erflows her gentle breast;
Her wish is eager, ere she breathe her last,
To see her friend and guardian. Ending here,
She moves before him; with unstable feet,
With other prompters, anguish and despair,
He follows. Pallid on her mournful couch
The princess lies; her infants weep around;
Bright Amarantha in disorder'd garb,
Unloosen'd hair, and frantic with distress,
Stands nigh. The graces sadden on her front;
Her beauteous eyes a gushing torrent pour
Like overswelling fountains, once serene
The lucid mirrors to encircling flow'rs,
Now troubled by a storm, which levels round
The growth of shade, and scatters on their face
Uprooted shrubs in bloom. Her languid lips
At length unclosing, thus Sandaucè spake:
His friend in safety, with a trembling step
Trachiniæ's gates he passes to the roof,
Which holds Sandaucè. Ent'ring, he perceives
Melissa. She, transported at the sight
Of Haliartus, thus began: O friend!
Dear to my sire, to all th' Oïlean house,
What unexpected ecstacy were mine
266
Sandaucè, sweet Sandaucè, yields to fate.
Her dying lips on Artamanes call;
Soft gratitude o'erflows her gentle breast;
Her wish is eager, ere she breathe her last,
To see her friend and guardian. Ending here,
She moves before him; with unstable feet,
With other prompters, anguish and despair,
He follows. Pallid on her mournful couch
The princess lies; her infants weep around;
Bright Amarantha in disorder'd garb,
Unloosen'd hair, and frantic with distress,
Stands nigh. The graces sadden on her front;
Her beauteous eyes a gushing torrent pour
Like overswelling fountains, once serene
The lucid mirrors to encircling flow'rs,
Now troubled by a storm, which levels round
The growth of shade, and scatters on their face
Uprooted shrubs in bloom. Her languid lips
At length unclosing, thus Sandaucè spake:
267
Omniscient God of nature! let me lift
My voice appealing. When before me lay
Autarctus slaughter'd, when these babes, condemn'd
By cruel rites, to sacrifice were led,
Did not the creature of thy tend'rest mold
Feel as a wife, a mother, and receive
A cureless wound? Thy providence uprais'd
A kind protector through my lengthen'd walks
Of grief, till now they terminate in death.
If to his gen'rous purity of care,
Assiduous, kind and pious, time hath rais'd
Within my breast a secret, soft return,
Was this an error? Hath my heart abus'd
The sensibility, thou gav'st? Alone
Art thou my judge. Creator, I obey;
Before thy awful presence thou dost call
Sandaucè's youth; unconscious of a crime,
My debt avow'd of gratitude I pay
By this confession of my fleeting breath
To Artamanes. O! illustrious youth,
Supreme in rank, in virtue still more high,
Thy care continue to these orphan babes.
My voice appealing. When before me lay
Autarctus slaughter'd, when these babes, condemn'd
By cruel rites, to sacrifice were led,
Did not the creature of thy tend'rest mold
Feel as a wife, a mother, and receive
A cureless wound? Thy providence uprais'd
A kind protector through my lengthen'd walks
Of grief, till now they terminate in death.
If to his gen'rous purity of care,
Assiduous, kind and pious, time hath rais'd
Within my breast a secret, soft return,
Was this an error? Hath my heart abus'd
The sensibility, thou gav'st? Alone
Art thou my judge. Creator, I obey;
Before thy awful presence thou dost call
Sandaucè's youth; unconscious of a crime,
My debt avow'd of gratitude I pay
By this confession of my fleeting breath
268
Supreme in rank, in virtue still more high,
Thy care continue to these orphan babes.
She ceas'd, and speechless on her pillow sunk.
Th' enamour'd Persian instant on the floor
Dropp'd, like a stony mass, which inward throes
Of earth convulsive from a cliff disjoins;
Dead monument of ruin on the beach
Immoveable it lies. Melissa calls
On Haliartus; suddenly he bears
The hapless youth, inanimate and cold,
To an adjoining chamber. There outstretch'd,
Restor'd to sense by kind, unwearied zeal
In Haliartus, all the níght he roam'd
Through sad delirium's labyrinths till morn;
When lo! Melissa: Comfort thee, she said,
The princess lives; the burden from her mind
Discharg'd, hath render'd to the pow'rs of life
Exertion less confin'd, rekindling hope
Of restoration. So th' all-ruling gods
Vicissitude to nature have decreed;
The mind, the body languishes to-day,
Revives to morrow....Interrupting came
Mardonius thus: What tidings have I heard
Of Artamanes and the princess dead
By malady most rare, a mutual flame
Too long conceal'd? But ent'ring I receiv'd
A milder tale; they live. Thou holy Greek!
Employ thy science; save a lovely dame,
Though Persian born; in him preserve my friend;
Mardonius, long thy country's foe, to thee
Win ne'er be hostile. To Sandaucè go,
Say from my lips, and, Artamanes, hear,
The flow'r of nobles Xerxes shall not lose
Through disappointed passion; were my friend
Less than he is, among the satraps least,
At my enforcement shall the king unite
Their nuptial hands. Now rouse thee, gallant youth,
Not long thy gen'ral from his side can spare
Thy worth approv'd. Masistius is remote;
In virtue rich beyond a mortal's share,
But to that virtue never yielding rest,
He for a time on high adventure bent
Hath left me; thou his vacant place must fill.
The son of Gobryas to his tent returns.
Th' enamour'd Persian instant on the floor
Dropp'd, like a stony mass, which inward throes
Of earth convulsive from a cliff disjoins;
Dead monument of ruin on the beach
Immoveable it lies. Melissa calls
On Haliartus; suddenly he bears
The hapless youth, inanimate and cold,
To an adjoining chamber. There outstretch'd,
Restor'd to sense by kind, unwearied zeal
In Haliartus, all the níght he roam'd
Through sad delirium's labyrinths till morn;
When lo! Melissa: Comfort thee, she said,
The princess lives; the burden from her mind
Discharg'd, hath render'd to the pow'rs of life
269
Of restoration. So th' all-ruling gods
Vicissitude to nature have decreed;
The mind, the body languishes to-day,
Revives to morrow....Interrupting came
Mardonius thus: What tidings have I heard
Of Artamanes and the princess dead
By malady most rare, a mutual flame
Too long conceal'd? But ent'ring I receiv'd
A milder tale; they live. Thou holy Greek!
Employ thy science; save a lovely dame,
Though Persian born; in him preserve my friend;
Mardonius, long thy country's foe, to thee
Win ne'er be hostile. To Sandaucè go,
Say from my lips, and, Artamanes, hear,
The flow'r of nobles Xerxes shall not lose
Through disappointed passion; were my friend
Less than he is, among the satraps least,
At my enforcement shall the king unite
270
Not long thy gen'ral from his side can spare
Thy worth approv'd. Masistius is remote;
In virtue rich beyond a mortal's share,
But to that virtue never yielding rest,
He for a time on high adventure bent
Hath left me; thou his vacant place must fill.
The son of Gobryas to his tent returns.
End of the Twentieth Book.
VOL III
1
BOOK the Twenty-first.
Sev'n days were past, when Lamachus appear'd
Before Mardonius. Mighty chief, he said,
I hasted to Themistocles, and spoke
Thy friendly words. His answer first imply'd
No more, than cold acceptance of the terms
For Mindarus. At length two hundred, prime,
Of all his num'rous captives, he releas'd;
His minister, Sicinus, in the ship,
Which landed me, detains them near the port,
Till Haliartus, and the promis'd gold
Are lodg'd on board. Themistocles himself
Was bound to Athens with his menial train,
His wife and race. We parted on the shore.
To me, repeating in a whisper'd tone
Thy proffers large, he scornful thus reply'd:
“The spoils of Asia will exceed her gifts.”
Then loud thy brave defiance I pronounc'd.
He with redoubled arrogance thus brief:
“Rouse thy new master; else the plains of Thebes
“I may attain before him.” Fir'd with rage
Mardonious here: If Athens do not send
By Alexander's mouth submission low,
She shall become the spoil of Asian flames,
Themistocles spectator of the blaze.
Be swift; yon Greek for Mindarus exchange;
Two hundred talents promis'd shall be paid;
These ransom'd warriors I appoint my guard;
Brave Mindarus their captain. Stern he ends;
In open fight th' Athenian to confront
Magnanimous he burns; his heated soul
Yields to delusion of that subtle chief,
Wise like the serpent gliding through a brake,
When his empoison'd jaws in silence steal
On some incautious woodman, who, on toil
Intent, exerts his brawny strength, nor deems
A foe is nigh, nor hears him, nor perceives,
Till sore the death-inflicting wound he feels.
Before Mardonius. Mighty chief, he said,
I hasted to Themistocles, and spoke
Thy friendly words. His answer first imply'd
No more, than cold acceptance of the terms
For Mindarus. At length two hundred, prime,
Of all his num'rous captives, he releas'd;
His minister, Sicinus, in the ship,
Which landed me, detains them near the port,
2
Are lodg'd on board. Themistocles himself
Was bound to Athens with his menial train,
His wife and race. We parted on the shore.
To me, repeating in a whisper'd tone
Thy proffers large, he scornful thus reply'd:
“The spoils of Asia will exceed her gifts.”
Then loud thy brave defiance I pronounc'd.
He with redoubled arrogance thus brief:
“Rouse thy new master; else the plains of Thebes
“I may attain before him.” Fir'd with rage
Mardonious here: If Athens do not send
By Alexander's mouth submission low,
She shall become the spoil of Asian flames,
Themistocles spectator of the blaze.
Be swift; yon Greek for Mindarus exchange;
Two hundred talents promis'd shall be paid;
These ransom'd warriors I appoint my guard;
Brave Mindarus their captain. Stern he ends;
3
Magnanimous he burns; his heated soul
Yields to delusion of that subtle chief,
Wise like the serpent gliding through a brake,
When his empoison'd jaws in silence steal
On some incautious woodman, who, on toil
Intent, exerts his brawny strength, nor deems
A foe is nigh, nor hears him, nor perceives,
Till sore the death-inflicting wound he feels.
A summons swift for embarkation flies
To Haliartus. With regret he leaves
Dear friends, but dearer his Acanthè's love,
More prevalent his constant zeal for Greece
Combine to sooth his pain. They wing his speed
To good Sicinus, who, the ransom'd train
Discharging, tow'rds Eubœa steers the keel
With Persian treasure fraught. The ev'ning clos'd,
When by a hasty mandate to the son
Of Gobryas, Lamachus was call'd. The chief
In perturbation of indignant wrath
Was striding o'er the carpet, which bespread
His rich pavilion's floor. His words were these:
To Haliartus. With regret he leaves
Dear friends, but dearer his Acanthè's love,
More prevalent his constant zeal for Greece
Combine to sooth his pain. They wing his speed
To good Sicinus, who, the ransom'd train
Discharging, tow'rds Eubœa steers the keel
With Persian treasure fraught. The ev'ning clos'd,
When by a hasty mandate to the son
4
In perturbation of indignant wrath
Was striding o'er the carpet, which bespread
His rich pavilion's floor. His words were these:
The Macedonian king is just arriv'd
From Athens; I have seen him. Dost thou know,
That supercilious populace hath spurn'd
My condescension, menac'd ev'n a prince,
Their host, for proff'ring kindness in my name.
Such my reward. To all th' Ionian Greeks,
The seed of Athens, I, when victor, left
Their democratic rule and laws unchang'd;
But I will cut all freedom by the roots
From man's ungrateful race. The wily Greek
Insinuating fram'd this brief reply:
From Athens; I have seen him. Dost thou know,
That supercilious populace hath spurn'd
My condescension, menac'd ev'n a prince,
Their host, for proff'ring kindness in my name.
Such my reward. To all th' Ionian Greeks,
The seed of Athens, I, when victor, left
Their democratic rule and laws unchang'd;
But I will cut all freedom by the roots
From man's ungrateful race. The wily Greek
Insinuating fram'd this brief reply:
Perhaps the name of Xerxes may offend
Th' Athenian tribes. Might Europe once behold
The son of Gobryas thron'd, then... Ha! proceed,
Mardonius answer'd. Lamachus again:
Th' Athenian tribes. Might Europe once behold
5
Mardonius answer'd. Lamachus again:
Doth not all Ægypt, doth not Libya's clime,
With Asia vast, afford redundant sway
To gratify one monarch? First of men,
Why may not Thrace, with Macedonia's realm,
Thessalia, Greece, whate'er thy mighty arm
Shall rend by conquest from the western world,
Become thy prize? They willing might accept
A sov'reign like Mardonius. Try their choice.
With Asia vast, afford redundant sway
To gratify one monarch? First of men,
Why may not Thrace, with Macedonia's realm,
Thessalia, Greece, whate'er thy mighty arm
Shall rend by conquest from the western world,
Become thy prize? They willing might accept
A sov'reign like Mardonius. Try their choice.
Away—Mardonius spake; and frowning bade
The Greek retire. Now left alone he mus'd,
Thus questioning his heart: Aspiring thoughts,
Do ye awaken at the coz'ning touch
Of this vile tempter? Honour, while my ear
Detests th' adviser, fortify my breast
Against th' advice—Enough—More swiftly drive,
Dull night, thy sooty wheels; come, active morn,
Then to the field, Mardonius. Conquer now;
Deliberate hereafter on the spoil.
But thou may'st perish—perish, and the gifts
Of fortune change to everlasting fame.
The Greek retire. Now left alone he mus'd,
Thus questioning his heart: Aspiring thoughts,
Do ye awaken at the coz'ning touch
Of this vile tempter? Honour, while my ear
Detests th' adviser, fortify my breast
Against th' advice—Enough—More swiftly drive,
6
Then to the field, Mardonius. Conquer now;
Deliberate hereafter on the spoil.
But thou may'st perish—perish, and the gifts
Of fortune change to everlasting fame.
A sudden trumpet strikes his ear; he sees
Masistius nigh. So breaks the polar star
Through night's unrav'ling canopy of clouds
On some bewilder'd sailor to correct
His erring course. Amidst a warm embrace
Began Mardonius: O, in season come,
Thou more, than half myself! my strength decays,
My talents languish, ev'n my honour sleeps,
When thou art far. Masistius calm replies:
Masistius nigh. So breaks the polar star
Through night's unrav'ling canopy of clouds
On some bewilder'd sailor to correct
His erring course. Amidst a warm embrace
Began Mardonius: O, in season come,
Thou more, than half myself! my strength decays,
My talents languish, ev'n my honour sleeps,
When thou art far. Masistius calm replies:
I have compos'd Pallene's late revolt
Through all the district; Potidæa's walls
Alone resisted; from whose small domain
O'erflow'd by tides the army I withdrew.
I come, Mardonius, not to hear a tale
Of languid talents, or of strength decay'd,
Much less of honour sleeping in thy breast,
When I am absent. Honour on a rock
Immoveable is fix'd; its solid base
The billowy passions beat in vain, nor gusts
Of fortune shake; support from none it wants,
Firm in itself. Some augury, or dream
Inexplicably dark, o'erclouds thy mind;
Resume thy native manliness, O chief,
Whose loyal faith the mightiest king entrusts
With all his pow'r and splendour, save the crown.
Prepare to pass Thermopylæ, and bring
Our labours to decision. Gobryas' son
Compares the language of his spotless friend
With his own devious thoughts, and turns aside
In blushing silence; but, recover'd, sends
His mandate forth to march by rising dawn.
Not with a less commotion in his soul
From diff'rent cares Emathia's prince resorts
To Amarantha. On her beauteous neck
In conjugal affection, yet in grief
Unutterable long he hangs. Alas!
My lord, she said, though early I presag'd
Thy embassy abortive, hath it prov'd
Disastrous? Yes, her agonizing spouse
Return'd; what more disastrous, than reproach
Among the old, hereditary friends
Of my forefathers! Amarantha, lend
Attention; amply shall my tongue relate
Events impress'd too deeply on my heart.
I went to Athens; Aristides call'd
Her various tribes; the image of a god
Was he presiding. Innocent, at least
Intentionally guiltless, I began;
Good will to Athens prompted ev'ry word:
Through all the district; Potidæa's walls
Alone resisted; from whose small domain
7
I come, Mardonius, not to hear a tale
Of languid talents, or of strength decay'd,
Much less of honour sleeping in thy breast,
When I am absent. Honour on a rock
Immoveable is fix'd; its solid base
The billowy passions beat in vain, nor gusts
Of fortune shake; support from none it wants,
Firm in itself. Some augury, or dream
Inexplicably dark, o'erclouds thy mind;
Resume thy native manliness, O chief,
Whose loyal faith the mightiest king entrusts
With all his pow'r and splendour, save the crown.
Prepare to pass Thermopylæ, and bring
Our labours to decision. Gobryas' son
Compares the language of his spotless friend
With his own devious thoughts, and turns aside
In blushing silence; but, recover'd, sends
His mandate forth to march by rising dawn.
8
From diff'rent cares Emathia's prince resorts
To Amarantha. On her beauteous neck
In conjugal affection, yet in grief
Unutterable long he hangs. Alas!
My lord, she said, though early I presag'd
Thy embassy abortive, hath it prov'd
Disastrous? Yes, her agonizing spouse
Return'd; what more disastrous, than reproach
Among the old, hereditary friends
Of my forefathers! Amarantha, lend
Attention; amply shall my tongue relate
Events impress'd too deeply on my heart.
I went to Athens; Aristides call'd
Her various tribes; the image of a god
Was he presiding. Innocent, at least
Intentionally guiltless, I began;
Good will to Athens prompted ev'ry word:
9
Impow'r'd by Xerxes, thus Mardonius greets
You, men of Athens. Repossess your soil,
Enlarg'd dominion from the royal hand
Ask and obtain; be govern'd by your laws;
The son of Gobryas will rebuild your fanes;
Accept the king's alliance, and be free
With added strength and splendour. Me receive,
Illustrious people, offspring of the soil
Which you inhabit. Not a guest unknown
In Athens, I, your Macedonian host,
Of warm, unchang'd affection to your state,
Salvation bring, prosperity, and peace.
Reflect, what numbers of subjected Greeks,
Some ancient foes to Athens, others friends,
But now constrain'd, with Xerxes are ally'd.
The small remainder unsubdu'd consult
Their own defence. Are Spartans in the field?
Your produce, indefatigable race,
Your new-built mansions to a second waste
Of flames, your wives, your progeny, they leave
To want and rapine. Singly can you face
Half Greece, all Asia, leagu'd against your weal?
You, men of Athens. Repossess your soil,
Enlarg'd dominion from the royal hand
Ask and obtain; be govern'd by your laws;
The son of Gobryas will rebuild your fanes;
Accept the king's alliance, and be free
With added strength and splendour. Me receive,
Illustrious people, offspring of the soil
Which you inhabit. Not a guest unknown
In Athens, I, your Macedonian host,
Of warm, unchang'd affection to your state,
Salvation bring, prosperity, and peace.
Reflect, what numbers of subjected Greeks,
Some ancient foes to Athens, others friends,
But now constrain'd, with Xerxes are ally'd.
The small remainder unsubdu'd consult
Their own defence. Are Spartans in the field?
Your produce, indefatigable race,
Your new-built mansions to a second waste
10
To want and rapine. Singly can you face
Half Greece, all Asia, leagu'd against your weal?
Oh! Amarantha, frowns on ev'ry brow
Indignant lowr'd around me. Present there
Was Aëmnestus from Laconia's state;
He, who, unaw'd by Xerxes on his throne,
Strange retribution claim'd, and sternly chose
Mardonius' self the victim to appease
Leonidas. Th' Athenians he address'd:
Indignant lowr'd around me. Present there
Was Aëmnestus from Laconia's state;
He, who, unaw'd by Xerxes on his throne,
Strange retribution claim'd, and sternly chose
Mardonius' self the victim to appease
Leonidas. Th' Athenians he address'd:
“Invading Sardis to enlarge your sway,
“Athenians, you are authors of a war,
“Which now extends to all of Grecian blood;
“Ill would it then become you to desert
“The gen'ral cause. To servitude resign'd
“By you, a double shame the Greeks would cast
On Athens, known of old and often prov'd
“By arms and counsel to redeem and guard
“The liberty of nations. I condemn
“Like you my tardy countrymen; will bleed
“Not less for you, than Sparta. Soon, I trust,
“She will arrange her phalanx on the field;
“Else to your vengeance I devote my head.
“Meantime your wives and offspring ev'ry state
“In love will cherish. Attic ears, be shut
“To this deceiver; his condition calls
“On him to plead for tyranny; himself
“Wields a despotic scepter, petty lord
“Of feeble Macedon, and Persia's slave.”
“Athenians, you are authors of a war,
“Which now extends to all of Grecian blood;
“Ill would it then become you to desert
“The gen'ral cause. To servitude resign'd
“By you, a double shame the Greeks would cast
On Athens, known of old and often prov'd
11
“The liberty of nations. I condemn
“Like you my tardy countrymen; will bleed
“Not less for you, than Sparta. Soon, I trust,
“She will arrange her phalanx on the field;
“Else to your vengeance I devote my head.
“Meantime your wives and offspring ev'ry state
“In love will cherish. Attic ears, be shut
“To this deceiver; his condition calls
“On him to plead for tyranny; himself
“Wields a despotic scepter, petty lord
“Of feeble Macedon, and Persia's slave.”
Severe and awful Aristides rose;
His manners still urbanity adorn'd:
His manners still urbanity adorn'd:
“Ambassador of Sparta,” he began,
“Us thou hast charg'd as authors of the war,
“Yet dost extol our vigour in redress
“Of injur'd states. Th' Ionians were enslav'd,
“Our own descendants; Sardis we assail'd
“To set them free; nor less our present zeal
“For all of Grecian blood, by common ties
“Of language, manners, customs, rites and laws
“To us ally'd. Can Sparta doubt our faith?
“What disingenuous, unbeseeming thought
“In her, late witness of our lib'ral proof
“Of constancy! when ev'ry clime on earth
“Was equal to Athenians, where to chuse
“Their habitation, true to Greece they stay'd
“In sight of Athens burning to attempt
“The dang'rous fight, which Spartans would have “shunn'd.
“Now from the ruins of paternal tombs,
“Of altars fall'n, and violated fanes,
“Loud vengeance calls, a voice our courage hears,
“Enlarg'd to pious fury. Spartan, know,
“If yet unknowing, of the Attic race
“Not one to treat with Xerxes will survive;
“Our wives and offspring shall encumber none;
“All we require of Sparta is to march;
“That, ere th' expected foe invades our bounds,
“The Greeks united on Bœotian plains
“May give him battle—Alexander, view
“That glorious pow'r, which rolls above our heads;
“He first his wonted orbit shall forsake,
“Ere we our virtue. Never more appear
“Before the presence of Cecropian tribes
“With embassies like this; nor, blind by zeal,
“Howe'er sincere to Athens, urge again
“What is beneath her majesty to bear.
“I should be griev'd her anger should disgrace
“A prince, distinguish'd as her host and friend;
“Meantime I pity thy dependent state.”
“Us thou hast charg'd as authors of the war,
“Yet dost extol our vigour in redress
12
“Our own descendants; Sardis we assail'd
“To set them free; nor less our present zeal
“For all of Grecian blood, by common ties
“Of language, manners, customs, rites and laws
“To us ally'd. Can Sparta doubt our faith?
“What disingenuous, unbeseeming thought
“In her, late witness of our lib'ral proof
“Of constancy! when ev'ry clime on earth
“Was equal to Athenians, where to chuse
“Their habitation, true to Greece they stay'd
“In sight of Athens burning to attempt
“The dang'rous fight, which Spartans would have “shunn'd.
“Now from the ruins of paternal tombs,
“Of altars fall'n, and violated fanes,
“Loud vengeance calls, a voice our courage hears,
“Enlarg'd to pious fury. Spartan, know,
“If yet unknowing, of the Attic race
13
“Our wives and offspring shall encumber none;
“All we require of Sparta is to march;
“That, ere th' expected foe invades our bounds,
“The Greeks united on Bœotian plains
“May give him battle—Alexander, view
“That glorious pow'r, which rolls above our heads;
“He first his wonted orbit shall forsake,
“Ere we our virtue. Never more appear
“Before the presence of Cecropian tribes
“With embassies like this; nor, blind by zeal,
“Howe'er sincere to Athens, urge again
“What is beneath her majesty to bear.
“I should be griev'd her anger should disgrace
“A prince, distinguish'd as her host and friend;
“Meantime I pity thy dependent state.”
Loud acclamations hurried from the sight
Of that assembly thy dejected spouse,
In his own thoughts dishonour'd. What a lot
Is mine! If Xerxes triumph, I become
A slave in purple; should the Greeks prevail,
Should that Eubœan conqueror, the son
Of Neocles be sent th' Athenian scourge....
Of that assembly thy dejected spouse,
In his own thoughts dishonour'd. What a lot
14
A slave in purple; should the Greeks prevail,
Should that Eubœan conqueror, the son
Of Neocles be sent th' Athenian scourge....
Hear, and take comfort, interpos'd the queen.
To thee I come for counsel, sigh'd her lord;
I will repose me on thy breast, will hear
Thy voice, hereafter ever will obey;
Thy love, thy charms can sooth my plesent cares,
Thy wisdom ward the future. She proceeds:
To thee I come for counsel, sigh'd her lord;
I will repose me on thy breast, will hear
Thy voice, hereafter ever will obey;
Thy love, thy charms can sooth my plesent cares,
Thy wisdom ward the future. She proceeds:
That Greece will triumph, rest assur'd; no force
Of these untaught Barbarians can resist
Her policy and arms. Awhile, dear lord,
We must submit to wear the galling mask
Necessity imposes. New events
Are daily scatter'd by the restless palm
Of Fortune; some will prove propitious. Wife,
To all men gracious, Aristides serv'd
By us in season will befriend our state.
Of these untaught Barbarians can resist
Her policy and arms. Awhile, dear lord,
We must submit to wear the galling mask
Necessity imposes. New events
Are daily scatter'd by the restless palm
Of Fortune; some will prove propitious. Wife,
15
By us in season will befriend our state.
This said, her star-like beauty gilds his gloom,
While round them heav'n his midnight curtain drops.
By rising dawn th' Oetæan rocks and caves
Ring with ten thousand trumps and clarions loud.
With all his host the son of Gobryas leaves
His empty'd camp. So rushes from his den
The strong and thick-furr'd animal, who boasts
Calisto's lineage; bound in drowsy sloth
Bleak winter he exhausts; when tepid spring
His limbs releases from benumbing cold,
He reinstates his vigour, and asserts
Among Sarmatian woods his wonted sway.
While round them heav'n his midnight curtain drops.
By rising dawn th' Oetæan rocks and caves
Ring with ten thousand trumps and clarions loud.
With all his host the son of Gobryas leaves
His empty'd camp. So rushes from his den
The strong and thick-furr'd animal, who boasts
Calisto's lineage; bound in drowsy sloth
Bleak winter he exhausts; when tepid spring
His limbs releases from benumbing cold,
He reinstates his vigour, and asserts
Among Sarmatian woods his wonted sway.
The bands entire of Persians and of Medes,
The rest, selected from unnumber'd climes,
Compose the army. Forty myriads sweep
Thy pass, renown'd Thermopylæ, to rush
On Grecian cities scatter'd in their view.
So by the deep Borystenes in floods
Of frothy rage, by mightier Danube's wave,
Nor less by countless congregated streams,
The Euxine swoln, through Hellespontine straits
Impels his rapid current; thence extends
Among th' Ægean isles a turbid maze.
Three days the multitude requir'd to pass
The rough defile. Masistius in the van
His sumptuous arms, and all-surpassing form
Discovers. Tiridates leads the rear
Clos'd by the troops of Macedon, whose king
Sat on a car beside his radiant queen.
Amid the center, on a milk-white steed,
Mardonius rode in armour, plated gold
Thick set with gems. Before him march'd a guard
Of giant size, from each Barbarian tribe,
For huge dimension, and terrific mien,
Preferr'd. Their captain, from his stature nam'd
Briareus, born on Rhodope, display'd
That hundred-handed Titan on his shield.
He swung around an iron-studded mace,
In length ten cubits; to his shoulders broad
The hairy spoils of hunted bears supply'd
A shaggy mantle; his uncover'd head
Was bald, except where nigh the brawny neck
Short bushy locks their crisped terrors knit.
So his own mountain through surrounding woods
Lifts to the clouds a summit bare and smooth
In frost, which glistens by no season thaw'd.
Not such is gentle Mindarus behind
In argent mail. Unceasing, on his shield
Intent, Cleora newly painted there
A living beauty, but another's prize,
He views, while hopeless passion wastes the hue
Of his fair cheek, and elegance of form.
Not less th' unrivall'd Amarantha's eyes
Had pierc'd the son of Gobryas. Instant sparks
On her appearance from Nicæa first
Had kindled warm desire, which absence cool'd,
While she in distant Macedon abode.
When winter melted at the breath of spring,
Her sight again amid th' assembling host
Reviv'd the fervour of an eastern breast
By nature prone, by wanton licence us'd,
To am'rous pleasures. Public duty still
Employ'd his hours; still smother'd was the flame,
Nor on his wishes had occasion smil'd.
Ev'n in the absence of Æmathia's prince
At Athens, friendship's unremitted care
Still in Sandaucè's chamber held the queen
Sequester'd, inaccessibly immur'd.
The rest, selected from unnumber'd climes,
Compose the army. Forty myriads sweep
Thy pass, renown'd Thermopylæ, to rush
On Grecian cities scatter'd in their view.
So by the deep Borystenes in floods
16
Nor less by countless congregated streams,
The Euxine swoln, through Hellespontine straits
Impels his rapid current; thence extends
Among th' Ægean isles a turbid maze.
Three days the multitude requir'd to pass
The rough defile. Masistius in the van
His sumptuous arms, and all-surpassing form
Discovers. Tiridates leads the rear
Clos'd by the troops of Macedon, whose king
Sat on a car beside his radiant queen.
Amid the center, on a milk-white steed,
Mardonius rode in armour, plated gold
Thick set with gems. Before him march'd a guard
Of giant size, from each Barbarian tribe,
For huge dimension, and terrific mien,
Preferr'd. Their captain, from his stature nam'd
Briareus, born on Rhodope, display'd
That hundred-handed Titan on his shield.
He swung around an iron-studded mace,
17
The hairy spoils of hunted bears supply'd
A shaggy mantle; his uncover'd head
Was bald, except where nigh the brawny neck
Short bushy locks their crisped terrors knit.
So his own mountain through surrounding woods
Lifts to the clouds a summit bare and smooth
In frost, which glistens by no season thaw'd.
Not such is gentle Mindarus behind
In argent mail. Unceasing, on his shield
Intent, Cleora newly painted there
A living beauty, but another's prize,
He views, while hopeless passion wastes the hue
Of his fair cheek, and elegance of form.
Not less th' unrivall'd Amarantha's eyes
Had pierc'd the son of Gobryas. Instant sparks
On her appearance from Nicæa first
Had kindled warm desire, which absence cool'd,
While she in distant Macedon abode.
18
Her sight again amid th' assembling host
Reviv'd the fervour of an eastern breast
By nature prone, by wanton licence us'd,
To am'rous pleasures. Public duty still
Employ'd his hours; still smother'd was the flame,
Nor on his wishes had occasion smil'd.
Ev'n in the absence of Æmathia's prince
At Athens, friendship's unremitted care
Still in Sandaucè's chamber held the queen
Sequester'd, inaccessibly immur'd.
Beside Masistius rode a youthful page
Of eastern lineage. He in tend'rest years
Stol'n by perfidious traffickers in slaves,
By Medon purchas'd, to Melissa giv'n,
By her was nam'd Statirus, and retain'd
Among her holy servitors. This youth
On her benign protector she bestow'd.
Masistius priz'd her token of esteem
Beyond himself, and daily bounty show'r'd
On young Statirus. Near the Locrian vale
Advancing now the satrap thus began:
Of eastern lineage. He in tend'rest years
Stol'n by perfidious traffickers in slaves,
By Medon purchas'd, to Melissa giv'n,
By her was nam'd Statirus, and retain'd
Among her holy servitors. This youth
On her benign protector she bestow'd.
19
Beyond himself, and daily bounty show'r'd
On young Statirus. Near the Locrian vale
Advancing now the satrap thus began:
O! early train'd by sage Melissa's hand,
Gift of her friendship, and in merit dear,
Nine months are fled, Statirus, since I bow'd
In docile reverence, not unlike thy own,
To her instruction. All her words divine
In precept or narration, from this breast
No time can blot. I now perceive a lake,
Which holds an island she hath oft describ'd,
Where tombs are mould'ring under cypress shades;
There she hath told me, great Oïleus rests.
O father of Melissa, should my pow'r
To savage licence of invasion leave
Thy dust expos'd, my progress were but small
In virtue's track; Masistius would disgrace
Thy daughter's guidance—Fly, Statirus, post
These my attendant vassals to protect
That sacred turf; let each battalion pass
Ere ye rejoin me. Uttering this, he hears
The trumpet's evening signal to encamp.
The sun is low; not ent'ring yet the vale,
Mardonius halts, and summons to his tent
Thessialia's chieftain, faithless Greek, approv'd
The Persian's friend, with him th' unwilling prince
Of Macedon, to whom the gen'ral thus:
Gift of her friendship, and in merit dear,
Nine months are fled, Statirus, since I bow'd
In docile reverence, not unlike thy own,
To her instruction. All her words divine
In precept or narration, from this breast
No time can blot. I now perceive a lake,
Which holds an island she hath oft describ'd,
Where tombs are mould'ring under cypress shades;
There she hath told me, great Oïleus rests.
O father of Melissa, should my pow'r
To savage licence of invasion leave
Thy dust expos'd, my progress were but small
In virtue's track; Masistius would disgrace
20
These my attendant vassals to protect
That sacred turf; let each battalion pass
Ere ye rejoin me. Uttering this, he hears
The trumpet's evening signal to encamp.
The sun is low; not ent'ring yet the vale,
Mardonius halts, and summons to his tent
Thessialia's chieftain, faithless Greek, approv'd
The Persian's friend, with him th' unwilling prince
Of Macedon, to whom the gen'ral thus:
To march by dawn your squadrons both prepare:
Thou, Larissæan Thorax, in these tracts
My trusted guide, with swift excursion reach
The Isthmus; watch the Spartan motions there.
Thou, Alexander, sweep the furthest bounds
Of Locris, Doris, Phocis; all their youth
In arms collect; ere thirty days elapse,
I shall expect them on the plains of Thebes.
Thou, Larissæan Thorax, in these tracts
My trusted guide, with swift excursion reach
The Isthmus; watch the Spartan motions there.
Thou, Alexander, sweep the furthest bounds
Of Locris, Doris, Phocis; all their youth
In arms collect; ere thirty days elapse,
I shall expect them on the plains of Thebes.
21
He said: The king and Thorax both retire.
The morning shines; they execute their charge;
The host proceeds. Once happy was the vale,
Where Medon's father, and his faithful swain,
Now to illustrious Haliartus chang'd,
Abode in peace. No longer is retain'd
The verdant smoothness, ridg'd by grating wheels
Of Libyan cars, uptorn by pond'rous hoofs
Of trooping steeds and camels. Not this day
Is festive, such as Sparta's king enjoy'd,
When lib'ral hospitality receiv'd
His guardian standard on the Oïlean turf.
No jocund swain now modulates his pipe
To notes of welcome; not a maiden decks
Her hair in flow'rs; mute Philomel, whose throat
Once tun'd her warble to Laconian flutes,
Amid barbarian dissonance repines.
The morning shines; they execute their charge;
The host proceeds. Once happy was the vale,
Where Medon's father, and his faithful swain,
Now to illustrious Haliartus chang'd,
Abode in peace. No longer is retain'd
The verdant smoothness, ridg'd by grating wheels
Of Libyan cars, uptorn by pond'rous hoofs
Of trooping steeds and camels. Not this day
Is festive, such as Sparta's king enjoy'd,
When lib'ral hospitality receiv'd
His guardian standard on the Oïlean turf.
No jocund swain now modulates his pipe
To notes of welcome; not a maiden decks
Her hair in flow'rs; mute Philomel, whose throat
Once tun'd her warble to Laconian flutes,
Amid barbarian dissonance repines.
Now in rude march th' innumerable host
Approach the fountain, whose translucent rills
In murmur lull the passenger's repose
On beds of moss, in that refreshing cell,
To rural peace constructed by the friend
Of man, Oïleus. Thither to evade
The noontide heat the son of Gobryas turns.
Briareus, captain of his giant guard,
Accosts him ent'ring: Image of the king,
A list'ning ear to me thy servant lend;
Thou goest to Thebes; far diff'rent is the track
To Delphi. Shall that receptacle proud
Of Grecian treasure, heap'd from earliest times,
Yet rest unspoil'd? An earthquake, not the arms
Of feeble Delphians, foil'd the first attempt;
Not twice Parnassus will disjoint his frame.
Let me the precious enterprize resume,
Who neither dread the mountain, nor the god.
Approach the fountain, whose translucent rills
22
On beds of moss, in that refreshing cell,
To rural peace constructed by the friend
Of man, Oïleus. Thither to evade
The noontide heat the son of Gobryas turns.
Briareus, captain of his giant guard,
Accosts him ent'ring: Image of the king,
A list'ning ear to me thy servant lend;
Thou goest to Thebes; far diff'rent is the track
To Delphi. Shall that receptacle proud
Of Grecian treasure, heap'd from earliest times,
Yet rest unspoil'd? An earthquake, not the arms
Of feeble Delphians, foil'd the first attempt;
Not twice Parnassus will disjoint his frame.
Let me the precious enterprize resume,
Who neither dread the mountain, nor the god.
Though not assenting, yet without reproof
Mardonius looks, postponing his reply.
Hence soon the rumour of a new attempt
Against the Pythian oracle, the seat
Of Amarantha's birth, alarms her soul.
Massistius born to virtue, and refin'd
By frequent converse with Melissa pure,
The queen consults. Her instant he conveys
Before his friend, to deprecate an act
Of sacrilege so fatal once. The cell
She enters. Like Anchises, when his flock
On Ida's mount was folded, at the sight
Of Venus, breaking on his midnight hut
In all the radiance of celestial charms,
Mardonius stands, and fixes on the queen
An eye transported. At a sign his friend
Withdrew, but waited nigh. To her the chief:
Mardonius looks, postponing his reply.
23
Against the Pythian oracle, the seat
Of Amarantha's birth, alarms her soul.
Massistius born to virtue, and refin'd
By frequent converse with Melissa pure,
The queen consults. Her instant he conveys
Before his friend, to deprecate an act
Of sacrilege so fatal once. The cell
She enters. Like Anchises, when his flock
On Ida's mount was folded, at the sight
Of Venus, breaking on his midnight hut
In all the radiance of celestial charms,
Mardonius stands, and fixes on the queen
An eye transported. At a sign his friend
Withdrew, but waited nigh. To her the chief:
What fortune brings the fairest of her sex
To her adoring servant? She replies:
To her adoring servant? She replies:
24
False sure the rumour which pervades thy camp.
A second time to violate the shrine
Of Phœbus once provok'd, and sorely felt,
Thou canst not mean. The eager Persian then:
A second time to violate the shrine
Of Phœbus once provok'd, and sorely felt,
Thou canst not mean. The eager Persian then:
Admit th' intent; thy interceding voice
Protects Apollo. Not on my request
Avoid an impious action, firm she spake;
Weigh thy own danger in offending heav'n,
By piety and mercy win its grace.
Protects Apollo. Not on my request
Avoid an impious action, firm she spake;
Weigh thy own danger in offending heav'n,
By piety and mercy win its grace.
No, all the merit shall be thine, he cried;
The favour due from heav'n be all thy own.
I ask no more than Amarantha's smile
For my reward; as Phœbus is thy god,
Thou art my goddess. Let me worship thus—
The favour due from heav'n be all thy own.
I ask no more than Amarantha's smile
For my reward; as Phœbus is thy god,
Thou art my goddess. Let me worship thus—
He stop'd, and seiz'd her hand with am'rous lips
To stain those lilied beauties, which surpass'd
Junonian whiteness. Virtue from her eyes
Flash'd, and with crimson indignation dy'd
Her cheeks: Retire; forget not who I am,
Stern she rebuk'd him. He, accustom'd long
To yielding beauty in the wanton East,
That torrid clime of love, a stranger he
To elegance of coyness in the sex,
Much more to chaste repulse, when ev'ry bar
But honour warm occasion hath remov'd,
These words austerely utter'd: Am I chang'd?
No more Mardonius? Is my dazzling sun
Of pow'r and splendour suddenly obscur'd?
In state degraded, for a peasant's garb
Have I exchang'd my purple? Is my prime,
My form, in all th' impurities of age
By some malignant talisman disguis'd,
At once grown loathsome? Who, and what I am,
Thou prodigy of coldness and disdain,
Remind me. Who, and what thou art, she said,
I will remind thee to confound thee more.
No characters of magic have the pow'r
To change a noble and ingenuous mind;
Thou hast thyself degraded; thou hast rent
The wreaths, which circle thy commanding brow,
And all their splendour wantonly defac'd.
Thy rank and pow'r exalted dost thou hold
From partial heav'n to violate the laws
Of men and gods? True pattern to the world
Of Persian virtues! Now to all thy pomp,
Thy steeds, thy chariots, and emblazing gems,
The gorgeous pageants of tyrannic state,
I leave thee, son of luxury and vice.
To stain those lilied beauties, which surpass'd
25
Flash'd, and with crimson indignation dy'd
Her cheeks: Retire; forget not who I am,
Stern she rebuk'd him. He, accustom'd long
To yielding beauty in the wanton East,
That torrid clime of love, a stranger he
To elegance of coyness in the sex,
Much more to chaste repulse, when ev'ry bar
But honour warm occasion hath remov'd,
These words austerely utter'd: Am I chang'd?
No more Mardonius? Is my dazzling sun
Of pow'r and splendour suddenly obscur'd?
In state degraded, for a peasant's garb
Have I exchang'd my purple? Is my prime,
My form, in all th' impurities of age
By some malignant talisman disguis'd,
At once grown loathsome? Who, and what I am,
Thou prodigy of coldness and disdain,
Remind me. Who, and what thou art, she said,
26
No characters of magic have the pow'r
To change a noble and ingenuous mind;
Thou hast thyself degraded; thou hast rent
The wreaths, which circle thy commanding brow,
And all their splendour wantonly defac'd.
Thy rank and pow'r exalted dost thou hold
From partial heav'n to violate the laws
Of men and gods? True pattern to the world
Of Persian virtues! Now to all thy pomp,
Thy steeds, thy chariots, and emblazing gems,
The gorgeous pageants of tyrannic state,
I leave thee, son of luxury and vice.
She said, and darted like a meteor swift
Away, whose aspect red presages woe
To superstition's herd. The Persian's pride
Is wounded; tapers to the cell he calls;
By them a tablet, unobserv'd before,
Attracts his gloomy eye. The words were these:
Away, whose aspect red presages woe
To superstition's herd. The Persian's pride
Is wounded; tapers to the cell he calls;
27
Attracts his gloomy eye. The words were these:
“The Spartan king a visitant was here,
“Who, by a tyrant's multitude o'erpow'r'd,
“Died for his country. Be accurst the man,
“The man impure, who violates these walls,
“Which, by Oïleus hospitably rais'd,
“Receiv'd the great Leonidas a guest.
“Oïlean Medon this inscription trac'd.”
“Who, by a tyrant's multitude o'erpow'r'd,
“Died for his country. Be accurst the man,
“The man impure, who violates these walls,
“Which, by Oïleus hospitably rais'd,
“Receiv'd the great Leonidas a guest.
“Oïlean Medon this inscription trac'd.”
Another hangs beneath it in this strain:
“Laconian Aëmnestus rested here,
“From Asia's camp return'd. His faulchion's point
“To deities and mortals thus proclaims
“His arm to vengeance on Mardonius pledg'd,
“The king of Sparta's manes to appease.”
“Laconian Aëmnestus rested here,
“From Asia's camp return'd. His faulchion's point
“To deities and mortals thus proclaims
“His arm to vengeance on Mardonius pledg'd,
“The king of Sparta's manes to appease.”
Brave was the son of Gobryas, like the god
Of war in battle; yet a dream, an act
Of froward chance, would oft depress his mind.
He recollects with pain the challenge bold
From that severe Laconian in the tent
Of Xerxes; this to Amarantha's scorn
Succeeding, throws new darkness o'er his gloom.
Masistius ent'ring hasty thus began:
Of war in battle; yet a dream, an act
28
He recollects with pain the challenge bold
From that severe Laconian in the tent
Of Xerxes; this to Amarantha's scorn
Succeeding, throws new darkness o'er his gloom.
Masistius ent'ring hasty thus began:
What hast thou done, Mardonius? When I led
This princess back, indignant she complain'd
Of wrong from thee. Thy countenance is griev'd.
This princess back, indignant she complain'd
Of wrong from thee. Thy countenance is griev'd.
Confus'd, Mardonius pointed to the scrolls;
Masistius read; he took the word again:
Masistius read; he took the word again:
Now in the name of Horomazes, chief,
Art thou discourag'd by a Grecian vaunt,
Or by that empty oracle which claim'd
Atonement for Leonidas? Despise
Mysterious words and omens like a man.
But if thou bear'st the conscience of a deed
Unworthy, just thy sorrow; like a man
Feel due contrition, and the fault repair.
Art thou discourag'd by a Grecian vaunt,
Or by that empty oracle which claim'd
Atonement for Leonidas? Despise
Mysterious words and omens like a man.
29
Unworthy, just thy sorrow; like a man
Feel due contrition, and the fault repair.
I have meant wrong, not acted, said the chief.
Greece once produc'd a Helen, who forsook
A throne and husband; what these later dames
Call honour, which without an eunuch guard
Protects their charms, in Asia is unknown.
Resentful, gall'd at first, I now admire
This lofty woman, who, like Helen bright,
Rejected me a lover, who surpass
The son of Priam. Thou art gentler far
Than I, discreet Masistius; sooth by morn
With lenient words, and costly gifts, her ire.
Call Mindarus, together let us feast;
He too is gentle, I am rough and hot,
Whom thou canst guide, Masistius, thou alone.
Greece once produc'd a Helen, who forsook
A throne and husband; what these later dames
Call honour, which without an eunuch guard
Protects their charms, in Asia is unknown.
Resentful, gall'd at first, I now admire
This lofty woman, who, like Helen bright,
Rejected me a lover, who surpass
The son of Priam. Thou art gentler far
Than I, discreet Masistius; sooth by morn
With lenient words, and costly gifts, her ire.
Call Mindarus, together let us feast;
He too is gentle, I am rough and hot,
Whom thou canst guide, Masistius, thou alone.
30
Soon Mindarus appears in aspect sad;
Soon is the royal equipage produc'd,
Which Xerxes gave Mardonius to sustain
His delegated state. Ye rustic pow'rs!
Ye Dryads, Oreads of th' Oïlean seat!
Ye Naiads white of lucid brooks and founts!
Had you existence other than in tales
Of fancy, how had your astonish'd eyes
At piles of gold enrich'd by orient gems
Been dimm'd with lustre? Genius of the cell
Simplicity had fram'd to rural peace!
How hadst thou started at a Persian board?
Fair female minstrels charm the sight and ear;
Effeminating measures on their lutes
Dissolve the soul in languor, which admits
No thought but love. Their voices chance directs
To sing of Daphnè by Apollo chas'd,
Of him inflam'd at beauties in her flight
Disclos'd, him reaching with a vain embrace
Those virgin beauties, into laurel chang'd
On flowry-bank'd Orontes, Syrian stream.
Soon is the royal equipage produc'd,
Which Xerxes gave Mardonius to sustain
His delegated state. Ye rustic pow'rs!
Ye Dryads, Oreads of th' Oïlean seat!
Ye Naiads white of lucid brooks and founts!
Had you existence other than in tales
Of fancy, how had your astonish'd eyes
At piles of gold enrich'd by orient gems
Been dimm'd with lustre? Genius of the cell
Simplicity had fram'd to rural peace!
How hadst thou started at a Persian board?
Fair female minstrels charm the sight and ear;
Effeminating measures on their lutes
Dissolve the soul in languor, which admits
No thought but love. Their voices chance directs
To sing of Daphnè by Apollo chas'd,
Of him inflam'd at beauties in her flight
31
Those virgin beauties, into laurel chang'd
On flowry-bank'd Orontes, Syrian stream.
Mardonius sighs at disappointed love;
Tears down the cheeks of Mindarus descend,
Recalling dear Cleora, not as dead
Recall'd, but living in another's arms.
Tears down the cheeks of Mindarus descend,
Recalling dear Cleora, not as dead
Recall'd, but living in another's arms.
Not so the firmness of Masistius yields;
The sost, lascivious theme his thoughts reject,
By pure affections govern'd. Yet the charm
Of harmony prevailing serves to raise
Compos'd remembrance of Melissa's lyre,
Which oft in stillness of a moon-light hour,
Amid her nymphs in symphony high-ton'd,
To moderation, equity, and faith,
To deeds heroic and humane she struck
With force divine, reproving lawless will,
Intemp'rate passions, turpitude of mind,
And savage manners in her ethic lay.
The sost, lascivious theme his thoughts reject,
By pure affections govern'd. Yet the charm
Of harmony prevailing serves to raise
Compos'd remembrance of Melissa's lyre,
Which oft in stillness of a moon-light hour,
Amid her nymphs in symphony high-ton'd,
To moderation, equity, and faith,
To deeds heroic and humane she struck
32
Intemp'rate passions, turpitude of mind,
And savage manners in her ethic lay.
The banquet ends, and all depart to rest.
End of the Twenty-first Book.
33
BOOK the Twenty-second.
By morn return'd Masistius: Hear, he said,
Th' event unpleasing from thy passion sprung.
Mardonius, thy temerity hath chac'd
From Persia's camp the Macedonian queen;
I found her tent abandon'd; but her course
Conjecture cannot trace. What other style
Than of Barbarians can the Greeks afford
To us of Asia? Lo! a youthful king,
Our best ally, and my distinguish'd friend,
Exerts a distant effort in our cause,
Meantime the honour of his queen, by all
Ador'd, inviolate till now, our chief
Insults, by station her protector sole,
When I am absent. Not thyself alone
Thou hast disgrac'd, but me her guardian pledg'd
By sacred oaths to Macedonia's lord.
Th' event unpleasing from thy passion sprung.
Mardonius, thy temerity hath chac'd
From Persia's camp the Macedonian queen;
I found her tent abandon'd; but her course
Conjecture cannot trace. What other style
Than of Barbarians can the Greeks afford
To us of Asia? Lo! a youthful king,
Our best ally, and my distinguish'd friend,
Exerts a distant effort in our cause,
34
Ador'd, inviolate till now, our chief
Insults, by station her protector sole,
When I am absent. Not thyself alone
Thou hast disgrac'd, but me her guardian pledg'd
By sacred oaths to Macedonia's lord.
These words, evincing nature's purest gifts,
Deserving that society sublime
With Grecian muses, where Melissa pour'd
Her moral strain, in perturbation plunge
The hearer; when importunate, abrupt
Appears Briareus, and renews the suit
To pillage Delphi. No, in wrath replied
The clouded son of Gobryas; bring my steed;
March all to Thebes. Then humble as a child,
Who to parental castigation owns
His fault in tears, Masistius he address'd:
How bless'd the mind by Horomazes fram'd
Like thine, serene Masistius, to resist
Unruly passions! never warm desires,
Pride, or ambition, vex thy equal thoughts,
Which from their level no dejection low'rs;
Yet none surpasses thee in rank and pow'r
Among the satraps. Uncorrupted man!
O, in thyself superior to thy state,
Me, who so often sink below my own,
Befriend in this dark moment. I foresee,
I feel disaster in this harsh event.
Deserving that society sublime
With Grecian muses, where Melissa pour'd
Her moral strain, in perturbation plunge
The hearer; when importunate, abrupt
Appears Briareus, and renews the suit
To pillage Delphi. No, in wrath replied
The clouded son of Gobryas; bring my steed;
March all to Thebes. Then humble as a child,
Who to parental castigation owns
His fault in tears, Masistius he address'd:
35
Like thine, serene Masistius, to resist
Unruly passions! never warm desires,
Pride, or ambition, vex thy equal thoughts,
Which from their level no dejection low'rs;
Yet none surpasses thee in rank and pow'r
Among the satraps. Uncorrupted man!
O, in thyself superior to thy state,
Me, who so often sink below my own,
Befriend in this dark moment. I foresee,
I feel disaster in this harsh event.
Masistius here: Reflect, thou mighty chief,
At either gate of life, the first and last,
Yet more through all their intermediate space,
Vicissitude and hazard lurk unseen,
Supplanting wary steps. To mortal pow'r
Those dreadful ministers of jealous heav'n,
The elements, are hostile, and to low'r
The great with changing fortune oft conspire.
At either gate of life, the first and last,
Yet more through all their intermediate space,
Vicissitude and hazard lurk unseen,
Supplanting wary steps. To mortal pow'r
Those dreadful ministers of jealous heav'n,
The elements, are hostile, and to low'r
The great with changing fortune oft conspire.
36
Her cruel sport, Mardonius, need we tempt
With our own follies? In thy arduous post
Thy hand sustains a balance, where the lives
Of nations, where an empire's fate is pois'd
From hour to hour against the common ills
Of chance and nature, which so often foil
The wisest; do not super-add the weight
Of thy own passions to the adverse scale.
I, who am ever to thy virtues just,
Will not be slow, though grieving at thy faults,
To furnish present help. Farewell; I mount
My swiftest courser to o'ertake the queen,
Whose indignation I can best compose.
With our own follies? In thy arduous post
Thy hand sustains a balance, where the lives
Of nations, where an empire's fate is pois'd
From hour to hour against the common ills
Of chance and nature, which so often foil
The wisest; do not super-add the weight
Of thy own passions to the adverse scale.
I, who am ever to thy virtues just,
Will not be slow, though grieving at thy faults,
To furnish present help. Farewell; I mount
My swiftest courser to o'ertake the queen,
Whose indignation I can best compose.
Mardonius then: Adventure is a chace
Thy virtue, no idolatress of fame,
Enjoys; thy prompters are the love of right,
Care for a friend, or zeal for Persia's state,
Which render hazardous attempts thy bliss,
Sublime Masistius. Thou hast weight to awe
Mardonius, who thy enterprising hand
Laments, but never to controul assumes,
Yet feels and most regrets his own defects,
Whene'er they cause thy absence. Here they end
Discourse. Of cavalry a num'rous pow'r,
Train'd by himself, Masistius heads, and leaves
The army filing tow'rds Bœotian fields.
Thy virtue, no idolatress of fame,
Enjoys; thy prompters are the love of right,
Care for a friend, or zeal for Persia's state,
Which render hazardous attempts thy bliss,
37
Mardonius, who thy enterprising hand
Laments, but never to controul assumes,
Yet feels and most regrets his own defects,
Whene'er they cause thy absence. Here they end
Discourse. Of cavalry a num'rous pow'r,
Train'd by himself, Masistius heads, and leaves
The army filing tow'rds Bœotian fields.
He bends his course to Delphi; he attains
Permessus, round the Heliconian heights
In argent mazes whisp'ring, as he flows,
To passengers along the winding way,
Which skirts the mountain, and o'erlooks the stream.
Back from the ford the satrap's courser starts
Affrighted. Lo! to crimson, as of blood,
In sudden change the late crystalline wave,
Melodious solace of the sacred nine,
Rolls horrible to view. Anon with helms,
With spears and bucklers, grating o'er the bed
Of loosen'd stone, with limbs and trunks of men,
The turbid current chafes. Masistius spurs
Through all obstruction; in his forc'd career
The clank of armour, crash of spears, and shouts
Of battle strike his ear; the vocal rocks
Augment the animating sound; he sees
A flying soldier, by his target known
A Macedonian guard, who stops, and thus:
Permessus, round the Heliconian heights
In argent mazes whisp'ring, as he flows,
To passengers along the winding way,
Which skirts the mountain, and o'erlooks the stream.
Back from the ford the satrap's courser starts
Affrighted. Lo! to crimson, as of blood,
In sudden change the late crystalline wave,
Melodious solace of the sacred nine,
Rolls horrible to view. Anon with helms,
38
Of loosen'd stone, with limbs and trunks of men,
The turbid current chafes. Masistius spurs
Through all obstruction; in his forc'd career
The clank of armour, crash of spears, and shouts
Of battle strike his ear; the vocal rocks
Augment the animating sound; he sees
A flying soldier, by his target known
A Macedonian guard, who stops, and thus:
Hail! satrap, hail! thou timely sent by heav'n,
Haste and protect the Macedonian queen.
A host of robbers, by the lawless times
Combin'd, have vanquish'd our inferior force;
Part of our mangled number choak that flood,
Part on the ground lie bleeding. At these words
Masistius rushes with his pond'rous lance
In rest; Emathia's beauteous queen in flight
Before pursuing ruffians he perceives
On her fleet courser. Thunderbolt of strength,
He hurls to earth their leader giant-siz'd,
A profligate deserter from the guard
Mardonian. Next a Phocian born, expell'd
His native residence for crimes, he slew;
The active staff is broken in the chest
Of an Arcadian, branded by his state
With infamy; the victor then unsheaths
His sabre, op'ning through the savage rout
A passage wide for death. His faithful train
Surround them; irresistible he sweeps
The traitors headlong to the flood below,
Which foams like Simois, by Pelides swoln
With Trojan dead, and struggling to discharge
Th' unwonted load in Neptune's briny waste.
Haste and protect the Macedonian queen.
A host of robbers, by the lawless times
Combin'd, have vanquish'd our inferior force;
Part of our mangled number choak that flood,
Part on the ground lie bleeding. At these words
Masistius rushes with his pond'rous lance
In rest; Emathia's beauteous queen in flight
Before pursuing ruffians he perceives
39
He hurls to earth their leader giant-siz'd,
A profligate deserter from the guard
Mardonian. Next a Phocian born, expell'd
His native residence for crimes, he slew;
The active staff is broken in the chest
Of an Arcadian, branded by his state
With infamy; the victor then unsheaths
His sabre, op'ning through the savage rout
A passage wide for death. His faithful train
Surround them; irresistible he sweeps
The traitors headlong to the flood below,
Which foams like Simois, by Pelides swoln
With Trojan dead, and struggling to discharge
Th' unwonted load in Neptune's briny waste.
The conqueror dismounts; before the queen
His gracious form presenting, in the arms
Of his sustaining friends he sudden sinks,
Oppress'd by wounds unheeded, ev'n unfelt
Amid the warmth of action. Then her veil
She rends asunder, and, lamenting, beats
Her grateful breast. The notes of sorrow, loud
Through all the concourse, dissipate his trance.
Serene these words he utters: Honour's track
Is perilous, though lovely; there to walk,
Not fearing death, nor coveting his stroke,
Though to receive it ever well prepar'd,
Has been my choice and study. But, fair queen,
Be not discourag'd at my present state,
Wounds are to me familiar, and their cures;
To Delphi lead me, or whatever place,
Thy wish prefers. Masistius comes thy guard,
So will continue, and, ere long restor'd,
Hath much for thy instruction to impart.
His gracious form presenting, in the arms
Of his sustaining friends he sudden sinks,
40
Amid the warmth of action. Then her veil
She rends asunder, and, lamenting, beats
Her grateful breast. The notes of sorrow, loud
Through all the concourse, dissipate his trance.
Serene these words he utters: Honour's track
Is perilous, though lovely; there to walk,
Not fearing death, nor coveting his stroke,
Though to receive it ever well prepar'd,
Has been my choice and study. But, fair queen,
Be not discourag'd at my present state,
Wounds are to me familiar, and their cures;
To Delphi lead me, or whatever place,
Thy wish prefers. Masistius comes thy guard,
So will continue, and, ere long restor'd,
Hath much for thy instruction to impart.
While these to Delphi, on his march to Thebes
Advanc'd the son of Gobryas. Soon the steps
Innumerous of men and coursers bruise
On green Cephissian meads the growth of May.
Copææ's lake, perfum'd with orange groves,
Which rude unsated violence deforms,
The multitudes envelop; thence along
The sedgy borders of Ismenus reach
Cadmēan walls, when now the golden sun
Sev'n times had fill'd his orbit. Thebes admits
The Persian gen'ral, in these words address'd
By Leontiades: Thrice welcome, lord,
We, thy allies, our counsel to disclose
Have waited long. Not hazarding a fight,
Thou hast the means to ascertain success.
Here seated tranquil, from exhaustless stores
Distribute gold among the Grecian states;
Corrupt the pow'rful, open faction's mouth,
Divide, nor doubt to overcome that strength,
Which, link'd in union, will surmount the force
Of all mankind. The ardent Persian here:
To court th' Athenians with a lavish hand
Have I not stoop'd already? but, disdain'd,
That haughty race to destiny I leave.
Have I not bid defiance to their boast,
Themistocles? Him, forfeiting his word,
Pledg'd to confront me on Bœotian plains,
I haste to summon at his native gates.
What are the Greeks, if Athens be reduc'd?
Where are the vaunted Spartans? lock'd in fear
Behind their isthmian wall, by heav'n in fear
Of Thorax ranging with a slender band
Of his Thessalian horse. Thou rule in Thebes,
Brave Mindarus, till I from Athens tam'd
Return with fetters for the rest of Greece.
Advanc'd the son of Gobryas. Soon the steps
41
On green Cephissian meads the growth of May.
Copææ's lake, perfum'd with orange groves,
Which rude unsated violence deforms,
The multitudes envelop; thence along
The sedgy borders of Ismenus reach
Cadmēan walls, when now the golden sun
Sev'n times had fill'd his orbit. Thebes admits
The Persian gen'ral, in these words address'd
By Leontiades: Thrice welcome, lord,
We, thy allies, our counsel to disclose
Have waited long. Not hazarding a fight,
Thou hast the means to ascertain success.
Here seated tranquil, from exhaustless stores
Distribute gold among the Grecian states;
Corrupt the pow'rful, open faction's mouth,
Divide, nor doubt to overcome that strength,
Which, link'd in union, will surmount the force
Of all mankind. The ardent Persian here:
42
Have I not stoop'd already? but, disdain'd,
That haughty race to destiny I leave.
Have I not bid defiance to their boast,
Themistocles? Him, forfeiting his word,
Pledg'd to confront me on Bœotian plains,
I haste to summon at his native gates.
What are the Greeks, if Athens be reduc'd?
Where are the vaunted Spartans? lock'd in fear
Behind their isthmian wall, by heav'n in fear
Of Thorax ranging with a slender band
Of his Thessalian horse. Thou rule in Thebes,
Brave Mindarus, till I from Athens tam'd
Return with fetters for the rest of Greece.
He seeks his couch, and, after short repose,
By twilight bursts like thunder from a cloud,
Which, on Olympus hov'ring black, contains
The livid store of Jove's collected wrath
Against offending mortals. O'er a land
Deserted, silent, to the empty roofs
Of Athens was the march. Mardonius climb'd
Ægaleos, thence on Salamis descry'd
That much-enduring people, who again
For liberty forsook their native homes
On his approach. His gen'rous pride relents;
He wishes such a nation were a friend;
His wishes waken in his breast an awe
At such a foe. Murichides was nigh,
A Hellespontine Grecian of his train,
Nor in his favour low; to him he spake:
By twilight bursts like thunder from a cloud,
Which, on Olympus hov'ring black, contains
The livid store of Jove's collected wrath
43
Deserted, silent, to the empty roofs
Of Athens was the march. Mardonius climb'd
Ægaleos, thence on Salamis descry'd
That much-enduring people, who again
For liberty forsook their native homes
On his approach. His gen'rous pride relents;
He wishes such a nation were a friend;
His wishes waken in his breast an awe
At such a foe. Murichides was nigh,
A Hellespontine Grecian of his train,
Nor in his favour low; to him he spake:
Look on that haughty, but that gallant race;
Perhaps at me, by myriads thus begirt,
Their very children lift their little hands
In menaces, and cursing lisp the names
Of Xerxes and Mardonius. Mount a bark;
Pass with a herald to that crowded isle;
The senators accost; the people shun,
In pride beyond nobility; repeat
The words Æmathian Alexander us'd:
“Ye men of Athens, repossess your homes;
“Enlarg'd dominion from the royal hand
“Ask and obtain; be govern'd by your laws;
“The son of Gobryas will rebuild your fanes;
“Accept the king's alliance, and be free
“With added strength and splendour.” Further say,
They little know what confidence is due
To him who sends thee. Asian Greeks, subdu'd
By me, retain their democratic rights.
Perhaps at me, by myriads thus begirt,
Their very children lift their little hands
In menaces, and cursing lisp the names
Of Xerxes and Mardonius. Mount a bark;
Pass with a herald to that crowded isle;
44
In pride beyond nobility; repeat
The words Æmathian Alexander us'd:
“Ye men of Athens, repossess your homes;
“Enlarg'd dominion from the royal hand
“Ask and obtain; be govern'd by your laws;
“The son of Gobryas will rebuild your fanes;
“Accept the king's alliance, and be free
“With added strength and splendour.” Further say,
They little know what confidence is due
To him who sends thee. Asian Greeks, subdu'd
By me, retain their democratic rights.
On Salamis the Hellespontine lands;
Before th' Athenian senate he displays
The Persian proffer. All indignant hear
But Lycides, who thus exhorting spake:
Before th' Athenian senate he displays
The Persian proffer. All indignant hear
But Lycides, who thus exhorting spake:
From Athens twice expell'd, deserted twice
By Lacedæmon, who her toil employs
Still on her isthmian fence, who lifts no shield
To guard our wives and progeny, to save
From desolation our defenceless fields,
Or from our homes repel the hostile blaze,
What can we better, injur'd and betray'd,
Than listen to Mardonius? be referr'd
His terms of friendship to th' assembling tribes.
By Lacedæmon, who her toil employs
45
To guard our wives and progeny, to save
From desolation our defenceless fields,
Or from our homes repel the hostile blaze,
What can we better, injur'd and betray'd,
Than listen to Mardonius? be referr'd
His terms of friendship to th' assembling tribes.
The universal senate rose in scorn
Of such submission. By the people known,
His counsel rous'd enthusiastic rage,
Nor Aristides can the tumult cool;
They stone the timid senator to death.
The women catch the spirit; fierce, as fair,
Laodice collects th' infuriate sex.
They hand in hand a dreadful circle form
Around his mansion, and his wife and race
Doom to perdition, that his coward blood
May ne'er survive in Greece. Enormous thought!
Perhaps not less than such excess of zeal
Excess of peril in that season claim'd
To save a land, which foster'd ev'ry muse;
That eloquence, philosophy and arts
Might shine in Attic purity of light
To latest ages: but a sudden fleet,
In wide array extending on the shore,
Suspends the deed. Before each wond'ring eye
Timothea lands, Sicinus at her side;
When thus the matron to th' impatient throng:
Of such submission. By the people known,
His counsel rous'd enthusiastic rage,
Nor Aristides can the tumult cool;
They stone the timid senator to death.
The women catch the spirit; fierce, as fair,
Laodice collects th' infuriate sex.
They hand in hand a dreadful circle form
Around his mansion, and his wife and race
Doom to perdition, that his coward blood
May ne'er survive in Greece. Enormous thought!
46
Excess of peril in that season claim'd
To save a land, which foster'd ev'ry muse;
That eloquence, philosophy and arts
Might shine in Attic purity of light
To latest ages: but a sudden fleet,
In wide array extending on the shore,
Suspends the deed. Before each wond'ring eye
Timothea lands, Sicinus at her side;
When thus the matron to th' impatient throng:
His native friends Themistocles salutes:
Eubœan plenty in your present need
He sends. Returning, I this crouded isle
Will disencumber, and to safety bear
Your wives and infants; open to their wants
Eudora holds her Amarynthian seat;
Elephenor, Tisander to the shrines
Of Jove invite them, and to friendly roofs
Eubœa's towns. As oft Aurora sheds
Serenity around her, when the gates
Of light first open to her fragrant step;
Hush'd at her feet lies Boreas, who had rent
The dusky pall of night, and Jove restrains
The thunder's roar, and torrents of the skies;
Such was Timothea's presence, so the storm,
By furies late excited, at her voice
Was tame. She learns the melancholy fate
Of Lycides, to her protection takes
His helpless orphans, and disastrous wife.
Eubœan plenty in your present need
He sends. Returning, I this crouded isle
Will disencumber, and to safety bear
Your wives and infants; open to their wants
Eudora holds her Amarynthian seat;
Elephenor, Tisander to the shrines
Of Jove invite them, and to friendly roofs
47
Serenity around her, when the gates
Of light first open to her fragrant step;
Hush'd at her feet lies Boreas, who had rent
The dusky pall of night, and Jove restrains
The thunder's roar, and torrents of the skies;
Such was Timothea's presence, so the storm,
By furies late excited, at her voice
Was tame. She learns the melancholy fate
Of Lycides, to her protection takes
His helpless orphans, and disastrous wife.
Now of its plenteous stores while eager hands
The num'rous fleet unlade, and Attic dames
Prepare with good Timothea to embark;
Just Aristides, first of men, conducts
That first of matrons to his joyful tent,
Where she began: O righteous like the gods,
Now hear my whole commission, and believe
Themistocles, my husband, feels thy worth.
When at his summons on Eubœa's coast
I landed first, “Thrice welcome,” he exclaim'd,
“From Athens hither to a safe abode.
“A second emigration I presage
“To her afflicted race.” From port to port
Around Eubœa's populous extent
With him convey'd, I saw her wealthy towns
To his controul subordinate. Their pow'rs
He now is gath'ring; some achievement new
He meditates, which secresy conceals
Like fate's dark roll inscrutable to all.
From thee an early notice he requests,
Soon as the Greeks, united in one camp,
The sole attention of Mardonius draw;
Th' intelligence to bring I leave behind
That faithful man, Sicinus. Virtuous dame,
Wise is thy husband, Aristides spake;
From him no other than achievements high,
However my conjecture they surpass,
I still expect. Themistocles apprise,
That I am bound for Sparta to upbraid
Pausanias proud, and summon to the field
That selfish breed so martial, yet so cold
To public welfare. Let me next prefer
To thy benignity a fervent suit.
The num'rous fleet unlade, and Attic dames
Prepare with good Timothea to embark;
Just Aristides, first of men, conducts
That first of matrons to his joyful tent,
Where she began: O righteous like the gods,
Now hear my whole commission, and believe
48
When at his summons on Eubœa's coast
I landed first, “Thrice welcome,” he exclaim'd,
“From Athens hither to a safe abode.
“A second emigration I presage
“To her afflicted race.” From port to port
Around Eubœa's populous extent
With him convey'd, I saw her wealthy towns
To his controul subordinate. Their pow'rs
He now is gath'ring; some achievement new
He meditates, which secresy conceals
Like fate's dark roll inscrutable to all.
From thee an early notice he requests,
Soon as the Greeks, united in one camp,
The sole attention of Mardonius draw;
Th' intelligence to bring I leave behind
That faithful man, Sicinus. Virtuous dame,
Wise is thy husband, Aristides spake;
From him no other than achievements high,
49
I still expect. Themistocles apprise,
That I am bound for Sparta to upbraid
Pausanias proud, and summon to the field
That selfish breed so martial, yet so cold
To public welfare. Let me next prefer
To thy benignity a fervent suit.
He straight withdrew, and reappearing led
Two little damsels humble in attire.
Two little damsels humble in attire.
Behold my daughters, he resum'd; admit
These to thy care; now motherless they want
Protection; ev'n Euphemia they have lost;
My venerable parent have the gods
Releas'd but newly from the growing scene
Of trouble. Athens must a parent prove
To these hereafter, fated to receive
No portion from a father, who delights
In poverty. His arms are all the wealth
Of Aristides. With a tender hand
She takes the children: O! of men, she said,
Most rich, whose wealth is virtue, in the name
Of household gods this office I accept.
O Aristides! these shall mix with mine;
These shall contribute to cement the work,
I long have wrought, the amity begun
Betwixt Themistocles and thee. In tears
Depart the infant maidens from a sire
Of gentlest nature, and in manners bland
Not less, than just. Meanwhile to Athens steers
Murichides unharm'd. The rising dawn
Sees with her precious charge Timothea sail.
These to thy care; now motherless they want
Protection; ev'n Euphemia they have lost;
My venerable parent have the gods
Releas'd but newly from the growing scene
Of trouble. Athens must a parent prove
To these hereafter, fated to receive
No portion from a father, who delights
50
Of Aristides. With a tender hand
She takes the children: O! of men, she said,
Most rich, whose wealth is virtue, in the name
Of household gods this office I accept.
O Aristides! these shall mix with mine;
These shall contribute to cement the work,
I long have wrought, the amity begun
Betwixt Themistocles and thee. In tears
Depart the infant maidens from a sire
Of gentlest nature, and in manners bland
Not less, than just. Meanwhile to Athens steers
Murichides unharm'd. The rising dawn
Sees with her precious charge Timothea sail.
Lo! from the city clouds of smoke ascend
Voluminous, with interlacing flames,
Such as Vesuvius vomits from his gulph
Sulphureous, when unquenchable the heat
Within his concave melts the surging ore
To floods of fire. Murichides had told
His fruitless embassy; Mardonius, wild
With ire, to instant conflagration doom'd
Th' abode of such inexorable foes.
They, on the margin opposite, beheld
Their ancient residence a second time
Destroy'd; nor utter'd more than just complaint
Of tardy Sparta. When Briareus dire
With his gigantic savages o'erturn'd
The recent tomb, which held the glorious slain
At Salamis; when scatter'd in the wind
They saw that dust rever'd; in solemn rage,
Devoid of sound illiberal, or loud,
Each his right hand with sanctity of oaths
Pledg'd to his neighbour, and to vengeance full
His blood devoted. Aristides look'd,
As some incens'd divinity, and spake:
Voluminous, with interlacing flames,
Such as Vesuvius vomits from his gulph
Sulphureous, when unquenchable the heat
51
To floods of fire. Murichides had told
His fruitless embassy; Mardonius, wild
With ire, to instant conflagration doom'd
Th' abode of such inexorable foes.
They, on the margin opposite, beheld
Their ancient residence a second time
Destroy'd; nor utter'd more than just complaint
Of tardy Sparta. When Briareus dire
With his gigantic savages o'erturn'd
The recent tomb, which held the glorious slain
At Salamis; when scatter'd in the wind
They saw that dust rever'd; in solemn rage,
Devoid of sound illiberal, or loud,
Each his right hand with sanctity of oaths
Pledg'd to his neighbour, and to vengeance full
His blood devoted. Aristides look'd,
As some incens'd divinity, and spake:
52
Persist, ye sons of folly; crush that tomb;
The last repose of yon heroic slain
Disturb, therein exhibiting your doom
From mortals, and immortals. Thus your pride
By heav'n, and Grecian valour, shall be crush'd,
Your impious host be scatter'd like that dust
Which your barbarity profanes. Now, friends,
By your appointment I to Sparta sail;
You under watchful discipline remain
Compos'd and firm; such patience will surmount
All obstacle, Athenians; will restore
In brighter glories your paternal seats.
The last repose of yon heroic slain
Disturb, therein exhibiting your doom
From mortals, and immortals. Thus your pride
By heav'n, and Grecian valour, shall be crush'd,
Your impious host be scatter'd like that dust
Which your barbarity profanes. Now, friends,
By your appointment I to Sparta sail;
You under watchful discipline remain
Compos'd and firm; such patience will surmount
All obstacle, Athenians; will restore
In brighter glories your paternal seats.
This said, the isle he leaves, selecting none,
But Cimon for associate. In the bark
Him Aristides placidly bespake:
But Cimon for associate. In the bark
Him Aristides placidly bespake:
Son of Miltiades the great in arms,
Thy early youth was dissolute; thy look
Ingenuous still, and frank thy tongue, reveal'd
Internal virtue; friendship on my part
Succeeded, thence a study to reclaim
Thy human frailties. I rejoice in hope,
Thou wilt hereafter prove an Attic star,
In council wise, triumphant in the field,
Humane to strangers, to thy country just,
Friend to her laws, to all her Muses kind,
Who may record thy actions. Cimon here:
Thy early youth was dissolute; thy look
Ingenuous still, and frank thy tongue, reveal'd
53
Succeeded, thence a study to reclaim
Thy human frailties. I rejoice in hope,
Thou wilt hereafter prove an Attic star,
In council wise, triumphant in the field,
Humane to strangers, to thy country just,
Friend to her laws, to all her Muses kind,
Who may record thy actions. Cimon here:
If I have virtues, they proceed from thee;
If I attain to glory, I shall owe
To thee my lustre. To deserve thy praise,
What have I yet accomplish'd? I have fought
At Salamis, what more performing there
Than each Athenian? Aristides then:
If I attain to glory, I shall owe
To thee my lustre. To deserve thy praise,
What have I yet accomplish'd? I have fought
At Salamis, what more performing there
Than each Athenian? Aristides then:
True, all were brave; my judgment doth not rest
On one exploit; thy modesty o'erlooks
The signs of worth and talents, whence my hopes
Have rank'd thee first of Grecians. To acquire,
To keep that station, Cimon, be thy choice;
Thou hast the means; but this impression hold,
Who would excel, must be a moral man.
On one exploit; thy modesty o'erlooks
The signs of worth and talents, whence my hopes
54
To keep that station, Cimon, be thy choice;
Thou hast the means; but this impression hold,
Who would excel, must be a moral man.
Thus they exhaust their voyage of a day,
When at Trœzenè they arrive, and find
Renown'd Cleander training for the field
His native bands. To Sparta thence they sail.
The Ephori assemble, when they hear
Of Aristides, who an audience claims;
He comes before them, and austerely thus:
When at Trœzenè they arrive, and find
Renown'd Cleander training for the field
His native bands. To Sparta thence they sail.
The Ephori assemble, when they hear
Of Aristides, who an audience claims;
He comes before them, and austerely thus:
Cecropia's race, exterminated twice,
Demand of Sparta, whether sloth, or fear,
Or Persian gold her buckler hath unbrac'd.
Mardonius proffer'd more than equal terms,
Not friendship singly, but enlarg'd domain
To Athens, who to eleutherian Jove,
To Greece was faithful, and the lib'ral gift
Disdain'd. Your own ambassador pronounc'd
Your phalanx ready; for its speedy march
His head he pledg'd. Mardonius takes the field,
He lays th' Athenian territory waste;
Where are the Spartans? Adding work to work
For their own sep'rate safety at their wall,
Inglorious isthmian wall, while half the Greeks
Become your foes, and Athens is betray'd.
Demand of Sparta, whether sloth, or fear,
Or Persian gold her buckler hath unbrac'd.
Mardonius proffer'd more than equal terms,
Not friendship singly, but enlarg'd domain
To Athens, who to eleutherian Jove,
55
Disdain'd. Your own ambassador pronounc'd
Your phalanx ready; for its speedy march
His head he pledg'd. Mardonius takes the field,
He lays th' Athenian territory waste;
Where are the Spartans? Adding work to work
For their own sep'rate safety at their wall,
Inglorious isthmian wall, while half the Greeks
Become your foes, and Athens is betray'd.
Pausanias present proudly thus replied:
Hast thou not heard, the Hyacinthian rites
Employ the Spartans? shall the heads of Greece
Be question'd, be directed when to act
By you Athenians? your inferior state
May wait our leisure. Aristides here:
Hast thou not heard, the Hyacinthian rites
Employ the Spartans? shall the heads of Greece
Be question'd, be directed when to act
By you Athenians? your inferior state
May wait our leisure. Aristides here:
Talk'st thou to me of Hyacinthian games,
While rude Barbarians riot in our fields,
While Athens burns, while sacrilege invades
Our temples, while our ancestors we see
Torn from the grave? Pausanias, thou disgrace
To thy forefather Hercules, whose arm,
To friends a bulwark, was a scourge to foes,
What hast thou said? But, guardian to the son
Of that renown'd Leonidas, who fought
Beyond the isthmus, and for Greece expir'd,
If thou retain'st no rev'rence for his blood,
If thou dost scorn Lycurgus and his laws,
If holding liberty an empty name,
Art now in treaty with a lawless king,
No more of words. Athenians have their choice
To treat with Xerxes, or to distant climes
Expand the sail, resigning to their fate
Unfaithful, timid Grecians, who have lost
All claim to succour—Yet assume your swords!
My love for Greece solicits you in tears.
Be thou, Pausanias, general of all;
We in that noble warfare will refuse
No hardship—Ev'n thy arrogant command
I like the meanest soldier will abide.
While rude Barbarians riot in our fields,
56
Our temples, while our ancestors we see
Torn from the grave? Pausanias, thou disgrace
To thy forefather Hercules, whose arm,
To friends a bulwark, was a scourge to foes,
What hast thou said? But, guardian to the son
Of that renown'd Leonidas, who fought
Beyond the isthmus, and for Greece expir'd,
If thou retain'st no rev'rence for his blood,
If thou dost scorn Lycurgus and his laws,
If holding liberty an empty name,
Art now in treaty with a lawless king,
No more of words. Athenians have their choice
To treat with Xerxes, or to distant climes
Expand the sail, resigning to their fate
Unfaithful, timid Grecians, who have lost
All claim to succour—Yet assume your swords!
My love for Greece solicits you in tears.
Be thou, Pausanias, general of all;
57
No hardship—Ev'n thy arrogant command
I like the meanest soldier will abide.
Then Aëmnestus brief: O righteous man,
I feel thy wrongs; Laconia's shame I feel,
Which if delay still blackens, thou shalt lead
Me, the due victim of Athenian wrath,
Before those injur'd tribes, by me deceiv'd;
Where my own sword shall sacrifice the blood,
I pledg'd for Sparta's faith. Meantime withdraw;
I was thy guest in Athens, thou be mine.
I feel thy wrongs; Laconia's shame I feel,
Which if delay still blackens, thou shalt lead
Me, the due victim of Athenian wrath,
Before those injur'd tribes, by me deceiv'd;
Where my own sword shall sacrifice the blood,
I pledg'd for Sparta's faith. Meantime withdraw;
I was thy guest in Athens, thou be mine.
Not till the day-spring Aëmnestus greets
His Attic friend: Our citizens are march'd;
All night my indefatigable toil
Hath urg'd the phalanx on; the various states
Within the isthmus will obey our call;
Now speed with me, o'ertake, inspect our host.
His Attic friend: Our citizens are march'd;
All night my indefatigable toil
Hath urg'd the phalanx on; the various states
Within the isthmus will obey our call;
Now speed with me, o'ertake, inspect our host.
58
They both depart with Cimon. Sparta's camp,
Ere Phœbus couches, Aristides gains;
The marshall'd pupils of Lycurgus there
He, ever true to equity, applauds,
Who their disgraceful sloth in council blam'd.
Subordination, silent order held
Each in his place; in look, as virgins, meek,
Sedate they listen'd to their chiefs, as youth
To learning's voice in academic schools.
Thus in some fertile garden well-manur'd,
The regularity of plants and trees
Enrich'd with produce, on a stable root
Stands permanent, by skilful care dispos'd
At first, and sedulously watch'd. No vaunt
Offends the ear, nor supercilious frown
Of confidence the eye. Th' Athenian chief
Content returns; on Salamis receiv'd,
Cecropia's bands he marshals for the field.
Ere Phœbus couches, Aristides gains;
The marshall'd pupils of Lycurgus there
He, ever true to equity, applauds,
Who their disgraceful sloth in council blam'd.
Subordination, silent order held
Each in his place; in look, as virgins, meek,
Sedate they listen'd to their chiefs, as youth
To learning's voice in academic schools.
Thus in some fertile garden well-manur'd,
The regularity of plants and trees
Enrich'd with produce, on a stable root
Stands permanent, by skilful care dispos'd
At first, and sedulously watch'd. No vaunt
Offends the ear, nor supercilious frown
Of confidence the eye. Th' Athenian chief
Content returns; on Salamis receiv'd,
Cecropia's bands he marshals for the field.
59
The ravage still of Attica detain'd
Mardonius. Thorax of Larissa quits
His isthmian station; rapid in his course
To Gobryas' son these tidings he imparts:
Mardonius. Thorax of Larissa quits
His isthmian station; rapid in his course
To Gobryas' son these tidings he imparts:
The isle of Pelops musters all her pow'rs;
The isthmus swarms; forsake this rocky land
For cavalry unfit; collect thy force
To face the Grecians on Cadmēan plains.
The isthmus swarms; forsake this rocky land
For cavalry unfit; collect thy force
To face the Grecians on Cadmēan plains.
Her sleepy sword at last has Sparta rous'd,
Replies Mardonius? On Cadmean plains
The Persian trump shall sound; Cithæron's hill,
Asopian banks, shall soon repeat the notes
Triumphal. Swift he rushes back to Thebes,
Ere Phœbus darted his solstitial heat.
As some hot courser, who from pasture led
Replete with food and courage, spurns the ground
In confidence and pride, no sooner meets
His wonted rider, than admits the rein;
Such was Mardonius, when from Theban gates
Masistius thus address'd him: Be inform'd,
That Macedonia's sov'reign is arriv'd,
With his fair consort. Her to Delphi's walls
I guarded, there deliver'd to her lord,
Who hath conducted fifty thousand Greeks
In arms, auxiliar to thy camp. The queen,
Now at a fabric old, to Dircè built,
Close by her fountain, and beset with shade,
Dwells in retreat, which careful thou avoid.
But tell me, son of Gobryas, whither flown
Was all thy magnanimity, when flames
A second time laid stately Athens low?
Though disappointed, couldst thou deem a crime
Her constancy, refusing to betray
A common cause? Mardonius, thou dost hope
To conquer; why a city of renown,
Which in her beauty would have grac'd our sway,
Hast thou reduc'd to ashes? Oh! reflect,
What fires of stern resistance and revenge
This act hath lighted in such gallant hearts.
That pow'r eternal, by the hallow'd name
Of Horomazes worshipp'd in our clime,
Who earth and seas and firmament controuls,
With all therein, looks down not less on Greece,
Than Persia, both his creatures. Just and wise,
Intemp'rate deeds in either he resents.
Replies Mardonius? On Cadmean plains
The Persian trump shall sound; Cithæron's hill,
Asopian banks, shall soon repeat the notes
Triumphal. Swift he rushes back to Thebes,
Ere Phœbus darted his solstitial heat.
As some hot courser, who from pasture led
Replete with food and courage, spurns the ground
In confidence and pride, no sooner meets
60
Such was Mardonius, when from Theban gates
Masistius thus address'd him: Be inform'd,
That Macedonia's sov'reign is arriv'd,
With his fair consort. Her to Delphi's walls
I guarded, there deliver'd to her lord,
Who hath conducted fifty thousand Greeks
In arms, auxiliar to thy camp. The queen,
Now at a fabric old, to Dircè built,
Close by her fountain, and beset with shade,
Dwells in retreat, which careful thou avoid.
But tell me, son of Gobryas, whither flown
Was all thy magnanimity, when flames
A second time laid stately Athens low?
Though disappointed, couldst thou deem a crime
Her constancy, refusing to betray
A common cause? Mardonius, thou dost hope
To conquer; why a city of renown,
Which in her beauty would have grac'd our sway,
61
What fires of stern resistance and revenge
This act hath lighted in such gallant hearts.
That pow'r eternal, by the hallow'd name
Of Horomazes worshipp'd in our clime,
Who earth and seas and firmament controuls,
With all therein, looks down not less on Greece,
Than Persia, both his creatures. Just and wise,
Intemp'rate deeds in either he resents.
Mardonius answer'd: By that pow'r I swear,
Thou to a Grecian almost art transform'd
By intercourse with yon religious hill
Of thy admir'd Melissa. Do I blame?
Ah! no; too awful art thou to incur
My censure. O Masistius, I confess
Thy genius purer, more sublime, than mine;
I often err, thou never—But, dear friend,
I am dejected ever when thou chid'st;
Yet thee, my chiding monitor, should fate
Snatch from Mardonius, he would rise no more.
Thou to a Grecian almost art transform'd
By intercourse with yon religious hill
Of thy admir'd Melissa. Do I blame?
Ah! no; too awful art thou to incur
My censure. O Masistius, I confess
Thy genius purer, more sublime, than mine;
I often err, thou never—But, dear friend,
I am dejected ever when thou chid'st;
62
Snatch from Mardonius, he would rise no more.
I only seek to warn thee, not deject,
Rejoins Masistius; turn to other cares;
Greece is in arms; address thee to thy charge.
Rejoins Masistius; turn to other cares;
Greece is in arms; address thee to thy charge.
This said, to council they in Thebes proceed.
End of the Twenty-second Book.
63
BOOK the Twenty-third.
The Heliconian records now unfold,
Calliopè! harmonious thence recite
The names and numbers of the various Greeks,
Who in array on fair Bœotian plains,
With gleams of armour streak the twinkling wave
Of clear Asopus. Trœzen known to fame,
Where Pittheus dwelt, whose blood to Athens gave
The hero Theseus, Trœzen from her walls
In circuit small, from Hylycus her stream,
From her Scyllæan promontory high,
From vine-attir'd Methenè, from the isles,
Calauria, Neptune's seat, and Sphæria dear
To Pallas, daughter of almighty Jove,
Two thousand warriors sends. Cleander pass'd
The isthmus first; who manly, from the bed
Of Ariphilia nising, vow'd to deck
Her future cradle with a victor's wreath
Of laurel new. Her beauteous image grac'd
His four-fold buckler. Twice eight hundred youths
From Æsculapian Epidaurus march'd,
From mount Cynortius, and the sacred hill,
Titthēon, where the mother of that god
Medicinal in secret left her fruit
Of stolen enjoyment in Apollo's arms;
Where in serenity of smiles was found
The sweet Phœbean child, while lambent flames
Play'd round his temples. Clitophon the chief,
A serpent green, the symbol of his god,
Bore on his silver shield. Four hundred left
Leprēum, clear Arenè, and th' impure
Anigrian waters, where the centaur, fell
Polenor, wounded by Herculean shafts,
Dipp'd in the blood of Hydra, purg'd his limbs
From putrid gore, envenoming the stream;
Their leader Conon. Of Mycenæ old,
Of Tiryns, built by fam'd Cyclopian toil,
Eight hundred shields Polydamas commands.
Two thousand gallant youths, with standards bless'd
At Hebe's altar, tutelary pow'r
Of Phlius, bold Menander led to war.
Himself was young; the blooming goddess shone
Bright on his buckler. Under Lycus brave
Hermionè, fair city, had enroll'd
Six hundred spears. The impress on his shield
Was strong Alcides, dragging from the gates
Of Dis their latrant guardian triple-mouth'd
Through an abyss in Hermionean land,
The fabled wonder of the district shewn.
Calliopè! harmonious thence recite
The names and numbers of the various Greeks,
Who in array on fair Bœotian plains,
With gleams of armour streak the twinkling wave
Of clear Asopus. Trœzen known to fame,
Where Pittheus dwelt, whose blood to Athens gave
The hero Theseus, Trœzen from her walls
In circuit small, from Hylycus her stream,
From her Scyllæan promontory high,
64
Calauria, Neptune's seat, and Sphæria dear
To Pallas, daughter of almighty Jove,
Two thousand warriors sends. Cleander pass'd
The isthmus first; who manly, from the bed
Of Ariphilia nising, vow'd to deck
Her future cradle with a victor's wreath
Of laurel new. Her beauteous image grac'd
His four-fold buckler. Twice eight hundred youths
From Æsculapian Epidaurus march'd,
From mount Cynortius, and the sacred hill,
Titthēon, where the mother of that god
Medicinal in secret left her fruit
Of stolen enjoyment in Apollo's arms;
Where in serenity of smiles was found
The sweet Phœbean child, while lambent flames
Play'd round his temples. Clitophon the chief,
A serpent green, the symbol of his god,
Bore on his silver shield. Four hundred left
65
Anigrian waters, where the centaur, fell
Polenor, wounded by Herculean shafts,
Dipp'd in the blood of Hydra, purg'd his limbs
From putrid gore, envenoming the stream;
Their leader Conon. Of Mycenæ old,
Of Tiryns, built by fam'd Cyclopian toil,
Eight hundred shields Polydamas commands.
Two thousand gallant youths, with standards bless'd
At Hebe's altar, tutelary pow'r
Of Phlius, bold Menander led to war.
Himself was young; the blooming goddess shone
Bright on his buckler. Under Lycus brave
Hermionè, fair city, had enroll'd
Six hundred spears. The impress on his shield
Was strong Alcides, dragging from the gates
Of Dis their latrant guardian triple-mouth'd
Through an abyss in Hermionean land,
The fabled wonder of the district shewn.
66
Three thousand sail'd from Cephalenia's isle,
From Acarnanian, and Epirot shores,
With various chieftains. Of Arcadian breed
Orchomenus twelve hundred, Tegea sent
Three thousand. Chileus, prime in Tegea's camp,
Was skill'd in arms, and vaunted high the name,
The rank and prowess of his native state.
Ten thousand helms from wealthy Corinth's walls
Blaze o'er the champaign; these Alcmæon leads
With Adimantus. Neighb'ring Sicyon arm'd
Six thousand more; amidst whose splendid files
Automedon commanded. Lo! in air
A mighty banner! from the hollows green,
The wood-crown'd hills in Lacedæmon's rule,
Taijgetus, and Menelaian ridge,
From Crocean quarries, from Gythēum's port,
Therapnè, sweet Amyclæ on the banks
Of fam'd Eurotas, from a hundred towns,
A glitt'ring myriad of Laconians shew
Their just arrangement. Aemnestus there
Lifts his tall spear, and rises o'er his ranks
In arduous plumes and stature. So the strength
And stately foliage of a full-grown oak
O'erlooks the undershades, his knotted arms
Above their tops extending. Mightier still
Callicrates appears, in martial deeds
Surpassing ev'ry Grecian. He his fate
Foresees not; he, capricious fortune's mark,
Must fall untimely, and his gen'rous blood
Unprofitably shed. A firmer band
Succeeds. Huge Sparta, who forever scorn'd
Defensive walls and battlements, supplied
Five thousand citizens close-mail'd; a train
Of sev'n bold Helots exercis'd in arms,
Attend each warrior; there Pausanias tow'r'd.
In pride the son of Atreus he surpass'd
Without his virtues, a superior host
Commanding. Never Greece such heroes sent,
Nor such a pow'r in multitude to war;
For landed recent on the neighb'ring shore
Th' Athenian phalanx opens broad in sight
Their eleutherian banner. They advance
Eight thousand men at arms; an equal force
In archers, slingers, missile-weapon'd sons
Of terror follow. Round her naval flag
Already four bold myriads from her loins
Had Attica enroll'd. What chiefs preside!
Themistocles, Xanthippus in remote,
But glorious action; Aristides here,
Myronides and Cimon, Clinias, sire
Of Alcibiades, the warrior bard,
Young Pericles, and more than time hath seen
Since or before, in arts and arms renown'd.
From Acarnanian, and Epirot shores,
With various chieftains. Of Arcadian breed
Orchomenus twelve hundred, Tegea sent
Three thousand. Chileus, prime in Tegea's camp,
Was skill'd in arms, and vaunted high the name,
The rank and prowess of his native state.
Ten thousand helms from wealthy Corinth's walls
Blaze o'er the champaign; these Alcmæon leads
With Adimantus. Neighb'ring Sicyon arm'd
Six thousand more; amidst whose splendid files
Automedon commanded. Lo! in air
A mighty banner! from the hollows green,
The wood-crown'd hills in Lacedæmon's rule,
Taijgetus, and Menelaian ridge,
From Crocean quarries, from Gythēum's port,
Therapnè, sweet Amyclæ on the banks
Of fam'd Eurotas, from a hundred towns,
A glitt'ring myriad of Laconians shew
67
Lifts his tall spear, and rises o'er his ranks
In arduous plumes and stature. So the strength
And stately foliage of a full-grown oak
O'erlooks the undershades, his knotted arms
Above their tops extending. Mightier still
Callicrates appears, in martial deeds
Surpassing ev'ry Grecian. He his fate
Foresees not; he, capricious fortune's mark,
Must fall untimely, and his gen'rous blood
Unprofitably shed. A firmer band
Succeeds. Huge Sparta, who forever scorn'd
Defensive walls and battlements, supplied
Five thousand citizens close-mail'd; a train
Of sev'n bold Helots exercis'd in arms,
Attend each warrior; there Pausanias tow'r'd.
In pride the son of Atreus he surpass'd
Without his virtues, a superior host
Commanding. Never Greece such heroes sent,
68
For landed recent on the neighb'ring shore
Th' Athenian phalanx opens broad in sight
Their eleutherian banner. They advance
Eight thousand men at arms; an equal force
In archers, slingers, missile-weapon'd sons
Of terror follow. Round her naval flag
Already four bold myriads from her loins
Had Attica enroll'd. What chiefs preside!
Themistocles, Xanthippus in remote,
But glorious action; Aristides here,
Myronides and Cimon, Clinias, sire
Of Alcibiades, the warrior bard,
Young Pericles, and more than time hath seen
Since or before, in arts and arms renown'd.
The ancient foe of Athens, yet averse
Like her to Xerxes, Megara enroll'd
Six thousand warriors. From Ægina sail'd
A thousand. Twice six hundred, Phœnix-like,
Sprung from the ashes of Platæa burnt,
With Arimnestus march'd, th' intrepid friend
Of him, whose deeds Thermopylæ resounds,
Diomedon. From Thespia, who had shar'd
Platæa's doom, two thousand came unarm'd,
Unclad, a want by Attic stores supplied.
Alcimedon was chief, of kindred blood
To Dithyrambus; whom, his early bloom
For Greece devoting, on Melissa's hill
The Muses sing and weep. Between the roots
Of tall Cithæron, and th' Asopian floods,
The army rang'd. The Spartans on the right
One wing compos'd; the men of Tegea claim'd
The left in pref'rence to th' Athenian host.
Contention rose; Pausanias sat the judge,
Callicrates and Aemnestus wise,
His two assessors; thick Laconian ranks
A circle form; when Chileus thus asserts
The claim of Tegea: Spartans, from the time,
The early time, that Echemus, our king,
In single combat on the listed field
O'erthrew the invader Hyllus, and preserv'd
Unspoil'd the land of Pelops, we obtain'd
From all her sons unanimous this post,
Whene'er united in a common cause
They march'd to battle. Not with you we strive,
Ye men of Sparta, at your choice command
In either wing; the other we reclaim
From Athens; brave and prosp'rous we have join'd
Our banners oft with yours; our deeds you know;
To ours superior what can Athens plead
Of recent date, or ancient? for what cause
Should we our just prerogative resign?
Like her to Xerxes, Megara enroll'd
Six thousand warriors. From Ægina sail'd
69
Sprung from the ashes of Platæa burnt,
With Arimnestus march'd, th' intrepid friend
Of him, whose deeds Thermopylæ resounds,
Diomedon. From Thespia, who had shar'd
Platæa's doom, two thousand came unarm'd,
Unclad, a want by Attic stores supplied.
Alcimedon was chief, of kindred blood
To Dithyrambus; whom, his early bloom
For Greece devoting, on Melissa's hill
The Muses sing and weep. Between the roots
Of tall Cithæron, and th' Asopian floods,
The army rang'd. The Spartans on the right
One wing compos'd; the men of Tegea claim'd
The left in pref'rence to th' Athenian host.
Contention rose; Pausanias sat the judge,
Callicrates and Aemnestus wise,
His two assessors; thick Laconian ranks
A circle form; when Chileus thus asserts
70
The early time, that Echemus, our king,
In single combat on the listed field
O'erthrew the invader Hyllus, and preserv'd
Unspoil'd the land of Pelops, we obtain'd
From all her sons unanimous this post,
Whene'er united in a common cause
They march'd to battle. Not with you we strive,
Ye men of Sparta, at your choice command
In either wing; the other we reclaim
From Athens; brave and prosp'rous we have join'd
Our banners oft with yours; our deeds you know;
To ours superior what can Athens plead
Of recent date, or ancient? for what cause
Should we our just prerogative resign?
Then Aristides spake: Collected here
Are half the Grecians to contend in arms
With Barbarous invaders, not in words
Each with the other for precedence vain.
From his own volume let the tongue of time,
Not mine, proclaim my countrymen's exploits
In early ages. In his course he views
The varying face of nature, sea to land,
Land turn'd to sea, proud cities sink in dust,
The low exalted, men and manners change,
From fathers brave degen'rate sons proceed,
And virtuous children from ignoble sires.
What we are now, you, Grecians, must decide
At this important crisis. Judges, fix
On Marathon your thoughts, that recent stage
Of preservation to the public weal,
Where fifty nations, arm'd to conquer Greece,
We unassisted foil'd; more fresh, the day
Of Salamis recall. Enough of words;
No more contention for the name of rank;
The bravest stand the foremost in the sight
Of gods and mortals. As to you is meet,
Determine, Spartans; at your will arrange
Th' Athenians; they acknowledge you the chiefs
Of this great league, for gen'ral safety fram'd,
Wherever plac'd, obedient they will fight.
Are half the Grecians to contend in arms
With Barbarous invaders, not in words
71
From his own volume let the tongue of time,
Not mine, proclaim my countrymen's exploits
In early ages. In his course he views
The varying face of nature, sea to land,
Land turn'd to sea, proud cities sink in dust,
The low exalted, men and manners change,
From fathers brave degen'rate sons proceed,
And virtuous children from ignoble sires.
What we are now, you, Grecians, must decide
At this important crisis. Judges, fix
On Marathon your thoughts, that recent stage
Of preservation to the public weal,
Where fifty nations, arm'd to conquer Greece,
We unassisted foil'd; more fresh, the day
Of Salamis recall. Enough of words;
No more contention for the name of rank;
The bravest stand the foremost in the sight
Of gods and mortals. As to you is meet,
72
Th' Athenians; they acknowledge you the chiefs
Of this great league, for gen'ral safety fram'd,
Wherever plac'd, obedient they will fight.
The sense of all his countrymen he breath'd,
Who for the public welfare in this hour
Their all relinquish, and their very pride
A victim yield to virtue. From his seat,
Inspir'd by justice, Aemnestus rose:
Who for the public welfare in this hour
Their all relinquish, and their very pride
A victim yield to virtue. From his seat,
Inspir'd by justice, Aemnestus rose:
Brave as they are, our friends of Tegea seem
To have forgot the Marathonian field,
The Salaminian trophies; else this strife
Had ne'er alarm'd the congregated host
Of states so various and remote. As brief
Callicrates subjoins: Not less our friends
Of Tegea seem forgetful, that their claim
Within the isthmus is confin'd, the gift
Of part, not binding universal Greece.
To have forgot the Marathonian field,
The Salaminian trophies; else this strife
Had ne'er alarm'd the congregated host
Of states so various and remote. As brief
Callicrates subjoins: Not less our friends
Of Tegea seem forgetful, that their claim
73
Of part, not binding universal Greece.
Athenian moderation had before
Won ev'ry Spartan; loud they sound the name
Of Athens, Athens, whose pretension just
The general confirms, restoring peace.
So in a chorus full the manly bass
Directs the pow'r of harmony to float
On equal pinions, and attune the air.
Won ev'ry Spartan; loud they sound the name
Of Athens, Athens, whose pretension just
The general confirms, restoring peace.
So in a chorus full the manly bass
Directs the pow'r of harmony to float
On equal pinions, and attune the air.
Now Sparta's wide encampment on the right
Was form'd; sedate and silent was the toil,
As is the concourse of industrious ants,
In mute attention to their public cares.
Extending thence, successive states erect
Their standards. On the left their num'rous tents
Th' Athenians pitch. In labour not unlike
The buzzing tenants of sonorous hives,
Loquacious they and lively cheer the field,
Yet regularly heed each signal giv'n
By staid commanders. Underneath a fringe
Of wood, projecting from Cithæron's side,
Ascends the chief pavilion. Seated there
Is Aristides at a frugal board,
An aged menial his attendant sole;
But from the tribes selected, round him watch
An hundred youths, whose captain is the son
Of fam'd Miltiades. The neighb'ring bed
Of pure Asopus, from Cithæron's founts,
Refreshment inexhaustible contain'd.
His arms th' Athenian patriot in his tent
Was now exploring, when he hears the step
Of Aemnestus ent'ring, who began:
Was form'd; sedate and silent was the toil,
As is the concourse of industrious ants,
In mute attention to their public cares.
Extending thence, successive states erect
Their standards. On the left their num'rous tents
Th' Athenians pitch. In labour not unlike
The buzzing tenants of sonorous hives,
74
Yet regularly heed each signal giv'n
By staid commanders. Underneath a fringe
Of wood, projecting from Cithæron's side,
Ascends the chief pavilion. Seated there
Is Aristides at a frugal board,
An aged menial his attendant sole;
But from the tribes selected, round him watch
An hundred youths, whose captain is the son
Of fam'd Miltiades. The neighb'ring bed
Of pure Asopus, from Cithæron's founts,
Refreshment inexhaustible contain'd.
His arms th' Athenian patriot in his tent
Was now exploring, when he hears the step
Of Aemnestus ent'ring, who began:
Most wise of men and righteous, whom all Greece,
Not Athens singly, as her glory claims,
Grant me an hour. Laconian laws, thou know'st,
Subordination to excess enjoin.
I am obedient to the man, who holds
Supreme command by office, rank, and birth,
While thee my heart confesses and admits
My sole adviser. Haughty and morose,
O'er uncommunicated thoughts will brood
Our dark Pausanias; I may often want
Thy counsel; now instruct me. Is it meet,
We cross th' Asopus to assail the foe,
Or wait his coming? Let him come, replies
The Attic sage; let bold invaders court
A battle, not th' invaded, who must watch
Occasion's favour. Present in thy mind
Retain, that Greece is center'd in this host,
Which if we hazard lightly were a crime,
Th' offended gods with fetters would chastise:
Our Attic flame to sudden onset points,
By me discourag'd. Aemnestus then:
Not Athens singly, as her glory claims,
Grant me an hour. Laconian laws, thou know'st,
75
I am obedient to the man, who holds
Supreme command by office, rank, and birth,
While thee my heart confesses and admits
My sole adviser. Haughty and morose,
O'er uncommunicated thoughts will brood
Our dark Pausanias; I may often want
Thy counsel; now instruct me. Is it meet,
We cross th' Asopus to assail the foe,
Or wait his coming? Let him come, replies
The Attic sage; let bold invaders court
A battle, not th' invaded, who must watch
Occasion's favour. Present in thy mind
Retain, that Greece is center'd in this host,
Which if we hazard lightly were a crime,
Th' offended gods with fetters would chastise:
Our Attic flame to sudden onset points,
By me discourag'd. Aemnestus then:
76
Know, that with me Callicrates unites;
Farewell; thy wisdom shall direct us both.
Farewell; thy wisdom shall direct us both.
The sun was set; th' unnumber'd eyes of heav'n
Thin clouds envelop'd; dusky was the veil
Of night, not sable; placid was the air;
The low-ton'd current of Asopus held
No other motion than his native flow,
Alluring Aristides in a walk
Contemplative to pace the stable verge
Attir'd in moss. The hostile camp he views,
Which by Masistian vigilance and art
With walls of wood and turrets was secur'd.
For this the groves of Jupiter supreme
On Hypatus were spoil'd, Teumessian brows,
Mesabius, Parnes, were uncover'd all.
Square was th' inclosure, ev'ry face emblaz'd
With order'd lights. Each elevated tent
Of princely satraps, and, surmounting all,
Mardonius, thine, from coronets of lamps
Shot lustre, soft'ning on the distant edge
Of wide Platæan fields. A din confus'd
Proclaim'd Barbarians; silent was the camp
Of Greece. These thoughts the spectacle excites
In Aristides: Slender is thy bound,
Asopus, long to separate such hosts,
Or keep thy silver wave from blood unstain'd.
Lord of Olympus! didst thou want the pow'r,
Or, boundless pow'r possessing, want the will
Thy own created system to secure
From such destruction? Wherefore on this plain
Is Europe thus, and adverse Asia met
For human carnage? Natural this search,
Yet but a waste of reason. Let me shun
Unprofitable wand'rings o'er the land
Obscure of trackless mystery; to see
The path of virtue open is enough.
Whate'er the cause of evil, he, who knows
Himself not partner in that cause, attains
Enough of knowledge; all the rest is dream
Of falsely-styl'd philosophy. My task
Is to destroy the enemies of Greece;
Be active there, my faculties, and lose
Nor time, nor thought. Revisiting his tent,
Sicinus call'd apart he thus instructs:
Thin clouds envelop'd; dusky was the veil
Of night, not sable; placid was the air;
The low-ton'd current of Asopus held
No other motion than his native flow,
Alluring Aristides in a walk
Contemplative to pace the stable verge
Attir'd in moss. The hostile camp he views,
Which by Masistian vigilance and art
With walls of wood and turrets was secur'd.
For this the groves of Jupiter supreme
On Hypatus were spoil'd, Teumessian brows,
Mesabius, Parnes, were uncover'd all.
Square was th' inclosure, ev'ry face emblaz'd
With order'd lights. Each elevated tent
Of princely satraps, and, surmounting all,
77
Shot lustre, soft'ning on the distant edge
Of wide Platæan fields. A din confus'd
Proclaim'd Barbarians; silent was the camp
Of Greece. These thoughts the spectacle excites
In Aristides: Slender is thy bound,
Asopus, long to separate such hosts,
Or keep thy silver wave from blood unstain'd.
Lord of Olympus! didst thou want the pow'r,
Or, boundless pow'r possessing, want the will
Thy own created system to secure
From such destruction? Wherefore on this plain
Is Europe thus, and adverse Asia met
For human carnage? Natural this search,
Yet but a waste of reason. Let me shun
Unprofitable wand'rings o'er the land
Obscure of trackless mystery; to see
The path of virtue open is enough.
Whate'er the cause of evil, he, who knows
78
Enough of knowledge; all the rest is dream
Of falsely-styl'd philosophy. My task
Is to destroy the enemies of Greece;
Be active there, my faculties, and lose
Nor time, nor thought. Revisiting his tent,
Sicinus call'd apart he thus instructs:
Return, discreet and faithful, to the son
Of Neocles; thy own observing eye
Will prompt thy tongue; this notice sole I send.
We will not hurry to a gen'ral fight.
Bless in my name Timothea; bless her sons,
Her daughters; nor, good man, o'erlook my own.
Of Neocles; thy own observing eye
Will prompt thy tongue; this notice sole I send.
We will not hurry to a gen'ral fight.
Bless in my name Timothea; bless her sons,
Her daughters; nor, good man, o'erlook my own.
Six monthly periods of the solar course
Were now complete; intense the summer glow'd.
The patient Greeks for eight successive days
Endure the insults of Barbarian horse
Behind their lines; when eager to his friend
The Persian gen'ral: Best belov'd of men,
Impart thy counsel. Lo! this vaunted race
Lurk in their trenches, and avoid the plain.
Were now complete; intense the summer glow'd.
The patient Greeks for eight successive days
Endure the insults of Barbarian horse
79
The Persian gen'ral: Best belov'd of men,
Impart thy counsel. Lo! this vaunted race
Lurk in their trenches, and avoid the plain.
To him Masistius: I have mark'd a post
Accessible and feeble in their line.
To me thy choicest cavalry commit,
I at the hazard of my life will gall,
Perhaps may force that quarter. Ah! my friend,
Mardonius answer'd, shall thy precious life
Be hazarded? let others take the charge,
Briareus, Midias, Tiridates brave,
Or Mindarus; a thousand leaders bold
This host affords. Masistius, in the gloom
Of midnight from my pillow I discern'd
Thy gracious figure on a steed of fire;
Who bore thee up to heav'n, where sudden folds
Of radiant vapour wrapp'd thee from my view.
At once throughout th' innumerable tents
Their hue was chang'd to black; Bœotia's hills
And caves with ejulation from the camp
Rebellow'd round; the camels, horses, mules,
Dissolv'd in tears. Let Mithra's angry beam
Pierce this right arm, annihilate my strength,
And melt my courage! I will rest content
To purchase thus the safety of my friend.
Accessible and feeble in their line.
To me thy choicest cavalry commit,
I at the hazard of my life will gall,
Perhaps may force that quarter. Ah! my friend,
Mardonius answer'd, shall thy precious life
Be hazarded? let others take the charge,
Briareus, Midias, Tiridates brave,
Or Mindarus; a thousand leaders bold
This host affords. Masistius, in the gloom
Of midnight from my pillow I discern'd
Thy gracious figure on a steed of fire;
Who bore thee up to heav'n, where sudden folds
Of radiant vapour wrapp'd thee from my view.
80
Their hue was chang'd to black; Bœotia's hills
And caves with ejulation from the camp
Rebellow'd round; the camels, horses, mules,
Dissolv'd in tears. Let Mithra's angry beam
Pierce this right arm, annihilate my strength,
And melt my courage! I will rest content
To purchase thus the safety of my friend.
Masistius answer'd: Son of Gobryas, learn,
That he, who makes familiar to his mind
The certainty of death, and nobly dares
In virtue's clear pursuit, may look serene
On boding dreams, and auguries averse.
No sign, but honour, he requires; he wants
No monitor, but duty. An attempt,
My observation hath maturely weigh'd,
Belongs to me; to others less inform'd
I will not leave the danger. Quick replies
Disturb'd Mardonius, while at friendship's warmth
Ambition melts, and honour fills his breast:
That he, who makes familiar to his mind
The certainty of death, and nobly dares
In virtue's clear pursuit, may look serene
On boding dreams, and auguries averse.
No sign, but honour, he requires; he wants
No monitor, but duty. An attempt,
My observation hath maturely weigh'd,
Belongs to me; to others less inform'd
I will not leave the danger. Quick replies
81
Ambition melts, and honour fills his breast:
O! worthier far than frail Mardonius, take
O'er all the host of Xerxes chief command;
Me from temptation, him from danger guard.
O'er all the host of Xerxes chief command;
Me from temptation, him from danger guard.
Again Masistius: Son of Gobryas, peace;
My ear is wounded. Ever dost thou sink
Below the level of thy worth with me,
With others soar'st too high. What means the word
Temptation? what this danger to the king?
O satrap! listed by his grace so high,
Thou hast o'erwhelm'd Masistius. May the God
Of truth and justice strengthen in thy soul
The light ingenuous, which so much reveals;
That sense of duty may suppress a thought,
I dare not clothe in language. Still in mind
The parting words of Artemisia bear,
Which in its blameless moments oft thy tongue
Repeats with admiration. “Look,” she said,
“Look only, where no mystery can lurk,
“On ev'ry manly duty. Nothing dark
“O'ershades the track of virtue; plain her path;
“But superstition, chosen for a guide,
“Misleads the best and wisest.” Let me add,
Worse is the guide ambition, which misleads
To more than error, to atrocious acts.
My ear is wounded. Ever dost thou sink
Below the level of thy worth with me,
With others soar'st too high. What means the word
Temptation? what this danger to the king?
O satrap! listed by his grace so high,
Thou hast o'erwhelm'd Masistius. May the God
Of truth and justice strengthen in thy soul
The light ingenuous, which so much reveals;
That sense of duty may suppress a thought,
I dare not clothe in language. Still in mind
82
Which in its blameless moments oft thy tongue
Repeats with admiration. “Look,” she said,
“Look only, where no mystery can lurk,
“On ev'ry manly duty. Nothing dark
“O'ershades the track of virtue; plain her path;
“But superstition, chosen for a guide,
“Misleads the best and wisest.” Let me add,
Worse is the guide ambition, which misleads
To more than error, to atrocious acts.
I shall despair, Masistius, if thou fall'st,
Rejoins Mardonius. Must Masistius then
Consort with women, shut from noble deeds,
Subjoins the virtuous Persian? Can thy hand,
Thy friendly hand, now rivetted in mine,
Of my degree, and dignity of birth
Deprive me, or obliterate the name
With all its lustre, which my fathers left
Me to uphold? Or wouldst thou, if impow'r'd,
Taint my firm spirit with an eunuch's fear,
Among their feeble train my rank confine,
My strength unnerve, my fortitude debase?
While these subsist with titles, wealth and state,
While, as I pass, the crouding myriads shout,
Here comes Masistius; what is less requir'd
From him, than deeds to manifest a soul,
Which merits such distinction? We again
This day will meet, Mardonius—but as none
Of human texture can the flight foresee
Of that inevitable dart, which soon,
Or late will strike, I leave these words behind.
If, blinded still by superstition's cloud,
Thou wilt believe me in this hour the mark
Of fate, retain them, as my dying words:
Ambition curb; let virtue be thy pride.
Rejoins Mardonius. Must Masistius then
Consort with women, shut from noble deeds,
Subjoins the virtuous Persian? Can thy hand,
Thy friendly hand, now rivetted in mine,
Of my degree, and dignity of birth
Deprive me, or obliterate the name
83
Me to uphold? Or wouldst thou, if impow'r'd,
Taint my firm spirit with an eunuch's fear,
Among their feeble train my rank confine,
My strength unnerve, my fortitude debase?
While these subsist with titles, wealth and state,
While, as I pass, the crouding myriads shout,
Here comes Masistius; what is less requir'd
From him, than deeds to manifest a soul,
Which merits such distinction? We again
This day will meet, Mardonius—but as none
Of human texture can the flight foresee
Of that inevitable dart, which soon,
Or late will strike, I leave these words behind.
If, blinded still by superstition's cloud,
Thou wilt believe me in this hour the mark
Of fate, retain them, as my dying words:
Ambition curb; let virtue be thy pride.
84
They separated sad; Mardonius still
Foreboding evil to his noble friend,
He at the frailty of Mardonius griev'd.
Foreboding evil to his noble friend,
He at the frailty of Mardonius griev'd.
Masistius, soon collecting round his tent
The prime of Persian cavalry, bespake
Their captains thus: Your steeds and arms prepare;
String well your bows, your quivers store with shafts;
With num'rous javelins each his courser load.
I am this day your gen'ral; I rely
On your known prowess; and I trust, the hand
Of Horomazes will conduct you back
Victorious; but remember, that the brave
In life, or death, accomplishing their part,
Are happy. All, rejoicing in a chief
Belov'd, his orders sedulous fulfil.
In arms, more splendid than for Peleus' son
Th' immortal artist forg'd, Masistius cas'd
His limbs of beauteous frame, and manly grace,
To match that hero, whom Scamander saw
With Dardan blood imbru'd. In hue of snow
His horse, of all Nisæa's breed the choice,
Caparison'd in rubies, champs the gold,
Which rules his mouth; his animated mane
Floats o'er the bridle, form'd of golden braid.
The prime of Persian cavalry, bespake
Their captains thus: Your steeds and arms prepare;
String well your bows, your quivers store with shafts;
With num'rous javelins each his courser load.
I am this day your gen'ral; I rely
On your known prowess; and I trust, the hand
Of Horomazes will conduct you back
Victorious; but remember, that the brave
In life, or death, accomplishing their part,
Are happy. All, rejoicing in a chief
Belov'd, his orders sedulous fulfil.
In arms, more splendid than for Peleus' son
Th' immortal artist forg'd, Masistius cas'd
85
To match that hero, whom Scamander saw
With Dardan blood imbru'd. In hue of snow
His horse, of all Nisæa's breed the choice,
Caparison'd in rubies, champs the gold,
Which rules his mouth; his animated mane
Floats o'er the bridle, form'd of golden braid.
His page was nigh, that youth of eastern race,
Whom for his merit pure Melissa gave
To this benignant satrap. To ascend
His gorgeous seat preparing, thus the chief:
Whom for his merit pure Melissa gave
To this benignant satrap. To ascend
His gorgeous seat preparing, thus the chief:
If I return a conqueror this day,
To that excelling dame who made thee mine,
Who hath enlarg'd whate'er of wise and great,
Of just and temp'rate I to nature owe,
Refin'd my manners, and my purest thoughts
Exalted, I my friendship will prolong
In gratitude and rev'rence; blessing heav'n,
Which thus prefers Masistius to extend
Benevolence to virtue. If I fall,
Resume with her the happiest lot my care
Can recommend, Statirus. Though no Greek,
Her pupil, say, in offices humane
Hath not been tardy; by her light inspir'd,
He went more perfect to a noble grave.
To that excelling dame who made thee mine,
Who hath enlarg'd whate'er of wise and great,
Of just and temp'rate I to nature owe,
Refin'd my manners, and my purest thoughts
Exalted, I my friendship will prolong
86
Which thus prefers Masistius to extend
Benevolence to virtue. If I fall,
Resume with her the happiest lot my care
Can recommend, Statirus. Though no Greek,
Her pupil, say, in offices humane
Hath not been tardy; by her light inspir'd,
He went more perfect to a noble grave.
End of the Twenty-third Book.
87
BOOK the Twenty-fourth.
While thus Masistius for the field prepar'd,
At sacrifice amidst the diff'rent chiefs
Pausanias stood, the entrails to consult
For heav'n's direction. Like a god rever'd
Among the Spartans, was an augur fam'd,
Tisamenus. The Pythian had declar'd
Him first of prophets; he the rites performs;
The victim open'd he inspects, and thus
In solemn tone: Hear, Grecians, and obey
The will of Jove. To pass th' Asopian flood
Forbear. With Persian fetters in her hand
Ill fortune seated on that bank I see,
On this the laurel'd figure of success.
At sacrifice amidst the diff'rent chiefs
Pausanias stood, the entrails to consult
For heav'n's direction. Like a god rever'd
Among the Spartans, was an augur fam'd,
Tisamenus. The Pythian had declar'd
Him first of prophets; he the rites performs;
The victim open'd he inspects, and thus
In solemn tone: Hear, Grecians, and obey
The will of Jove. To pass th' Asopian flood
88
Ill fortune seated on that bank I see,
On this the laurel'd figure of success.
The augur ceas'd; when suddenly in view
Th' Asopian current, overswelling, foams
With eastern squadrons, wading through the fords.
Bounds in the van Masistius on a steed,
Whose glist'ning hue the brightest of the four
Which drew th' irradiate axle of the morn
Might scarce outshine. Erect the hero sat,
Firm as the son of Danaë by Jove,
When his strong pinion'd Pegasus he wheel'd
Through Æthiopian air from death to guard
Andromeda his love. In rapid haste
A herald greets Pausanias: From the men
Of Megara I come. A post advanc'd,
The most obnoxious in the Grecian line
To harassing assaults, their daily toil
With unabating firmness long has held.
Unwonted numbers of Barbarian horse
Now sweep the field; a reinforcement send,
Her standard else will Megara withdraw.
Th' Asopian current, overswelling, foams
With eastern squadrons, wading through the fords.
Bounds in the van Masistius on a steed,
Whose glist'ning hue the brightest of the four
Which drew th' irradiate axle of the morn
Might scarce outshine. Erect the hero sat,
Firm as the son of Danaë by Jove,
When his strong pinion'd Pegasus he wheel'd
Through Æthiopian air from death to guard
Andromeda his love. In rapid haste
A herald greets Pausanias: From the men
Of Megara I come. A post advanc'd,
The most obnoxious in the Grecian line
To harassing assaults, their daily toil
89
Unwonted numbers of Barbarian horse
Now sweep the field; a reinforcement send,
Her standard else will Megara withdraw.
Pausanias then, alike to try the Greeks,
And save his Spartans, answer'd: Chiefs, you hear;
Who will be foremost to sustain our friends?
And save his Spartans, answer'd: Chiefs, you hear;
Who will be foremost to sustain our friends?
Through fear the dang'rous service is declin'd
By many. Indignation to behold
No Spartans offer'd, but the arduous task
Impos'd on others, held Cleander mute;
When Aristides: Herald, swift return,
Athenian aid might else prevent thy speed.
By many. Indignation to behold
No Spartans offer'd, but the arduous task
Impos'd on others, held Cleander mute;
When Aristides: Herald, swift return,
Athenian aid might else prevent thy speed.
The patriot spake, and left the Greeks amaz'd,
Well knowing Athens with abhorrence look'd
On Megara, her envious, ranc'rous foe
Of ancient date, whom now she flies to aid.
Well knowing Athens with abhorrence look'd
90
Of ancient date, whom now she flies to aid.
Meantime that feeblest station of the camp
Th' impetuous Asian cavalry surround.
As clouds, impregnated with hail, discharge
Their stormy burden on a champaign rich
In ripen'd grain, and lay the crackling rows
Of Ceres prostrate; under sheets of darts,
With arrows barb'd and javelins, thus whole ranks
Of Megara, by wounds or death o'erthrown,
Gasp on the ground. Alcathöus expires,
The blood of Nisus, Megarensian prince
In times remote, and fabled to have held
His fate dependent on a purple hair
Amidst his hoary locks. That vital thread
His impious daughter sever'd, blind with love
For Minos, Cretan king, her father's foe.
Masistius pierc'd him; javelins from his arm
Incessant flew; on heaps of nameless dead
He laid Evenus, Lysicles, the youth
Of Cyparissus, and Cratander's age,
Distinguish'd each by office, wealth, or birth,
Or martial actions. Beasts of chace and prey,
The wolf and boar, the lion and the stag,
Within close toils imprison'd, thus become
The hunter's mark. The signal of retreat
Is now uplifted by the hopeless chiefs;
When, as a friendly gale with stiff'ning wings
Repels a vessel, driving by the force
Of boist'rous currents in a fatal track
To bulge on rocks, a voluntary band
Of men at arms, and bowmen, Attic all,
Restrain the flight of Megara. Expert
Their shaft? they level at the Persian steeds,
Not at the riders. Soon around the plain
Th' ungovern'd animals disperse, enrag'd
By galling wounds. Olympiodorus, chief
Among the light auxiliars, on the lists
Of Pisa just Hellanodics had crown'd,
The first of Greeks in archery. He stands
Like Telamonian Teucer on the mound
Of Atreus' son, where fate's unerring hand
Had strung the bow which heap'd with Phrygian dead
Th' empurpled fosse, while Ajax swung abroad
The sev'n-fold shield to guard a brother's skill.
Still in the field Masistius, who observ'd
The active archer, from his lofty seat
Against him whirls a javelin. Cimon near
Receives the blunted weapon on the boss
Of his huge buckler. His vindictive bow
Olympiodorus bends; the rapid shaft
Full in the forehead of the gen'rous steed
He lodges deep. The high Nisæan blood
Boils in its channels through tormenting pain;
Erect the courser paws in air, and hurls
In writhing agitation from his back
Th' illustrious rider on the plain supine.
Against him rush th' Athenians; on his feet
They find him brandishing his sabre keen,
With his firm shield a bulwark to his breast,
Like one of those earth-sprung in radiant arms,
Whom the Cadmēan dragon's fruitful jaws
Or Colchian serpent's teeth produc'd. Assail'd
On ev'ry side, his fortitude augments
With danger. Down to Pluto's realm he sends
Iphicrates and Eurytus, who drank
Callirrhoe's fountain; Amynander born
On smooth Ilissus, and three gallant youths
Of Marathon. His cuirass strong withstands
Repeated blows; unwounded, but o'ercome
By unremitted labour, on his knees,
Like some proud structure half o'erthrown by time,
He sinks at last. Brave Cimon hastes to save
A foe so noble in his deeds, in port
Beyond a mortal; when a vulgar sword
That moment through the vizor of his helm
Transfix'd the brain, so exquisitely form'd,
The seat of purest sentiment and thought.
His frame, in ruin beauteous still and great,
The fatal stroke laid low. An earthquake thus
Shook from his base that wonder of the world,
The Colossean deity of Rhodes.
Th' impetuous Asian cavalry surround.
As clouds, impregnated with hail, discharge
Their stormy burden on a champaign rich
In ripen'd grain, and lay the crackling rows
Of Ceres prostrate; under sheets of darts,
With arrows barb'd and javelins, thus whole ranks
Of Megara, by wounds or death o'erthrown,
Gasp on the ground. Alcathöus expires,
The blood of Nisus, Megarensian prince
In times remote, and fabled to have held
His fate dependent on a purple hair
Amidst his hoary locks. That vital thread
His impious daughter sever'd, blind with love
For Minos, Cretan king, her father's foe.
Masistius pierc'd him; javelins from his arm
91
He laid Evenus, Lysicles, the youth
Of Cyparissus, and Cratander's age,
Distinguish'd each by office, wealth, or birth,
Or martial actions. Beasts of chace and prey,
The wolf and boar, the lion and the stag,
Within close toils imprison'd, thus become
The hunter's mark. The signal of retreat
Is now uplifted by the hopeless chiefs;
When, as a friendly gale with stiff'ning wings
Repels a vessel, driving by the force
Of boist'rous currents in a fatal track
To bulge on rocks, a voluntary band
Of men at arms, and bowmen, Attic all,
Restrain the flight of Megara. Expert
Their shaft? they level at the Persian steeds,
Not at the riders. Soon around the plain
Th' ungovern'd animals disperse, enrag'd
By galling wounds. Olympiodorus, chief
92
Of Pisa just Hellanodics had crown'd,
The first of Greeks in archery. He stands
Like Telamonian Teucer on the mound
Of Atreus' son, where fate's unerring hand
Had strung the bow which heap'd with Phrygian dead
Th' empurpled fosse, while Ajax swung abroad
The sev'n-fold shield to guard a brother's skill.
Still in the field Masistius, who observ'd
The active archer, from his lofty seat
Against him whirls a javelin. Cimon near
Receives the blunted weapon on the boss
Of his huge buckler. His vindictive bow
Olympiodorus bends; the rapid shaft
Full in the forehead of the gen'rous steed
He lodges deep. The high Nisæan blood
Boils in its channels through tormenting pain;
Erect the courser paws in air, and hurls
93
Th' illustrious rider on the plain supine.
Against him rush th' Athenians; on his feet
They find him brandishing his sabre keen,
With his firm shield a bulwark to his breast,
Like one of those earth-sprung in radiant arms,
Whom the Cadmēan dragon's fruitful jaws
Or Colchian serpent's teeth produc'd. Assail'd
On ev'ry side, his fortitude augments
With danger. Down to Pluto's realm he sends
Iphicrates and Eurytus, who drank
Callirrhoe's fountain; Amynander born
On smooth Ilissus, and three gallant youths
Of Marathon. His cuirass strong withstands
Repeated blows; unwounded, but o'ercome
By unremitted labour, on his knees,
Like some proud structure half o'erthrown by time,
He sinks at last. Brave Cimon hastes to save
A foe so noble in his deeds, in port
94
That moment through the vizor of his helm
Transfix'd the brain, so exquisitely form'd,
The seat of purest sentiment and thought.
His frame, in ruin beauteous still and great,
The fatal stroke laid low. An earthquake thus
Shook from his base that wonder of the world,
The Colossean deity of Rhodes.
Of danger all unheeding, by his lord
Statirus kneel'd, and o'er his bosom spread
His palms in anguish. Timely to protect
The gentle youth ingenuous Cimon came,
While thus the gasping satrap breath'd his last:
Statirus kneel'd, and o'er his bosom spread
His palms in anguish. Timely to protect
The gentle youth ingenuous Cimon came,
While thus the gasping satrap breath'd his last:
Farewell, thou faithful—Bid Mardonius think
How brief are life's enjoyments—Virtue lives
Through all eternity—By virtue earn'd,
Praise too is long—Melissa—grant me thine.
How brief are life's enjoyments—Virtue lives
Through all eternity—By virtue earn'd,
Praise too is long—Melissa—grant me thine.
95
In death, refembling sweetest sleep, his eyes
Serenely drop their curtains, and the soul
Flies to th' eternal manfions of the just.
Within the trenches Cimon straight commands
To lodge the corse; when lo! another cloud
Of Eastern squadrons, Mindarus their chief,
Who, o'er the stream detach'd with numbers new,
Not finding great Masistius, rous'd afresh
The storm of onset. Dreadful was the shock
Of these, attempting to redeem, of those,
Who held the body; but the Attic spears
Break in the chests of fiery steeds, which press
With violence unyielding, and the ranks
In front disarm. The archers have discharg'd
Their quivers. Now had Mindarus acquir'd
Undying glory, and the Greeks resign'd
The long-contested prize, when threat'ning shouts,
Of diff'rent Grecians, pouring from the camp,
Alarm the eastern chief. Cleander here
With all Trœzenè, Arimnestus there,
Diomedon's bold successor in arms,
With his Platæans, and the Thespian brave,
Alcimedon, assail the Persian flanks.
So two hoarse torrents opposite descend
From hills, where recent thunder-storms have burst;
In the mid-vale the dashing waters meet
To overwhelm the peasant's hopes and toil.
Myronides and Æschylus in sight,
Each with his formidable phalanx moves;
Th' encampment whole is arming. From the fight
His mangled cavalry the Persian calls.
In eager quest of refuge in their lines
Beyond Asopus, through surrounding foes
The coursers vault like swimmers, who forsake
A found'ring vessel, and with buoyant strength
Bound through the surge for safety on the beach.
Serenely drop their curtains, and the soul
Flies to th' eternal manfions of the just.
Within the trenches Cimon straight commands
To lodge the corse; when lo! another cloud
Of Eastern squadrons, Mindarus their chief,
Who, o'er the stream detach'd with numbers new,
Not finding great Masistius, rous'd afresh
The storm of onset. Dreadful was the shock
Of these, attempting to redeem, of those,
Who held the body; but the Attic spears
Break in the chests of fiery steeds, which press
With violence unyielding, and the ranks
In front disarm. The archers have discharg'd
Their quivers. Now had Mindarus acquir'd
Undying glory, and the Greeks resign'd
The long-contested prize, when threat'ning shouts,
Of diff'rent Grecians, pouring from the camp,
Alarm the eastern chief. Cleander here
96
Diomedon's bold successor in arms,
With his Platæans, and the Thespian brave,
Alcimedon, assail the Persian flanks.
So two hoarse torrents opposite descend
From hills, where recent thunder-storms have burst;
In the mid-vale the dashing waters meet
To overwhelm the peasant's hopes and toil.
Myronides and Æschylus in sight,
Each with his formidable phalanx moves;
Th' encampment whole is arming. From the fight
His mangled cavalry the Persian calls.
In eager quest of refuge in their lines
Beyond Asopus, through surrounding foes
The coursers vault like swimmers, who forsake
A found'ring vessel, and with buoyant strength
Bound through the surge for safety on the beach.
Triumphant in their camp the Greeks replace
Their standards; thither Cimon's gen'rous care
Transports Masistius. Eager to behold
A prize so noble, curious throngs on throngs
Press in disorder; each his station leaves;
Confusion reigns. The gen'ral host to arms
Pausanias sternly vigilant commands,
And next provides a chariot to display,
Throughout th' extensive lines, th' illustrious dead,
In magnitude and beauty late the pride
Of nature's study'd workmanship. His limbs
The hand of Cimon tenderly compos'd,
As would a brother to a brother's corse.
Masistius fill'd the chariot; on his knees
Statirus held, and water'd with his tears
The face majestic, not by death deform'd,
Pale, but with features mild, which still retain'd
Attractive sweetness to endear the sight.
Their standards; thither Cimon's gen'rous care
97
A prize so noble, curious throngs on throngs
Press in disorder; each his station leaves;
Confusion reigns. The gen'ral host to arms
Pausanias sternly vigilant commands,
And next provides a chariot to display,
Throughout th' extensive lines, th' illustrious dead,
In magnitude and beauty late the pride
Of nature's study'd workmanship. His limbs
The hand of Cimon tenderly compos'd,
As would a brother to a brother's corse.
Masistius fill'd the chariot; on his knees
Statirus held, and water'd with his tears
The face majestic, not by death deform'd,
Pale, but with features mild, which still retain'd
Attractive sweetness to endear the sight.
First on the right through Lacedæmon's range
The spectacle is carried; silence there
Prevails; the Spartan citizen no sign
Of triumph shews, subordinate to law,
Which disciplin'd his passions. Tow'rds the left,
Through exultation loud of other Greeks,
The awful car at length to Attic ranks
Brings their own prize, by Aristides met;
There silence too, in rev'rence of their chief,
Is universal. He prepares to speak;
But first the mighty reliques he surveys.
He feels like Jove, contemplating the pure,
The gen'rous, brave Sarpedon, as he lay
In death's cold arms, when swift th' almighty sire
Decreed that Morpheus, gentlest of the gods,
Should waft to Lycia's realm the royal clay,
From pious friends and subjects to obtain
The rites of splendid sepulture. Complete
Was now the solemn pause; to list'ning ears
Thus Aristides vents his godlike soul:
The spectacle is carried; silence there
98
Of triumph shews, subordinate to law,
Which disciplin'd his passions. Tow'rds the left,
Through exultation loud of other Greeks,
The awful car at length to Attic ranks
Brings their own prize, by Aristides met;
There silence too, in rev'rence of their chief,
Is universal. He prepares to speak;
But first the mighty reliques he surveys.
He feels like Jove, contemplating the pure,
The gen'rous, brave Sarpedon, as he lay
In death's cold arms, when swift th' almighty sire
Decreed that Morpheus, gentlest of the gods,
Should waft to Lycia's realm the royal clay,
From pious friends and subjects to obtain
The rites of splendid sepulture. Complete
Was now the solemn pause; to list'ning ears
Thus Aristides vents his godlike soul:
99
Here close your triumph, Grecians, nor provoke
The jealous pow'rs who mark for chosen wrath
O'er-weening pride. Though auguring success
From this great satrap's fall, revere his clay;
Such rev'rence all of mortal mold will need,
All soon, or late. If comeliness and strength,
If gracious manners, and a mind humane,
If worth and wisdom could avoid the grave,
You had not seen this tow'r of Asia fall.
Yet there is left attainable by man,
What may survive the grave; it is the fame
Of gen'rous actions; this do you attain.
I in Psittalia's isle this Persian knew
Brave Medon's prize; his captive hands we freed;
To him our hospitable faith we pledg'd,
Through whom Phœbean Timon was redeem'd,
With Haliartus, on Eubœa's fields
To signalize their swords. On Oeta's hill
In him the daughter of Oïleus found
A spotless guardian. Let his corse and arms,
Thy acquisition, Cimon, be resign'd
To piety; a herald shall attend
Thy steps; remove him to his native friends.
Let Xerxes hear, let fierce Mardonius see,
How much Barbarians differ from the Greeks.
The jealous pow'rs who mark for chosen wrath
O'er-weening pride. Though auguring success
From this great satrap's fall, revere his clay;
Such rev'rence all of mortal mold will need,
All soon, or late. If comeliness and strength,
If gracious manners, and a mind humane,
If worth and wisdom could avoid the grave,
You had not seen this tow'r of Asia fall.
Yet there is left attainable by man,
What may survive the grave; it is the fame
Of gen'rous actions; this do you attain.
I in Psittalia's isle this Persian knew
Brave Medon's prize; his captive hands we freed;
To him our hospitable faith we pledg'd,
Through whom Phœbean Timon was redeem'd,
With Haliartus, on Eubœa's fields
To signalize their swords. On Oeta's hill
In him the daughter of Oïleus found
100
Thy acquisition, Cimon, be resign'd
To piety; a herald shall attend
Thy steps; remove him to his native friends.
Let Xerxes hear, let fierce Mardonius see,
How much Barbarians differ from the Greeks.
Minerva's tribes, approving, hear the words
Of clemency and pity. Cimon mounts
The fun'ral car; attentive and compos'd
Like Maia's son, commission'd from the skies
By his eternal sire, the warrior hears
The full instructions of his patron chief.
Th' Asopian stream he fords to Asia's tents,
Whence issue wailing multitudes, who rend
The air with ejulation, while the wheels
Before Mardonius stop their solemn roll.
He rives his mantle, and defiles with dust
His splendid head. Not more the destin'd king
Of Judah mourn'd the virtuous heir of Saul,
Mow'd down in battle by Philistian strength
On Gilboa's heights; nor melted more in grief
O'er Absalom's fair locks, too much endear'd
To blind parental fondness. From the car
Descending, Cimon spake: Lo! Persian chief,
The just Athenian, Aristides, sends
These reliques, which he honours, to partake
Of sepulture, as eastern rites ordain.
Of clemency and pity. Cimon mounts
The fun'ral car; attentive and compos'd
Like Maia's son, commission'd from the skies
By his eternal sire, the warrior hears
The full instructions of his patron chief.
Th' Asopian stream he fords to Asia's tents,
Whence issue wailing multitudes, who rend
The air with ejulation, while the wheels
Before Mardonius stop their solemn roll.
He rives his mantle, and defiles with dust
His splendid head. Not more the destin'd king
101
Mow'd down in battle by Philistian strength
On Gilboa's heights; nor melted more in grief
O'er Absalom's fair locks, too much endear'd
To blind parental fondness. From the car
Descending, Cimon spake: Lo! Persian chief,
The just Athenian, Aristides, sends
These reliques, which he honours, to partake
Of sepulture, as eastern rites ordain.
Then art thou fall'n, too confident, exclaims
Mardonius, too unmindful of my love,
And anxious warnings! Mithra, veil thy face
In clouds! In tears of blood, thou sky, dissolve!
Earth groan, and gen'ral nature join in woe!
The tallest cedar of the orient groves
Lies prostrate—Destiny malign! I brave
Thy further malice—Blasted to the root
Is all my joy. Here sorrow clos'd his lips.
As frozen dead by wintry gusts he stood,
Devoid of motion; Mindarus was nigh,
Whose interposing prudence thus was heard:
Mardonius, too unmindful of my love,
And anxious warnings! Mithra, veil thy face
In clouds! In tears of blood, thou sky, dissolve!
Earth groan, and gen'ral nature join in woe!
The tallest cedar of the orient groves
Lies prostrate—Destiny malign! I brave
Thy further malice—Blasted to the root
Is all my joy. Here sorrow clos'd his lips.
102
Devoid of motion; Mindarus was nigh,
Whose interposing prudence thus was heard:
O chief of nations numberless! who stand
Spectators round, and watch thy lightest look,
Confine thy anguish; in their sight revere
Thyself; regard this messenger benign
From Aristides, and thy native sense
Of obligation rouse. Mardonius then,
As from a trance: I hear thee, and approve,
My gentle kinsman. This returning car,
With purest gold, and costly vesture pil'd,
Shall bear the copious tribute of my thanks
To Aristides; whom extoll'd to heav'n
By excellent Masistius oft my soul
Hath heard, the righteous by the righteous prais'd.
Spectators round, and watch thy lightest look,
Confine thy anguish; in their sight revere
Thyself; regard this messenger benign
From Aristides, and thy native sense
Of obligation rouse. Mardonius then,
As from a trance: I hear thee, and approve,
My gentle kinsman. This returning car,
With purest gold, and costly vesture pil'd,
Shall bear the copious tribute of my thanks
To Aristides; whom extoll'd to heav'n
By excellent Masistius oft my soul
Hath heard, the righteous by the righteous prais'd.
Now Cimon interpos'd: That man extoll'd
Thou dost not, Persian, lib'ral as thou art,
Mean to offend; thy presents then with-hold.
In poverty more glorious, than in wealth
The wealthiest, Aristides frowns at gold.
No costly vestures decorate his frame,
Itself divine; the very arms he wears,
The sole possession of that spotless man,
All ornament reject; he only boasts
The sharpest sword, the weightiest spear and shield.
Thou dost not, Persian, lib'ral as thou art,
103
In poverty more glorious, than in wealth
The wealthiest, Aristides frowns at gold.
No costly vestures decorate his frame,
Itself divine; the very arms he wears,
The sole possession of that spotless man,
All ornament reject; he only boasts
The sharpest sword, the weightiest spear and shield.
Ha! must I pass unthankful in the sight
Of one, Masistius lov'd, the chief reply'd?
Of one, Masistius lov'd, the chief reply'd?
No, answer'd quick th' Athenian; from his cross
Take down Leonidas. A stedfast look
Mardonius fix'd on Cimon: That request,
O Greek! is big with danger to my head,
Which I will hazard, since the only price
Set on the precious reliques thou restor'st.
Take down Leonidas. A stedfast look
Mardonius fix'd on Cimon: That request,
O Greek! is big with danger to my head,
Which I will hazard, since the only price
Set on the precious reliques thou restor'st.
104
This said, he orders to his tent the corse;
There on the clay-cold bosom of his friend
Thus plaintive hangs: Fall'n pillar of my hopes,
What is Mardonius, wanting thy support!
Thou arm of strength, for ever are unbrac'd
Thy nerves! Enlighten'd mind, where prudence dwelt,
Heart purify'd by honour, you have left
Mardonius helpless; left him to himself,
To his own passions, which thy counsel tam'd!
The dang'rous paths of error I shall tread
Without thy guidance! Shame, defeat and death,
Frown in thy wounds ill-boding—yet thy look
Not fate itself of gentleness deprives.
By heaven a world shall mourn thee—Loud he calls;
Which Mindarus obeys. To him the chief:
There on the clay-cold bosom of his friend
Thus plaintive hangs: Fall'n pillar of my hopes,
What is Mardonius, wanting thy support!
Thou arm of strength, for ever are unbrac'd
Thy nerves! Enlighten'd mind, where prudence dwelt,
Heart purify'd by honour, you have left
Mardonius helpless; left him to himself,
To his own passions, which thy counsel tam'd!
The dang'rous paths of error I shall tread
Without thy guidance! Shame, defeat and death,
Frown in thy wounds ill-boding—yet thy look
Not fate itself of gentleness deprives.
By heaven a world shall mourn thee—Loud he calls;
Which Mindarus obeys. To him the chief:
Thou too didst love Masistius—Fly, proclaim
A gen'ral lamentation through the camp;
Let all Bœotia sound Masistius lost.
O verify'd too clearly, boding dream
Of mine, by him so fatally despis'd!
See ev'ry head dismantled of its hair,
The soldiers, women, eunuchs; of his mane
See ev'ry steed, the mule and camel shorn.
O that the echo of our grief might pass
The Hellespont to Asia! that her loss
Through all her cities, through her vales, and streams,
Beyond the banks of Ganges might be told!
A gen'ral lamentation through the camp;
105
O verify'd too clearly, boding dream
Of mine, by him so fatally despis'd!
See ev'ry head dismantled of its hair,
The soldiers, women, eunuchs; of his mane
See ev'ry steed, the mule and camel shorn.
O that the echo of our grief might pass
The Hellespont to Asia! that her loss
Through all her cities, through her vales, and streams,
Beyond the banks of Ganges might be told!
As Mindarus departs, the Theban chief
Approaches, Leontiades, who spake:
Approaches, Leontiades, who spake:
If there be one, O gen'ral, can replace
Masistius wise, that prodigy is found,
Elēan Hegesistratus, of seers
The most renown'd. His penetrating mind
Can from the victim slain, or mystic flight
Of birds, foresee the dark events of time;
Invet'rate foe to Sparta, sore with wrongs,
He comes thy servant. Opportune he comes,
Replies Mardonius. In the rites of Greece
Ten hecatombs, before the sun descends,
Shall to Masistius bleed an off'ring high.
I will engage this augur at a price
Beyond his wishes; let his skill decide,
When to give battle, and avenge my friend.
Collect your Grecian artists; instant build
A cenotaph in your Dircæan grove,
Where that pure fountain trills a mournful note.
There shall Masistius in his name survive
Among the Greeks; his last remains, embalm'd,
Among his fathers shall in Susa rest.
Masistius wise, that prodigy is found,
Elēan Hegesistratus, of seers
The most renown'd. His penetrating mind
Can from the victim slain, or mystic flight
106
Invet'rate foe to Sparta, sore with wrongs,
He comes thy servant. Opportune he comes,
Replies Mardonius. In the rites of Greece
Ten hecatombs, before the sun descends,
Shall to Masistius bleed an off'ring high.
I will engage this augur at a price
Beyond his wishes; let his skill decide,
When to give battle, and avenge my friend.
Collect your Grecian artists; instant build
A cenotaph in your Dircæan grove,
Where that pure fountain trills a mournful note.
There shall Masistius in his name survive
Among the Greeks; his last remains, embalm'd,
Among his fathers shall in Susa rest.
The Theban goes. Statirus next appears;
Th' afflicted hero greets the weeping youth:
Th' afflicted hero greets the weeping youth:
107
Ah! poor Statirus! thou hast lost thy lord,
I lost my friend, her bulwark Asia lost.
The sacred clay to Artamanes bear,
Left in Trachiniæ chief. His pious love
(Who did not love Masistius) will convey
To distant Sestos his embalm'd remains,
Thence o'er the narrow Hellespont, to reach
His native Asia, and his father's tomb.
How did he fall, Statirus? Did he send
To me no counsel from his dying lips?
I lost my friend, her bulwark Asia lost.
The sacred clay to Artamanes bear,
Left in Trachiniæ chief. His pious love
(Who did not love Masistius) will convey
To distant Sestos his embalm'd remains,
Thence o'er the narrow Hellespont, to reach
His native Asia, and his father's tomb.
How did he fall, Statirus? Did he send
To me no counsel from his dying lips?
These, in a sigh the faithful page began,
Were his last accents. “Let Mardonius think
“How brief are life's enjoyments. Virtue lives
“Through all eternity. By virtue earn'd
“Praise too is long—Melissa, grant me thine”.
Were his last accents. “Let Mardonius think
“How brief are life's enjoyments. Virtue lives
“Through all eternity. By virtue earn'd
“Praise too is long—Melissa, grant me thine”.
Commend me to Melissa, starting, spake
The son of Gobryas. From the shameful cross
Bid Artamanes in her presence free
Leonidas the Spartan. Now perform
Another act of duty to thy lord;
Despoil my head of all its curling pride;
Slight sacrifice to grief—but ev'ry limb,
Lopt from this body, and its mangled flesh
Shall in the dust be scatter'd, ere I quit
My chace of great revenge. Concluding here,
He strides impetuous like a stately ram,
Lord of the flock new-shorn. His giant guard
Inclose him round; th' innumerable host
Attend him, all divested of their hair,
In howling anguish to an altar huge,
By hasty hands constructed. Deep the earth
Around is hollow'd, deep is drench'd with blood.
Ten hundred sable victims heap the ground.
The son of Gobryas. From the shameful cross
108
Leonidas the Spartan. Now perform
Another act of duty to thy lord;
Despoil my head of all its curling pride;
Slight sacrifice to grief—but ev'ry limb,
Lopt from this body, and its mangled flesh
Shall in the dust be scatter'd, ere I quit
My chace of great revenge. Concluding here,
He strides impetuous like a stately ram,
Lord of the flock new-shorn. His giant guard
Inclose him round; th' innumerable host
Attend him, all divested of their hair,
In howling anguish to an altar huge,
By hasty hands constructed. Deep the earth
Around is hollow'd, deep is drench'd with blood.
Ten hundred sable victims heap the ground.
Now gen'ral silence reigns, as o'er the main
In winter, when Halcyonè laments
Her Ceyx lost, and Æolus, her sire;
By pity soften'd, all the air is calm,
While she sits brooding on her watry nest.
Amidst a cloud of frankincense the priest
Of Elis, Hegesistratus, performs
The rites of divination; awful thus
At length unfolds the mysteries of time:
In winter, when Halcyonè laments
109
By pity soften'd, all the air is calm,
While she sits brooding on her watry nest.
Amidst a cloud of frankincense the priest
Of Elis, Hegesistratus, performs
The rites of divination; awful thus
At length unfolds the mysteries of time:
Hear, all ye nations; great Mardonius, hear;
Th' Asopïan channel is the line of fate;
The host, which passes, falls; success will crown
Th' assail'd; th' assailant is to slaughter doom'd.
Th' Asopïan channel is the line of fate;
The host, which passes, falls; success will crown
Th' assail'd; th' assailant is to slaughter doom'd.
The multitude, discourag'd by the death
Of their belov'd Masistius, hear in joy;
Not so Mardonius at revenge delay'd.
Inaction aggravates his pain; his tent
Receives him. Solitary there, like night
Within her cavern, thus he feeds his grief:
Of their belov'd Masistius, hear in joy;
Not so Mardonius at revenge delay'd.
Inaction aggravates his pain; his tent
Receives him. Solitary there, like night
Within her cavern, thus he feeds his grief:
110
“Ambition curb; let virtue be thy pride.”
So spake Masistius, when we parted last
To meet no more—I feel ambition cold,
Benumb'd by sorrow—“Let Mardonius think,
“How brief are life's enjoyments;” so thy fate,
Dear friend, evinces—Life itself is short;
Its joys are shorter; yet the scanty span
Adversity can lengthen, till we loathe.
If, on the brilliant throne of Xerxes plac'd,
I held the orient and Hesperian worlds
My vassals, could the millions in my host
Compel the adamantine gate of death
To render back my friend? O tortur'd heart!
Which burn'st with friendship, of thy gen'rous flame
Th' inestimable object is no more.
What then is greatness? What th' imperial robe,
The diadem and scepter? Could you fill
The void, his endless absence hath produc'd
In my sad bosom? Were ye mine how vain
The acquisition, which my grief would loathe,
And, wak'd by grief, let honour timely shun,
Lest from his grave Masistius should arise
To shake my pillow with his nightly curse.
Not hecatombs on hecatombs of bulls
Heap'd on his manes, not the votive hair,
Nor fun'ral moan of nations could avail
To moderate his ire; nor all the pow'r
Of empires join'd to empires guard my sleep.
So spake Masistius, when we parted last
To meet no more—I feel ambition cold,
Benumb'd by sorrow—“Let Mardonius think,
“How brief are life's enjoyments;” so thy fate,
Dear friend, evinces—Life itself is short;
Its joys are shorter; yet the scanty span
Adversity can lengthen, till we loathe.
If, on the brilliant throne of Xerxes plac'd,
I held the orient and Hesperian worlds
My vassals, could the millions in my host
Compel the adamantine gate of death
To render back my friend? O tortur'd heart!
Which burn'st with friendship, of thy gen'rous flame
Th' inestimable object is no more.
What then is greatness? What th' imperial robe,
The diadem and scepter? Could you fill
The void, his endless absence hath produc'd
In my sad bosom? Were ye mine how vain
111
And, wak'd by grief, let honour timely shun,
Lest from his grave Masistius should arise
To shake my pillow with his nightly curse.
Not hecatombs on hecatombs of bulls
Heap'd on his manes, not the votive hair,
Nor fun'ral moan of nations could avail
To moderate his ire; nor all the pow'r
Of empires join'd to empires guard my sleep.
At length he sinks in slumber, not compos'd,
But wanders restless through the wild of dreams.
But wanders restless through the wild of dreams.
End of the Twenty-fourth Book.
112
BOOK the Twenty-Fifth.
Ere thus each augur in the diff'rent camps
Unmann'd the soldier by religious dread,
Eubœa's coast Sicinus had regain'd.
That peopled island's force of ships and arms
Themistocles had muster'd. Oreus held
The ready chief, expecting weighty news
From Aristides, which Sicinus swift
Imparts. To him Themistocles: My friend,
I ask no more; the assembled host of Greece
Hath fix'd Mardonius on th' Asopian verge;
A hasty conflict Aristides shuns;
Then shall the blow, I meditate, be struck,
Ere thy reverted passage can transmit
To him my greetings. Stay and see my oars
For infamous Thessalia dash the waves;
Her Aleuadian race of tyrants foul,
Friends to Barbarians, traitors to the Greeks,
Shall feel my scourge. Her plenty I will bar
Against Mardonius; famine shall invade
His tents, and force him to unequal fight.
Unmann'd the soldier by religious dread,
Eubœa's coast Sicinus had regain'd.
That peopled island's force of ships and arms
Themistocles had muster'd. Oreus held
The ready chief, expecting weighty news
From Aristides, which Sicinus swift
Imparts. To him Themistocles: My friend,
I ask no more; the assembled host of Greece
Hath fix'd Mardonius on th' Asopian verge;
113
Then shall the blow, I meditate, be struck,
Ere thy reverted passage can transmit
To him my greetings. Stay and see my oars
For infamous Thessalia dash the waves;
Her Aleuadian race of tyrants foul,
Friends to Barbarians, traitors to the Greeks,
Shall feel my scourge. Her plenty I will bar
Against Mardonius; famine shall invade
His tents, and force him to unequal fight.
He gives command; the signal is uprear'd
For embarkation. All Eubœa pours
Her sons aboard, and loads the groaning decks.
From his Cleora Hyacinthus parts,
Brave Haliartus from his new-espous'd
Acanthè. Lo! each female seeks the beach,
Spectatress eager of th' alluring man,
Whose artful eye could summon ev'ry grace
To fascinate both sexes, and his wiles
Arm with enchantment. Beauteous and august
Like Cybelè, prime goddess, turret-crown'd,
Source of th' ethereal race, his consort lifts
Above the rest her countenance sublime.
By her own offspring, and the pledges dear
Of Aristides, which her hand receiv'd
At Salamis, and cherish'd like her own,
She stands encircled, her embarking lord
Accosting thus: Unfavourable winds,
Or fortune's frown I fear not. All the gods
Of earth and ocean, who delighted view
The virtuous brave, contending for their laws
With lawless tyrants, will combine to bless
Themistocles and Aristides link'd
In harmony of counsels. See, dear lord,
His and thy children interweave their hands;
Thy sure success I augur from their smiles.
For embarkation. All Eubœa pours
Her sons aboard, and loads the groaning decks.
From his Cleora Hyacinthus parts,
Brave Haliartus from his new-espous'd
Acanthè. Lo! each female seeks the beach,
Spectatress eager of th' alluring man,
Whose artful eye could summon ev'ry grace
114
Arm with enchantment. Beauteous and august
Like Cybelè, prime goddess, turret-crown'd,
Source of th' ethereal race, his consort lifts
Above the rest her countenance sublime.
By her own offspring, and the pledges dear
Of Aristides, which her hand receiv'd
At Salamis, and cherish'd like her own,
She stands encircled, her embarking lord
Accosting thus: Unfavourable winds,
Or fortune's frown I fear not. All the gods
Of earth and ocean, who delighted view
The virtuous brave, contending for their laws
With lawless tyrants, will combine to bless
Themistocles and Aristides link'd
In harmony of counsels. See, dear lord,
His and thy children interweave their hands;
Thy sure success I augur from their smiles.
115
I from Timothea's, gallantly replies
The parting chief. This union is thy work;
Thine be the praise from thankful Greece preserv'd.
The parting chief. This union is thy work;
Thine be the praise from thankful Greece preserv'd.
He said, and lightly to his vessel pass'd;
While ev'ry sail was op'ning to the wind.
While ev'ry sail was op'ning to the wind.
Eubœa, where she fronts the Malian shore,
Beneath a promontory's quiet lee
Protects the fleet benighted. Here the son
Of Neocles aboard his galley calls
His pupil Hyacinthus, whom he thus
Instructs: Young hero, since Cleora's love
Could not detain thee from the lists of fame,
Fame thou shalt win. Thessalia's nearest bounds
I from Spercheos in Trachiniæ's bay
Mean to invade. Nicanor and thyself
With your Carystian force, Nearchus brave
With his Chalcidians, must a distant course
To Potidæa take, whose valiant race
The winter siege of great Masistius foil'd.
Forewarn'd by due intelligence from me,
They will augment your numbers. Through the mouth
Of fam'd Enipeus Potidæan zeal
Will guide your helms to rich Larissa's walls,
Thessalia's helpless capital, whose youth
Attend Mardonius. Land, and burn th' abode
Of Aleuadian Thorax, who conducts
The foe through Greece. O'er all the region spread;
Where'er thou seest an Aleuadian roof,
The residence of traitors hurl to earth;
The flocks and herds from ev'ry pasture sweep,
From ev'ry store th' accumulated grain,
Support of Asia's myriads. O! recall
Thy late achievements on the bloody fields
Of Chalcis, and of Oreus. They, who brav'd
Thy native coast, of Demonax the friends,
Now in their own Thessalia lie thy spoil;
On their wide ruins build thee trophies new.
Beneath a promontory's quiet lee
Protects the fleet benighted. Here the son
Of Neocles aboard his galley calls
His pupil Hyacinthus, whom he thus
Instructs: Young hero, since Cleora's love
Could not detain thee from the lists of fame,
Fame thou shalt win. Thessalia's nearest bounds
I from Spercheos in Trachiniæ's bay
Mean to invade. Nicanor and thyself
With your Carystian force, Nearchus brave
With his Chalcidians, must a distant course
116
The winter siege of great Masistius foil'd.
Forewarn'd by due intelligence from me,
They will augment your numbers. Through the mouth
Of fam'd Enipeus Potidæan zeal
Will guide your helms to rich Larissa's walls,
Thessalia's helpless capital, whose youth
Attend Mardonius. Land, and burn th' abode
Of Aleuadian Thorax, who conducts
The foe through Greece. O'er all the region spread;
Where'er thou seest an Aleuadian roof,
The residence of traitors hurl to earth;
The flocks and herds from ev'ry pasture sweep,
From ev'ry store th' accumulated grain,
Support of Asia's myriads. O! recall
Thy late achievements on the bloody fields
Of Chalcis, and of Oreus. They, who brav'd
Thy native coast, of Demonax the friends,
117
On their wide ruins build thee trophies new.
Commission'd thus, the animated youth
With each Carystian, each Chalcidic prow,
By morning sails. Three days the Attic chief,
Skreen'd in a harbour nigh Cenæum's point,
Rests on his anchors. So, by thickets hid
In fell Hyrcania, nurse of rav'nous broods,
The tiger lurks, and meditates unseen
A sudden sally on his heedless prey.
With each Carystian, each Chalcidic prow,
By morning sails. Three days the Attic chief,
Skreen'd in a harbour nigh Cenæum's point,
Rests on his anchors. So, by thickets hid
In fell Hyrcania, nurse of rav'nous broods,
The tiger lurks, and meditates unseen
A sudden sally on his heedless prey.
The fourth gay dawn with fresh'ning breezes curls
The Malian waters. In Barbaric flags
The wily chief apparelling his masts
Fallacious, ere the horizontal sun
Couch'd on the ocean, fills with hostile prows
The wide Sperchean mouth. Along the vales
Innumerable carriages display
The plenty huge for Asia's camp amass'd.
Th' encircling mountains all their echoes blend
In one continu'd sound with bleating flocks,
With bellowing herds, and dissonant uproar
Of their conductors; whom Thessalia sent,
Whom all the extent of Thracia, and the realm
Of Amarantha's lord. Th' affrighted hinds
Desert their charge. Trachiniæ's neighb'ring gates
With fugitives are throng'd. Lo! Cleon plants
His bold Eretrian banners on the strand;
The Styrians form; Eudemus bounds ashore,
Geræstians follow; then auxiliars new,
The subjects late of Demonax; the troops
Of Locrian Medon, Delphian Timon land,
Themistocles the last; whose chosen guard
Of fifty Attic, fifty Spartan youths,
Still sedulous and faithful close the rear.
The Malian waters. In Barbaric flags
The wily chief apparelling his masts
Fallacious, ere the horizontal sun
Couch'd on the ocean, fills with hostile prows
The wide Sperchean mouth. Along the vales
118
The plenty huge for Asia's camp amass'd.
Th' encircling mountains all their echoes blend
In one continu'd sound with bleating flocks,
With bellowing herds, and dissonant uproar
Of their conductors; whom Thessalia sent,
Whom all the extent of Thracia, and the realm
Of Amarantha's lord. Th' affrighted hinds
Desert their charge. Trachiniæ's neighb'ring gates
With fugitives are throng'd. Lo! Cleon plants
His bold Eretrian banners on the strand;
The Styrians form; Eudemus bounds ashore,
Geræstians follow; then auxiliars new,
The subjects late of Demonax; the troops
Of Locrian Medon, Delphian Timon land,
Themistocles the last; whose chosen guard
Of fifty Attic, fifty Spartan youths,
Still sedulous and faithful close the rear.
119
They reach'd in order'd march Trachinian walls,
Whose gates unclos'd. Majestical advanc'd
A form rever'd by universal Greece,
Prais'd by each tongue, by ev'ry eye admir'd,
The Oïlean priestess of th' immortal Nine,
The goddess-like Melissa. Medon swift,
With Haliartus, met her sacred step.
Her name divulg'd from ev'ry station call'd
The gazing chiefs, Themistocles the first;
Whom, by her brother pointed out to view,
She thus address'd: Themistocles, give ear,
And thou, O Medon, whom, a stranger long
To my desiring eyes, they see restor'd.
Well may you wonder, that a hostile fort
Melissa's hand delivers to your pow'r.
There is a Persian worthy to be rank'd
Among the first of Grecians. Just, humane,
Thy captive, Medon, amply hath discharg'd
His price of ransom. Nine revolving moons
Beheld Masistius guardian of my hill
In purity of rev'rence to my fane,
My person, my dependents. I forsook
At Amarantha's suit my old abode;
A virtuous princess from a sickly couch
My care hath rais'd, Sandaucè, in those walls
Long resident with me. Two days are past
Since Artamanes, governing these tracts,
Heard of a navy on Thessalia's coast,
And with his force, though slender, took the field
To guard Larissa. Your descent unmans
The few remaining Persians in the fort;
All with Sandaucè and her children flew
To my protection; mercy to obtain
Became my charge; her terrors will disperse,
Soon as she knows, Themistocles is nigh.
Whose gates unclos'd. Majestical advanc'd
A form rever'd by universal Greece,
Prais'd by each tongue, by ev'ry eye admir'd,
The Oïlean priestess of th' immortal Nine,
The goddess-like Melissa. Medon swift,
With Haliartus, met her sacred step.
Her name divulg'd from ev'ry station call'd
The gazing chiefs, Themistocles the first;
Whom, by her brother pointed out to view,
She thus address'd: Themistocles, give ear,
And thou, O Medon, whom, a stranger long
To my desiring eyes, they see restor'd.
Well may you wonder, that a hostile fort
Melissa's hand delivers to your pow'r.
There is a Persian worthy to be rank'd
Among the first of Grecians. Just, humane,
Thy captive, Medon, amply hath discharg'd
His price of ransom. Nine revolving moons
120
In purity of rev'rence to my fane,
My person, my dependents. I forsook
At Amarantha's suit my old abode;
A virtuous princess from a sickly couch
My care hath rais'd, Sandaucè, in those walls
Long resident with me. Two days are past
Since Artamanes, governing these tracts,
Heard of a navy on Thessalia's coast,
And with his force, though slender, took the field
To guard Larissa. Your descent unmans
The few remaining Persians in the fort;
All with Sandaucè and her children flew
To my protection; mercy to obtain
Became my charge; her terrors will disperse,
Soon as she knows, Themistocles is nigh.
The army halts. Trachiniæ's gates admit
Cecropia's hero, Medon, and the son
Of Lygdamis. Sandaucè they approach,
Sandaucè late in convalescent charms
Fresh, as a May-blown rose, by pallid fear
Now languid, as a lily beat with rain,
Till she discovers with transported looks
Her Salaminian guardian; then the warmth
Of gratitude, redoubling all her bloom,
Before him throws her prostrate. To him ran
The recollecting children, who embrace
Their benefactor's knees. She thus unfolds
Her lips, whose tuneful exclamation charms:
Cecropia's hero, Medon, and the son
121
Sandaucè late in convalescent charms
Fresh, as a May-blown rose, by pallid fear
Now languid, as a lily beat with rain,
Till she discovers with transported looks
Her Salaminian guardian; then the warmth
Of gratitude, redoubling all her bloom,
Before him throws her prostrate. To him ran
The recollecting children, who embrace
Their benefactor's knees. She thus unfolds
Her lips, whose tuneful exclamation charms:
O, my protector—Interposing swift,
His ready hand uplifts her from the ground.
His ready hand uplifts her from the ground.
Do not disgrace me, thou excelling fair,
He said; to leave such beauty thus depress'd
Would derogate from manhood. She replies:
He said; to leave such beauty thus depress'd
Would derogate from manhood. She replies:
122
Forbear to think my present captive lot
Hath humbled thus Sandaucè. No, the weight
Of obligation past, my rescu'd babes
In Salamis, myself from horror sav'd,
Have bent my thankful knee. No fears debase
My bosom now; Themistocles I see,
In him a known preserver. Melting by,
Melissa, Medon, Haliartus, shed
The tend'rest dews of sympathy. In look
Compassionate, but calm, the chief rejoins:
Hath humbled thus Sandaucè. No, the weight
Of obligation past, my rescu'd babes
In Salamis, myself from horror sav'd,
Have bent my thankful knee. No fears debase
My bosom now; Themistocles I see,
In him a known preserver. Melting by,
Melissa, Medon, Haliartus, shed
The tend'rest dews of sympathy. In look
Compassionate, but calm, the chief rejoins:
Suggest thy wishes, princess, and command
My full compliance. She these accents sighs:
My full compliance. She these accents sighs:
Ye gen'rous men, what pity is not due
To eastern women! Prize, ye Grecian dames,
Your envy'd state. When your intrepid lords
In arms contend with danger on the plain,
You in domestic peace are left behind
Among your letter'd progeny, to form
Their ductile minds, and exercise your skill
In arts of elegance and use. Alas!
Our wretched race, in ignorance and sloth
By Asia nurtur'd, like a captive train,
In wheeling dungeons with our infants clos'd,
Must wait th' event of some tremendous hour,
Which, unpropitious, leaves us on the field
A spoil of war. What myriads of my sex
From Greece to distant Hellespont bestrew
The ways, and whiten with their bleaching bones
The Thracian wilds! Spercheos views the tomb
Of Ariana, hapless sister, laid
In foreign mold! My portion of distress
You know, benignant guardians, who asswag'd
My suff'rings. Then to quit the direful scene,
Revisiting my native soil, to rest
Among my children, and instruct their youth,
As kind Melissa hath instructed mine,
Were sure no wish immoderate or vague.
But Artamanes—Blushing, trembling, here
She paus'd. Melissa takes the word: Sweet friend,
Let vice, not virtue blush. Cecropian chief,
Her soft attention well that youth deserves,
She all his constancy and care. Their hands
Are pledg'd; th' assent of Asia's king alone
Is wanting, which Mardonius hath assur'd
To Artamanes, flow'r of Asia's peers.
Him, with unequal force, to battle march'd
Against thy ranks, which never have been foil'd,
She knows, and trembles. Artfully replies
Themistocles: Sandaucè may prevent
This danger. Let her messenger convey
A kind injunction, that the noble youth,
Whose merit I have treasur'd in my breast,
May sheath his fruitless weapons, and, return'd
To her, aboard my well-appointed keel
With her embarking, seek their native soil.
To eastern women! Prize, ye Grecian dames,
Your envy'd state. When your intrepid lords
In arms contend with danger on the plain,
You in domestic peace are left behind
123
Their ductile minds, and exercise your skill
In arts of elegance and use. Alas!
Our wretched race, in ignorance and sloth
By Asia nurtur'd, like a captive train,
In wheeling dungeons with our infants clos'd,
Must wait th' event of some tremendous hour,
Which, unpropitious, leaves us on the field
A spoil of war. What myriads of my sex
From Greece to distant Hellespont bestrew
The ways, and whiten with their bleaching bones
The Thracian wilds! Spercheos views the tomb
Of Ariana, hapless sister, laid
In foreign mold! My portion of distress
You know, benignant guardians, who asswag'd
My suff'rings. Then to quit the direful scene,
Revisiting my native soil, to rest
Among my children, and instruct their youth,
As kind Melissa hath instructed mine,
124
But Artamanes—Blushing, trembling, here
She paus'd. Melissa takes the word: Sweet friend,
Let vice, not virtue blush. Cecropian chief,
Her soft attention well that youth deserves,
She all his constancy and care. Their hands
Are pledg'd; th' assent of Asia's king alone
Is wanting, which Mardonius hath assur'd
To Artamanes, flow'r of Asia's peers.
Him, with unequal force, to battle march'd
Against thy ranks, which never have been foil'd,
She knows, and trembles. Artfully replies
Themistocles: Sandaucè may prevent
This danger. Let her messenger convey
A kind injunction, that the noble youth,
Whose merit I have treasur'd in my breast,
May sheath his fruitless weapons, and, return'd
To her, aboard my well-appointed keel
With her embarking, seek their native soil.
125
The princess hears, and joyfully provides
A messenger of trust. Assembling now
His captains, thus Themistocles ordains:
A messenger of trust. Assembling now
His captains, thus Themistocles ordains:
Friends of Eubœa, soon as Phœbus dawns
Your progress bend to Larissæan tow'rs;
Your chief is Cleon. Hyacinthus join;
To your united force the foe must yield.
Save Artamanes; bring him captive back,
But not with less humanity than care.
Accomplish'd Medon, Haliartus, vers'd
In Oeta's neighb'ring wilds, your Locrians plant
Among the passes; once secur'd, they leave
Us at our leisure to contrive and act.
Thee, honour'd seer of Delphi, at my side
In this Trachinian station I retain.
Your progress bend to Larissæan tow'rs;
Your chief is Cleon. Hyacinthus join;
To your united force the foe must yield.
Save Artamanes; bring him captive back,
But not with less humanity than care.
Accomplish'd Medon, Haliartus, vers'd
In Oeta's neighb'ring wilds, your Locrians plant
Among the passes; once secur'd, they leave
Us at our leisure to contrive and act.
Thee, honour'd seer of Delphi, at my side
In this Trachinian station I retain.
By op'ning day each leader on his charge
Proceeds. Themistocles inspects the vale,
Constrains the peasants from unnumber'd cars
Aboard his fleet to lade the golden grain.
Proceeds. Themistocles inspects the vale,
126
Aboard his fleet to lade the golden grain.
Before Thermopylæ the Locrian files
Appear. From Oeta's topmast peak, behold,
O'er Medon's head a vulture wings his flight,
Whom to a cross beside the public way
Th' Oïlean hero's curious eye pursues.
Appear. From Oeta's topmast peak, behold,
O'er Medon's head a vulture wings his flight,
Whom to a cross beside the public way
Th' Oïlean hero's curious eye pursues.
Oh! stay thy rav'nous beak, in anguish loud
Cries Haliartus. Shudder while thou hear'st,
Son of Oïleus; on that hideous pile
The bones of great Leonidas are hung.
Cries Haliartus. Shudder while thou hear'st,
Son of Oïleus; on that hideous pile
The bones of great Leonidas are hung.
Then Medon's cool, delib'rate mind was shook
By agitation to his nature strange.
His spear and buckler to the ground he hurl'd;
Before th' illustrious ruins on his knee
He sunk, and thus in agony exclaim'd:
By agitation to his nature strange.
His spear and buckler to the ground he hurl'd;
Before th' illustrious ruins on his knee
He sunk, and thus in agony exclaim'd:
127
Should this flagitious profanation pass
Unpunish'd still, th' existence of the gods
Were but a dream. O, long-enduring Jove!
Thy own Herculean offspring canst thou see
Defac'd by vultures, and the parching wind,
Yet wield resistless thunder—But thy ways
Are awfully mysterious; to arraign
Thy heaviest doom is blasphemy. Thy will
For me reserv'd the merit to redeem
These precious reliques; penitent I own
My rashness; thankful I accept the task.
Unpunish'd still, th' existence of the gods
Were but a dream. O, long-enduring Jove!
Thy own Herculean offspring canst thou see
Defac'd by vultures, and the parching wind,
Yet wield resistless thunder—But thy ways
Are awfully mysterious; to arraign
Thy heaviest doom is blasphemy. Thy will
For me reserv'd the merit to redeem
These precious reliques; penitent I own
My rashness; thankful I accept the task.
O mighty spirit! who didst late inform
With ev'ry virtue that disfigur'd frame,
With ev'ry kind affection prov'd by me,
The last distinguish'd object of thy care,
When it forbad me to partake thy fate,
The life, thy friendship sav'd, I here devote
To vindicate thy manes. Not the wrongs
Of gen'ral Greece, not Locris giv'n to flames,
Not the subversion of my father's house,
E'er with such keen resentment stung my heart,
As this indignity to thee. He said,
And, with the aid of Haliartus, free'd
The sacred bones; Leonteus, and the prime
Of Locris, frame with substituted shields
Th' extemporeanous bier. Again the chief:
With ev'ry virtue that disfigur'd frame,
With ev'ry kind affection prov'd by me,
The last distinguish'd object of thy care,
When it forbad me to partake thy fate,
The life, thy friendship sav'd, I here devote
To vindicate thy manes. Not the wrongs
128
Not the subversion of my father's house,
E'er with such keen resentment stung my heart,
As this indignity to thee. He said,
And, with the aid of Haliartus, free'd
The sacred bones; Leonteus, and the prime
Of Locris, frame with substituted shields
Th' extemporeanous bier. Again the chief:
Leonteus, Haliartus, rest behind;
Achieve th' important service, which the son
Of Neocles enjoins. The pious charge
Be mine of rend'ring to Melissa's care
These honour'd reliques. Now in measur'd pace
The warlike bearers tread; their manly breasts
Not long withhold the tribute of their sighs
Ingenuous; tears accompany their steps.
His sister in Trachiniæ Medon soon
Approaches; glad she hears him, and replies.
Achieve th' important service, which the son
Of Neocles enjoins. The pious charge
Be mine of rend'ring to Melissa's care
These honour'd reliques. Now in measur'd pace
The warlike bearers tread; their manly breasts
Not long withhold the tribute of their sighs
Ingenuous; tears accompany their steps.
His sister in Trachiniæ Medon soon
Approaches; glad she hears him, and replies.
129
Hail! brother, hail! thou chosen by the gods
From longer shame to rescue these remains,
Which once contain'd whate'er is good and great
Among the sons of men. Majestic shade!
By unrelenting laws of Dis forbid
To enter, where thy ancestors reside;
Who, seed of Jove, to their Elysian joys
Expect thee, most illustrious of the race.
Amidst thy wand'rings on the banks of Styx,
Dost thou recall Melissa's dirge of praise
O'er thee, preparing by a glorious death
To save thy country? O! unbury'd still,
Did not Melissa promise to thy dust
Peace in her temple? An atrocious king
Hath barr'd awhile th' accomplishment; thy friend,
Thy soldier, now will ratify my word.
Soon to Lycurgus shall thy spirit pass,
To Orpheus, Homer, and th' Ascræan sage,
Who shall contend to praise thee in their bow'rs
Of amaranth and myrtle, ever young
Like thy renown. In Oeta's fane these bones,
Dear to the Muses, shall repose, till Greece,
Amid her future triumphs, hath decreed
A tomb and temple to her saviour's fame.
From longer shame to rescue these remains,
Which once contain'd whate'er is good and great
Among the sons of men. Majestic shade!
By unrelenting laws of Dis forbid
To enter, where thy ancestors reside;
Who, seed of Jove, to their Elysian joys
Expect thee, most illustrious of the race.
Amidst thy wand'rings on the banks of Styx,
Dost thou recall Melissa's dirge of praise
O'er thee, preparing by a glorious death
To save thy country? O! unbury'd still,
Did not Melissa promise to thy dust
Peace in her temple? An atrocious king
Hath barr'd awhile th' accomplishment; thy friend,
Thy soldier, now will ratify my word.
Soon to Lycurgus shall thy spirit pass,
To Orpheus, Homer, and th' Ascræan sage,
Who shall contend to praise thee in their bow'rs
130
Like thy renown. In Oeta's fane these bones,
Dear to the Muses, shall repose, till Greece,
Amid her future triumphs, hath decreed
A tomb and temple to her saviour's fame.
This high oblation of pathetic praise,
Paid by her holy friend, Sandaucè notes
Attentive; seldom from Melissa's eye
Was she remote. Her eunuchs she deputes
To bring a coffer large of od'rous wood
Inlaid with pearl, repository due
To such divine remains. In time appears
Th' Athenian gen'ral to applaud the deed,
While thus the mighty manes he invokes:
Paid by her holy friend, Sandaucè notes
Attentive; seldom from Melissa's eye
Was she remote. Her eunuchs she deputes
To bring a coffer large of od'rous wood
Inlaid with pearl, repository due
To such divine remains. In time appears
Th' Athenian gen'ral to applaud the deed,
While thus the mighty manes he invokes:
Hear, thou preserver of thy country, hear!
Lo! in his palms of Salamis the son
Of Neocles salutes thee. From a hand,
Which hath already half aveng'd thy death,
Accept of decent rites. Thy virtue sav'd
A nation; they hereafter shall complete
Thy sun'ral honours, and surround thy tomb
With trophies equal to thy deathless name.
Lo! in his palms of Salamis the son
Of Neocles salutes thee. From a hand,
131
Accept of decent rites. Thy virtue sav'd
A nation; they hereafter shall complete
Thy sun'ral honours, and surround thy tomb
With trophies equal to thy deathless name.
He ceas'd. Her mantle on the solemn scene
Night from her car in dusky folds outspread.
Night from her car in dusky folds outspread.
Three mornings pass. Anon Sperchēan banks
Re-echo shouts of triumph, while the vales
Are clad in arms. Lo! Cleon is return'd,
Uplifting bloodless ensigns of success,
And thus accosts Themistocles: Thy prize,
This Persian lord receive; our hasty march
O'ertook his rear. From Larissæan tow'rs,
A recent conquest, Hyacinthus, join'd
By Potidæans, and Olynthian spears,
Was then in sight. The herald I detach'd
With fair Sandaucè's message, and thy terms
Of peace and safety; Artamanes found
Resistance vain, and yielded. From the van
Now stepp'd the Persian graceful, and bespake
Themistocles: Accept a second time
Thy captive, gen'rous Grecian; nor impute
To want of prowess, or to fond excess
Of acquiescence to Sandaucè's will,
My unreserv'd surrender. To have stain'd
By fruitless contest thy triumphant wreaths
With blood, and spurn'd the bounty of thy hand,
Had prov'd ingratitude in me. These words
Cecropia's chief return'd: Receive my hand,
Thy pledge of freedom here not less secure,
Than heretofore at Salamis, thy pledge
Of bliss yet more endearing. Soon my keel
Shall place thee happy on thy native coast,
Thee and thy princess; that in future days
You may at least of all the Asian breed
Report my kindness, and forget my sword.
Re-echo shouts of triumph, while the vales
Are clad in arms. Lo! Cleon is return'd,
Uplifting bloodless ensigns of success,
And thus accosts Themistocles: Thy prize,
This Persian lord receive; our hasty march
O'ertook his rear. From Larissæan tow'rs,
A recent conquest, Hyacinthus, join'd
By Potidæans, and Olynthian spears,
Was then in sight. The herald I detach'd
132
Of peace and safety; Artamanes found
Resistance vain, and yielded. From the van
Now stepp'd the Persian graceful, and bespake
Themistocles: Accept a second time
Thy captive, gen'rous Grecian; nor impute
To want of prowess, or to fond excess
Of acquiescence to Sandaucè's will,
My unreserv'd surrender. To have stain'd
By fruitless contest thy triumphant wreaths
With blood, and spurn'd the bounty of thy hand,
Had prov'd ingratitude in me. These words
Cecropia's chief return'd: Receive my hand,
Thy pledge of freedom here not less secure,
Than heretofore at Salamis, thy pledge
Of bliss yet more endearing. Soon my keel
Shall place thee happy on thy native coast,
Thee and thy princess; that in future days
133
Report my kindness, and forget my sword.
Amidst his words a soft complaining trill
Of Philomela interrupts their sound.
The youthful satrap then: That pensive bird,
Sandaucè's warbling summoner, is wont
In evening shade on Ariana's tomb
To sit and sing; my princess there devotes
In melancholy solitude this hour
To meditation, which dissolves in tears.
Of Philomela interrupts their sound.
The youthful satrap then: That pensive bird,
Sandaucè's warbling summoner, is wont
In evening shade on Ariana's tomb
To sit and sing; my princess there devotes
In melancholy solitude this hour
To meditation, which dissolves in tears.
Then greet her, said th' Athenian; thy return
Will sooth her tender breast. My promise add,
That on the first fair whisper of the winds,
She shall revisit her maternal soil.
Will sooth her tender breast. My promise add,
That on the first fair whisper of the winds,
She shall revisit her maternal soil.
This said, they parted. At her sister's grave
The satrap join'd his princess. He began:
The satrap join'd his princess. He began:
134
I have obey'd thy summons. No disgrace
Was my surrender to the conqu'ring sword,
Which Persia long hath felt. Thy servant comes
No more a captive, but to thee by choice;
Themistocles all bounteous and humane,
As heretofore, I find. Forbear to check
That rising birth of smiles; in perfect light
Those half-illuminated eyes attire;
Enough the tribute of their tears hath lav'd
These precious tombs. Prepare thee to embark;
Themistocles hath promis'd thou shalt leave
A land, whose soaring genius hath depress'd
The languid plumes of Asia. Lift thy head
In pleasing hope to clasp thy mother's knees,
To change thy weeds of mourning, and receive
A royal brother's gift, this faithful hand.
Was my surrender to the conqu'ring sword,
Which Persia long hath felt. Thy servant comes
No more a captive, but to thee by choice;
Themistocles all bounteous and humane,
As heretofore, I find. Forbear to check
That rising birth of smiles; in perfect light
Those half-illuminated eyes attire;
Enough the tribute of their tears hath lav'd
These precious tombs. Prepare thee to embark;
Themistocles hath promis'd thou shalt leave
A land, whose soaring genius hath depress'd
The languid plumes of Asia. Lift thy head
In pleasing hope to clasp thy mother's knees,
To change thy weeds of mourning, and receive
A royal brother's gift, this faithful hand.
Nigh Ariana's clay Autarctus slept.
Divine Sandaucè on her husband's tomb,
With marble pomp constructed by the care
Of Artamanes, fix'd a pensive look
In silence. Sudden from the cluster'd shrubs,
O'erhanging round it, tuneful all and blithe
A flight of feather'd warblers, which abound
Through each Thessalian vale, in carrol sweet
Perch on the awful monument. The sun
Streaks with a parting, but unsully'd ray
Their lively change of plumage, and each rill
Is soften'd by their melody. Accept,
Accept this omen, Artamanes cries;
Autarctus favours, Horomazes smiles,
Whose choir of songsters not unprompted seem
Our nuptial hymn preluding. She replies:
Divine Sandaucè on her husband's tomb,
135
Of Artamanes, fix'd a pensive look
In silence. Sudden from the cluster'd shrubs,
O'erhanging round it, tuneful all and blithe
A flight of feather'd warblers, which abound
Through each Thessalian vale, in carrol sweet
Perch on the awful monument. The sun
Streaks with a parting, but unsully'd ray
Their lively change of plumage, and each rill
Is soften'd by their melody. Accept,
Accept this omen, Artamanes cries;
Autarctus favours, Horomazes smiles,
Whose choir of songsters not unprompted seem
Our nuptial hymn preluding. She replies:
I want no omen to confirm thy truth.
Dust of my sister, of my lord, farewell;
Secure in Grecian piety remain.
Still in his offspring will Sandaucè love
That husband, thou, my Artamanes, still
Revere that friend. She said, and dropp'd her hand,
Press'd by the youth. With purity their guide,
They o'er the mead Sperchēan slowly seek
Trachinian portals. Phœbe on their heads
Lets fall a spotless canopy of light.
Dust of my sister, of my lord, farewell;
Secure in Grecian piety remain.
Still in his offspring will Sandaucè love
136
Revere that friend. She said, and dropp'd her hand,
Press'd by the youth. With purity their guide,
They o'er the mead Sperchēan slowly seek
Trachinian portals. Phœbe on their heads
Lets fall a spotless canopy of light.
End of the Twenty-fifth Book.
137
BOOK the Twenty-sixth.
From her Tithonian couch Aurora mounts
The sky. In rev'rence now of Sparta's name,
Yet more of dead Leonidas, three days
To preparation for his burial rites
Themistocles decrees. To curious search
Innumerable herds and flocks supply
Selected victims. Of their hairy pines
To frame the stately pyre the hills are shorn.
Amid this labour Hyacinthus, rich
In Aleuadian spoil, his colleague brave
Nicanor, all the Potidæan bands,
Th' Olynthians, and Nearchus, who conducts
The youth of Chaleis, reinforce the camp
With their victorious ranks. Th' appointed day
Was then arriv'd. A broad constructed pyre
Tow'rs in the center of Trachiniæ's plain;
The diff'rent standards of the Grecian host
Are planted round. The Attic chief convenes
The fifty Spartans of his guard, and thus:
The sky. In rev'rence now of Sparta's name,
Yet more of dead Leonidas, three days
To preparation for his burial rites
Themistocles decrees. To curious search
Innumerable herds and flocks supply
Selected victims. Of their hairy pines
To frame the stately pyre the hills are shorn.
Amid this labour Hyacinthus, rich
In Aleuadian spoil, his colleague brave
138
Th' Olynthians, and Nearchus, who conducts
The youth of Chaleis, reinforce the camp
With their victorious ranks. Th' appointed day
Was then arriv'd. A broad constructed pyre
Tow'rs in the center of Trachiniæ's plain;
The diff'rent standards of the Grecian host
Are planted round. The Attic chief convenes
The fifty Spartans of his guard, and thus:
Themistocles, distinguish'd by your state,
By your assiduous courage long sustain'd,
Will now repay these benefits. Your king,
Leonidas, the brightest star of Greece,
No more shall wander in the gloom of Styx;
But that last passage to immortal seats
Through me obtain. Greek institutes require
The nearest kindred on the fun'ral stage
The dead to lay, the victims to dispose,
To pour libations, and the sacred dust
Inurn. Alone of these assembled Greeks
Are you the hero's countrymen; alone
Your hands the pious office shall discharge.
By your assiduous courage long sustain'd,
Will now repay these benefits. Your king,
Leonidas, the brightest star of Greece,
No more shall wander in the gloom of Styx;
But that last passage to immortal seats
Through me obtain. Greek institutes require
The nearest kindred on the fun'ral stage
The dead to lay, the victims to dispose,
139
Inurn. Alone of these assembled Greeks
Are you the hero's countrymen; alone
Your hands the pious office shall discharge.
Th' obedient Spartans from Trachiniæ's gates
Produce to view the venerable bones
Herculean. Lifted up the structure high
Of pines and cedars, on the surface large
All, which of great Leonidas remains,
By sedulous devotion is compos'd.
The various captains follow, some in gaze
Of wonder, others weeping. Last appears
Melissa, trailing her pontific pall
(Calliopè in semblance) with her troop
Of snowy-vested nymphs from Oeta's hill,
With all her vassals, decently arrang'd
By Mycon's care. Two hecatombs are slain,
Of sheep five hundred, and libations pour'd
Of richest wine. A Spartan now applies
The ruddy firebrand. In his priestly robe
Phœbean Timon supplicates a breeze
From Æolus to raise the creeping flame.
Thrice round the crackling heaps the silent host,
With shields revers'd, and spears inclining low,
Their solemn movement wind. The shrinking pyre
Now glows in embers; fresh libations damp
The heat. A vase of silver high-emboss'd,
By Hyacinthus from Larissa brought,
Spoil of th' abode which treach'rous Thorax held,
Receives the sacred ashes, and is plac'd
Before Melissa. So the godlike son
Of Neocles directs. An awful sign
From her commands attention; thus she spake:
Produce to view the venerable bones
Herculean. Lifted up the structure high
Of pines and cedars, on the surface large
All, which of great Leonidas remains,
By sedulous devotion is compos'd.
The various captains follow, some in gaze
Of wonder, others weeping. Last appears
Melissa, trailing her pontific pall
(Calliopè in semblance) with her troop
Of snowy-vested nymphs from Oeta's hill,
With all her vassals, decently arrang'd
By Mycon's care. Two hecatombs are slain,
Of sheep five hundred, and libations pour'd
140
The ruddy firebrand. In his priestly robe
Phœbean Timon supplicates a breeze
From Æolus to raise the creeping flame.
Thrice round the crackling heaps the silent host,
With shields revers'd, and spears inclining low,
Their solemn movement wind. The shrinking pyre
Now glows in embers; fresh libations damp
The heat. A vase of silver high-emboss'd,
By Hyacinthus from Larissa brought,
Spoil of th' abode which treach'rous Thorax held,
Receives the sacred ashes, and is plac'd
Before Melissa. So the godlike son
Of Neocles directs. An awful sign
From her commands attention; thus she spake:
Thou art not dead, Leonidas; thy mind
In ev'ry Grecian lives. Thy mortal part,
Transform'd to ashes, shall on Oeta's hill
Among the celebrating Muses dwell
In glory; while through animated Greece
Thy virtue's inextinguishable fires
Propitious beam, and, like the flames of Jove,
Intimidate her foes. Not wine, nor oil,
Nor blood of hecatombs, profusely spilt,
Can to thy manes pay the tribute due;
The massacre of nations, all the spoil
Of humbled Asia, Destiny hath mark'd
For consecration of thy future tomb.
Two ministers my soul prophetic sees,
Themistocles and Aristides stand
Presiding o'er the sacrifice. The earth,
The sea, shall witness to the mighty rites.
Cease to regret the transitory doom
Of thy remains insulted, no disgrace
To thee, but Xerxes. Pass, exalted shade,
The bounds of Dis, nor longer wail thy term
Of wand'ring now elaps'd; all measur'd time
Is nothing to eternity. Assume
Among the bless'd thy everlasting seat.
Th' indignity, thy earthly frame endur'd,
Perhaps the gods permitted in their love
To fill the measure of celestial wrath
Against thy country's foes; then rest in peace,
Thou twice illustrious victim to her weal.
In ev'ry Grecian lives. Thy mortal part,
Transform'd to ashes, shall on Oeta's hill
141
In glory; while through animated Greece
Thy virtue's inextinguishable fires
Propitious beam, and, like the flames of Jove,
Intimidate her foes. Not wine, nor oil,
Nor blood of hecatombs, profusely spilt,
Can to thy manes pay the tribute due;
The massacre of nations, all the spoil
Of humbled Asia, Destiny hath mark'd
For consecration of thy future tomb.
Two ministers my soul prophetic sees,
Themistocles and Aristides stand
Presiding o'er the sacrifice. The earth,
The sea, shall witness to the mighty rites.
Cease to regret the transitory doom
Of thy remains insulted, no disgrace
To thee, but Xerxes. Pass, exalted shade,
The bounds of Dis, nor longer wail thy term
Of wand'ring now elaps'd; all measur'd time
142
Among the bless'd thy everlasting seat.
Th' indignity, thy earthly frame endur'd,
Perhaps the gods permitted in their love
To fill the measure of celestial wrath
Against thy country's foes; then rest in peace,
Thou twice illustrious victim to her weal.
As, when Minerva in th' Olympian hall
Amid the synod of celestials pour'd
Her eloquence and wisdom, ev'ry god
In silence heard, and Jove himself approv'd;
Around Melissa thus were seen the chiefs
In admiration bound; o'er all supreme
Themistocles applauded. Mycon last,
With her injunction charg'd, to Oeta's shrine
Was now transporting in their polish'd urn
The treasur'd ashes, when along the plain
A sudden, new appearance strikes the sight,
A fun'ral car, attended by a troop
Of olive-bearing mourners. They approach
Melissa; suppliant in her view expose
Embalm'd Masistius. Sent from Asia's camp,
A passage these had recently obtain'd
From good Leonteus, by his brother plac'd
Thermopylæ's sure guard. Melissa knew
The page Statirus, foremost of the train,
Who at her feet in agony began:
Amid the synod of celestials pour'd
Her eloquence and wisdom, ev'ry god
In silence heard, and Jove himself approv'd;
Around Melissa thus were seen the chiefs
In admiration bound; o'er all supreme
Themistocles applauded. Mycon last,
With her injunction charg'd, to Oeta's shrine
Was now transporting in their polish'd urn
The treasur'd ashes, when along the plain
A sudden, new appearance strikes the sight,
143
Of olive-bearing mourners. They approach
Melissa; suppliant in her view expose
Embalm'd Masistius. Sent from Asia's camp,
A passage these had recently obtain'd
From good Leonteus, by his brother plac'd
Thermopylæ's sure guard. Melissa knew
The page Statirus, foremost of the train,
Who at her feet in agony began:
Thy late protector, cold in death's embrace,
Survey, thou holy paragon; his fall
Asopus saw. Before the hero climb'd
His fatal steed, to me this charge he gave.
Survey, thou holy paragon; his fall
Asopus saw. Before the hero climb'd
His fatal steed, to me this charge he gave.
“If I return a conqueror this day,
“To that excelling dame who made thee mine,
“Who hath enlarg'd whate'er of wise and great,
“Of just and temp'rate I to nature owe,
“Refin'd my manners, and my purest thoughts
“Exalted, I my friendship will prolong
“In gratitude and rev'rence; blessing heav'n,
“Which thus prefers Masistius to extend
“Benevolence to virtue. If I fall,
“Resume with her the happiest lot my care
“Can recommend, Statirus. Though no Greek,
“Her pupil, say, in offices humane
“Hath not been tardy; by her light inspir'd,
“He went more perfect to a noble grave.”
“To that excelling dame who made thee mine,
“Who hath enlarg'd whate'er of wise and great,
“Of just and temp'rate I to nature owe,
144
“Exalted, I my friendship will prolong
“In gratitude and rev'rence; blessing heav'n,
“Which thus prefers Masistius to extend
“Benevolence to virtue. If I fall,
“Resume with her the happiest lot my care
“Can recommend, Statirus. Though no Greek,
“Her pupil, say, in offices humane
“Hath not been tardy; by her light inspir'd,
“He went more perfect to a noble grave.”
Cast from his wounded courser, he, o'erpow'r'd
By numbers, died. The body was restor'd
By Aristides, of unrivall'd fame
Among the just and gen'rous. O'er the dead
Mardonius rent his vesture, and his hair,
Then thus ordain'd: “This precious clay embalm'd
“To Artamanes bear, whose pious zeal
“A friend's remains to Sestus will convey,
“Thence o'er the narrow Hellespont to reach
“His native Asia, and his father's tomb.”
By numbers, died. The body was restor'd
By Aristides, of unrivall'd fame
Among the just and gen'rous. O'er the dead
Mardonius rent his vesture, and his hair,
Then thus ordain'd: “This precious clay embalm'd
“To Artamanes bear, whose pious zeal
“A friend's remains to Sestus will convey,
145
“His native Asia, and his father's tomb.”
I then repeated what my virtuous lord,
Expiring, utter'd: “Let Mardonius think
“How brief are life's enjoyments. Virtue lives
“Through all eternity. By virtue earn'd
“Praise too is long—Melissa, grant me thine”.
Expiring, utter'd: “Let Mardonius think
“How brief are life's enjoyments. Virtue lives
“Through all eternity. By virtue earn'd
“Praise too is long—Melissa, grant me thine”.
“Commend me to Melissa, starting, spake
“The son of Gobryas. From the shameful cross
“Bid Artamanes in her presence free
“Leonidas the Spartan.” All my charge
Is now accomplish'd faithfully to all.
“The son of Gobryas. From the shameful cross
“Bid Artamanes in her presence free
“Leonidas the Spartan.” All my charge
Is now accomplish'd faithfully to all.
Not far was Artamanes. From the train
Of Persians strode a giant stern in look,
Who thus address'd the satrap: Prince, behold
Briareus; hither by Mardonius sent,
Guard of this noble body, I appear
A witness too of thy disgrace; I see
These Greeks thy victors. Is th' Athenian chief
Among the band? Themistocles advanc'd;
To whom Briareus: Art thou he, who dar'd
My lord to battle on the plains of Thebes?
Where have thy fears confin'd thee till this hour
That I reproach thee with thy promise pledg'd?
But this inglorious enterprize on herds,
On flocks, and helpless peasants, was more safe,
Than to abide Mardonius in the field.
I now return. What tidings shall I bear
From thee, great conqueror of beeves and sheep?
Of Persians strode a giant stern in look,
Who thus address'd the satrap: Prince, behold
Briareus; hither by Mardonius sent,
146
A witness too of thy disgrace; I see
These Greeks thy victors. Is th' Athenian chief
Among the band? Themistocles advanc'd;
To whom Briareus: Art thou he, who dar'd
My lord to battle on the plains of Thebes?
Where have thy fears confin'd thee till this hour
That I reproach thee with thy promise pledg'd?
But this inglorious enterprize on herds,
On flocks, and helpless peasants, was more safe,
Than to abide Mardonius in the field.
I now return. What tidings shall I bear
From thee, great conqueror of beeves and sheep?
Say, I am safe, Themistocles replies
In calm derision, and the fun'ral rites,
Thus at my leisure, to Laconia's king
Perform, while your Mardonius sleeps in Thebes.
The spirit of Leonidas, in me
Reviving, shall from Oeta's distant top
Shake your pavilions on Asopian banks.
Yet, in return for his recover'd bones,
I, undisputed master of the main,
Will waft Masistius to a Persian grave.
Thou mayst depart in safety, as thou cam'st.
In calm derision, and the fun'ral rites,
Thus at my leisure, to Laconia's king
Perform, while your Mardonius sleeps in Thebes.
The spirit of Leonidas, in me
147
Shake your pavilions on Asopian banks.
Yet, in return for his recover'd bones,
I, undisputed master of the main,
Will waft Masistius to a Persian grave.
Thou mayst depart in safety, as thou cam'st.
The savage hears, and sullenly retreats;
While pious Medon thus accosts the dead:
While pious Medon thus accosts the dead:
Thou son of honour, to thy promise just,
Melissa's brother venerates the clay
Of her avow'd protector. Let my care
Preserve these reliques where no greedy worm,
Nor hand profane, may violate thy form;
Till friendly gales transport thee to repose
Among thy fathers. Through Trachinian gates
He leads the sable chariot, thence conveys
Th' illustrious burden to Melissa's roof;
Statirus aids. The priestess, there apart,
Bespake her brother thus: My tend'rest tears,
From public notice painfully conceal'd,
Shall in thy presence have a lib'ral flow.
Thou gav'st me this protector; honour, truth,
Humanity, and wisdom like thy own,
Were his appendage. Virtue is the same
In strangers, kindred, enemies and friends.
He won my friendship—might in earlier days
Have kindled passion—O! since fate decreed
Thee from Asopus never to return;
If by Melissa's precepts thou inspir'd
Didst go more perfect to a noble grave,
I bless the hours; and memory shall hold
Each moment dear, when, list'ning to my voice,
Thou sat'st delighted in the moral strain.
Leonidas and thou may pass the floods
Of Styx together; in your happy groves
Think of Melissa. Welcom'd were ye both
By her on earth; her tongue shall never cease,
Her lyre be never wanting to resound
Thee, pride of Asia, him, the first of Greeks,
In blended eulogy of grateful song.
Melissa's brother venerates the clay
Of her avow'd protector. Let my care
Preserve these reliques where no greedy worm,
Nor hand profane, may violate thy form;
Till friendly gales transport thee to repose
Among thy fathers. Through Trachinian gates
He leads the sable chariot, thence conveys
Th' illustrious burden to Melissa's roof;
148
Bespake her brother thus: My tend'rest tears,
From public notice painfully conceal'd,
Shall in thy presence have a lib'ral flow.
Thou gav'st me this protector; honour, truth,
Humanity, and wisdom like thy own,
Were his appendage. Virtue is the same
In strangers, kindred, enemies and friends.
He won my friendship—might in earlier days
Have kindled passion—O! since fate decreed
Thee from Asopus never to return;
If by Melissa's precepts thou inspir'd
Didst go more perfect to a noble grave,
I bless the hours; and memory shall hold
Each moment dear, when, list'ning to my voice,
Thou sat'st delighted in the moral strain.
Leonidas and thou may pass the floods
Of Styx together; in your happy groves
Think of Melissa. Welcom'd were ye both
149
Her lyre be never wanting to resound
Thee, pride of Asia, him, the first of Greeks,
In blended eulogy of grateful song.
She o'er the dead through half the solemn night
A copious web of eloquence unwinds,
Explaining how Masistius had consum'd
Nine lunar cycles in assiduous zeal
To guard her fane, her vassals to befriend;
How they ador'd his presence; how he won
Her from the temple to Sandaucè's cure
At Amarantha's suit; within his tent
How clemency and justice still abode
To awe Barbarians; how, departing sad,
His last farewell at Oeta's shrine he gave
In words like these: “Unrivall'd dame, we march
“Against thy country—Thou should'st wish our fall.
“If we prevail, be confident in me
“Thy safeguard still—But heav'n, perhaps, ordains
That thou shalt never want Masistius more.
A copious web of eloquence unwinds,
Explaining how Masistius had consum'd
Nine lunar cycles in assiduous zeal
To guard her fane, her vassals to befriend;
How they ador'd his presence; how he won
Her from the temple to Sandaucè's cure
At Amarantha's suit; within his tent
How clemency and justice still abode
To awe Barbarians; how, departing sad,
His last farewell at Oeta's shrine he gave
In words like these: “Unrivall'd dame, we march
“Against thy country—Thou should'st wish our fall.
150
“Thy safeguard still—But heav'n, perhaps, ordains
That thou shalt never want Masistius more.
She pauses. Now her mental pow'rs sublime,
Collected all, this invocation frame.
Collected all, this invocation frame.
O eleutherian sire! this virtuous light,
By thee extinguish'd, proves thy care of Greece.
Who of the tribes Barbarian now survives
To draw thy favour? Gratitude requires
This pure libation of my tears to lave
Him once my guardian; but a guardian new,
Thy gift in Medon, elevates at last
My gratitude to thee. Serene she clos'd,
Embrac'd her brother, and retir'd to rest.
By thee extinguish'd, proves thy care of Greece.
Who of the tribes Barbarian now survives
To draw thy favour? Gratitude requires
This pure libation of my tears to lave
Him once my guardian; but a guardian new,
Thy gift in Medon, elevates at last
My gratitude to thee. Serene she clos'd,
Embrac'd her brother, and retir'd to rest.
From Oeta's heights fresh rose the morning breeze.
A well-apparell'd galley lay unmoor'd
In readiness to sail. Sandaucè drops
A parting tear on kind Melissa's breast,
By whom dismiss'd, Statirus on the corse
Of great Masistius waits. The Grecian chiefs
Lead Artamanes to the friendly deck,
In olive wreaths, pacific sign, attir'd,
Whence he the fervour of his bosom pours:
A well-apparell'd galley lay unmoor'd
151
A parting tear on kind Melissa's breast,
By whom dismiss'd, Statirus on the corse
Of great Masistius waits. The Grecian chiefs
Lead Artamanes to the friendly deck,
In olive wreaths, pacific sign, attir'd,
Whence he the fervour of his bosom pours:
O may this gale with gentleness of breath
Replace me joyous in my seat of birth,
As I sincere on Horomazes call
To send the dove of peace, whose placid wing
The oriental and Hesperian world
May feel, composing enmity and thirst
Of mutual havoc! that my grateful roof
May then admit Themistocles, and all
Those noble Grecians, who sustain'd my head,
Their captive thrice. But ah! what founts of blood
Will fate still open to o'er flow the earth!
Yet may your homes inviolate remain,
Imparting long the fulness of those joys,
Which by your bounty I shall soon possess!
Replace me joyous in my seat of birth,
As I sincere on Horomazes call
To send the dove of peace, whose placid wing
The oriental and Hesperian world
May feel, composing enmity and thirst
Of mutual havoc! that my grateful roof
May then admit Themistocles, and all
Those noble Grecians, who sustain'd my head,
Their captive thrice. But ah! what founts of blood
Will fate still open to o'er flow the earth!
152
Imparting long the fulness of those joys,
Which by your bounty I shall soon possess!
He ceas'd. The struggle of Sandauce's heart
Suppress'd her voice. And now the naval pipe
Collects the rowers. At the signal shrill
They cleave with equal strokes the Malian floods.
Suppress'd her voice. And now the naval pipe
Collects the rowers. At the signal shrill
They cleave with equal strokes the Malian floods.
Meantime a vessel, underneath the lee
Of Locris coasting, plies the rapid oar
In sight. She veers, and, lodging in her sails
The wind transverse, across the haven skims;
Till on Sperchēan sands she rests her keel.
Themistocles was musing on the turns
Of human fortune, and the jealous eye
Of stern republics, vigilantly bent
Against successful greatness; yet serene,
Prepar'd for ev'ry possible reverse
In his own fortune, he the present thought,
Of Persians chang'd from foes to friends, enjoy'd.
When lo! Sicinus landed. Swift his lord
In words like these the faithful man approach'd.
Of Locris coasting, plies the rapid oar
In sight. She veers, and, lodging in her sails
The wind transverse, across the haven skims;
Till on Sperchēan sands she rests her keel.
Themistocles was musing on the turns
Of human fortune, and the jealous eye
Of stern republics, vigilantly bent
Against successful greatness; yet serene,
Prepar'd for ev'ry possible reverse
153
Of Persians chang'd from foes to friends, enjoy'd.
When lo! Sicinus landed. Swift his lord
In words like these the faithful man approach'd.
From Aristides hail! Asopus flows,
Still undisturb'd by war, between the hosts
Inactive. Each the other to assail
Inflexibly their augurs have forbid.
The camp, which Ceres shall the best supply,
Will gain the palm. Mardonius then must fight
To our advantage both of time and place,
Themistocles replies, and sudden calls
The diff'rent leaders round him. Thus he spake:
Still undisturb'd by war, between the hosts
Inactive. Each the other to assail
Inflexibly their augurs have forbid.
The camp, which Ceres shall the best supply,
Will gain the palm. Mardonius then must fight
To our advantage both of time and place,
Themistocles replies, and sudden calls
The diff'rent leaders round him. Thus he spake:
Eubœans, Delphians, Locrians, you, the chiefs
Of Potidæa and Olynthus, hear.
The ritual honours to a hero due,
Whom none e'er equall'd, incomplete are left;
Them shall the new Aurora see resum'd.
At leisure now three days to solemn games
I dedicate. Amid his num'rous tents
Mardonius on Asopus shall be told,
While he sits trembling o'er the hostile flood,
Of Grecian warriors on the Malian sands
Disporting. You in gymnic lists shall wing
The flying spear, and hurl the massy disk,
Brace on the cæstus, and impel the car
To celebrate Leonidas in sight
Of Oeta, witness to his glorious fate.
Of Potidæa and Olynthus, hear.
The ritual honours to a hero due,
Whom none e'er equall'd, incomplete are left;
154
At leisure now three days to solemn games
I dedicate. Amid his num'rous tents
Mardonius on Asopus shall be told,
While he sits trembling o'er the hostile flood,
Of Grecian warriors on the Malian sands
Disporting. You in gymnic lists shall wing
The flying spear, and hurl the massy disk,
Brace on the cæstus, and impel the car
To celebrate Leonidas in sight
Of Oeta, witness to his glorious fate.
But fifty vessels deep with laden stores
I first detach, that gen'ral Greece may share
In our superfluous plenty. Want shall waste
Mardonian numbers, while profusion flows
Round Aristides. To protect, my friends,
Th' important freight, three thousand warlike spears
Must be embark'd. You, leaders, now decide,
Who shall with me Thermopylæ maintain,
Who join the Grecian camp. First Medon rose:
I first detach, that gen'ral Greece may share
In our superfluous plenty. Want shall waste
Mardonian numbers, while profusion flows
Round Aristides. To protect, my friends,
Th' important freight, three thousand warlike spears
Must be embark'd. You, leaders, now decide,
155
Who join the Grecian camp. First Medon rose:
From thy successful banner to depart
Believe my feet reluctant. From his cross
When I deliver'd Lacedæmon's king,
My life, a boon his friendship once bestow'd,
I then devoted in the face of heav'n
To vindicate his manes. What my joy,
If I survive, if perish, what my praise
To imitate his virtue? Greece demands
In his behalf a sacrifice like this
From me, who, dying, only shall discharge
The debt I owe him; where so well discharge,
As at Asopus in the gen'ral shock
Of Greece and Asia? But the hundred spears,
Which have so long accompany'd my steps
Through all their wand'rings, are the only force
My wants require. The rest of Locrian arms
Shall with Leonteus thy controul obey.
Believe my feet reluctant. From his cross
When I deliver'd Lacedæmon's king,
My life, a boon his friendship once bestow'd,
I then devoted in the face of heav'n
To vindicate his manes. What my joy,
If I survive, if perish, what my praise
To imitate his virtue? Greece demands
In his behalf a sacrifice like this
From me, who, dying, only shall discharge
The debt I owe him; where so well discharge,
As at Asopus in the gen'ral shock
Of Greece and Asia? But the hundred spears,
Which have so long accompany'd my steps
Through all their wand'rings, are the only force
156
Shall with Leonteus thy controul obey.
Pois'd on his shield, and cas'd in Carian steel,
Whence issued lustre like Phœbean rays,
Thus Haliartus: Me, in peasant-weeds,
Leonidas respected. Though my heart
Then by unshaken gratitude was bound,
My humble state could only feel, not act.
A soldier now, my efforts I must join
With godlike Medon's, to avenge the wrongs
Of Sparta's king. But first the soldier's skill,
My recent acquisition, let my arm
Forever lose, if once my heart forget
The gen'rous chief, whose service try'd my arm,
Who made Acanthè mine. My present zeal
His manly justice will forbear to chide.
Whence issued lustre like Phœbean rays,
Thus Haliartus: Me, in peasant-weeds,
Leonidas respected. Though my heart
Then by unshaken gratitude was bound,
My humble state could only feel, not act.
A soldier now, my efforts I must join
With godlike Medon's, to avenge the wrongs
Of Sparta's king. But first the soldier's skill,
My recent acquisition, let my arm
Forever lose, if once my heart forget
The gen'rous chief, whose service try'd my arm,
Who made Acanthè mine. My present zeal
His manly justice will forbear to chide.
The priest of Delphi next: Athenian friend,
I have a daughter on Cadmēan plains,
My Amarantha. From no other care,
Than to be nearer that excelling child,
Would I forsake this memorable spot,
Where died the first of Spartans, and a chief
Like thee triumphant celebrates that death.
I have a daughter on Cadmēan plains,
157
Than to be nearer that excelling child,
Would I forsake this memorable spot,
Where died the first of Spartans, and a chief
Like thee triumphant celebrates that death.
Then Cleon proffer'd his Eretrian band,
Eight hundred breathing vengeance on a foe,
Who laid their tow'rs in ashes. Lampon next
Presents his Styrians. Brave Nearchus joins
Twelve hundred youths of Chalcis. Tideus last
Of Potidæa twice three hundred shields.
Eight hundred breathing vengeance on a foe,
Who laid their tow'rs in ashes. Lampon next
Presents his Styrians. Brave Nearchus joins
Twelve hundred youths of Chalcis. Tideus last
Of Potidæa twice three hundred shields.
Enough, your number is complete, the son
Of Neocles reminds them. Swift embark;
The gale invites. Sicinus is your guide.
Of Neocles reminds them. Swift embark;
The gale invites. Sicinus is your guide.
He said, and, moving tow'rds the beach, observes
The embarkation. Each progressive keel
His eye pursues. O'erswelling now in thought,
His own deservings, glory and success,
Rush on his soul like torrents, which disturb
A limpid fount. Of purity depriv'd,
The rill no more in music steals along,
But harsh and turbid through its channel foams.
The embarkation. Each progressive keel
His eye pursues. O'erswelling now in thought,
158
Rush on his soul like torrents, which disturb
A limpid fount. Of purity depriv'd,
The rill no more in music steals along,
But harsh and turbid through its channel foams.
What sea, what coast, what region have I pass'd
Without erecting trophies, cries the chief
In exultation to Sicinus staid?
Have I not spar'd the vanquish'd to resound
My clemency? Ev'n Persians are my friends.
These are my warriors. Prosp'rous be your sails,
Ye Greeks, enroll'd by me, by me inur'd
To arms and conquest. Under Fortune's wing
Speed, and assist my ancient rival's arm
To crush th' invader. Distant I uphold
The Grecian armies; distant I will snatch
My share of laurels on the plains of Thebes.
Then come, soft peace, of indolence the nurse,
Not to the son of Neocles. On gold
Let rigour look contemptuous; I, return'd
To desert Athens, I, enrich'd with spoils
Of potentates, and kings, will raise her head
From dust. Superb her structures shall proclaim
No less a marvel, than the matchless bird
The glory of Arabia, when, consum'd
In burning frankincense and myrrh, he shews
His presence new, and, op'ning to the sun
Regenerated gloss of plumage, tow'rs,
Himself a species. So shall Athens rise
Bright from her ashes, mistress sole of Greece.
From long Piræan walls her winged pow'r
Shall awe the Orient, and Hesperian worlds.
Me shall th' Olympic festival admit
Its spectacle most splendid.... Ah! suppress
Immod'rate thoughts, Sicinus interrupts,
Thou citizen of Athens! Who aspires,
Resides not there secure. Forbear to sting
Her ever-wakeful jealousy, nor tempt
The woes of exile. For excess of worth
Was Aristides banish'd. Be not driv'n
To early trial of thy Persian friends.
O! thou transcendent, thou stupendous man,
From thy Timothea moderation learn,
Which, like the stealing touch of gentle time
O'er canvass, pencil'd by excelling art,
Smooths glaring colours, and imparts a grace
To mightiest heroes. Thus their dazzling blaze
Of glory soft'ning, softens envy's eye.
Without erecting trophies, cries the chief
In exultation to Sicinus staid?
Have I not spar'd the vanquish'd to resound
My clemency? Ev'n Persians are my friends.
These are my warriors. Prosp'rous be your sails,
Ye Greeks, enroll'd by me, by me inur'd
To arms and conquest. Under Fortune's wing
Speed, and assist my ancient rival's arm
To crush th' invader. Distant I uphold
The Grecian armies; distant I will snatch
My share of laurels on the plains of Thebes.
Then come, soft peace, of indolence the nurse,
159
Let rigour look contemptuous; I, return'd
To desert Athens, I, enrich'd with spoils
Of potentates, and kings, will raise her head
From dust. Superb her structures shall proclaim
No less a marvel, than the matchless bird
The glory of Arabia, when, consum'd
In burning frankincense and myrrh, he shews
His presence new, and, op'ning to the sun
Regenerated gloss of plumage, tow'rs,
Himself a species. So shall Athens rise
Bright from her ashes, mistress sole of Greece.
From long Piræan walls her winged pow'r
Shall awe the Orient, and Hesperian worlds.
Me shall th' Olympic festival admit
Its spectacle most splendid.... Ah! suppress
Immod'rate thoughts, Sicinus interrupts,
Thou citizen of Athens! Who aspires,
Resides not there secure. Forbear to sting
160
The woes of exile. For excess of worth
Was Aristides banish'd. Be not driv'n
To early trial of thy Persian friends.
O! thou transcendent, thou stupendous man,
From thy Timothea moderation learn,
Which, like the stealing touch of gentle time
O'er canvass, pencil'd by excelling art,
Smooths glaring colours, and imparts a grace
To mightiest heroes. Thus their dazzling blaze
Of glory soft'ning, softens envy's eye.
End of the Twenty-Sixth Book.
161
BOOK the Twenty-seventh.
Meantime Briareus to the plains of Thebes
Precipitates his course. Arriv'd, he greets
Mardonius. Rumour had already told,
What, now confirm'd, o'erwhelms the troubled chief,
Confounded like the first anointed king
O'er Israel's tribes, when Philistēan din
Of armies pierc'd his borders, and despair
Seduc'd his languid spirit to consult
The sorceress of Endor. Call, he said,
Elēan Hegesistratus—Be swift.
Precipitates his course. Arriv'd, he greets
Mardonius. Rumour had already told,
What, now confirm'd, o'erwhelms the troubled chief,
Confounded like the first anointed king
O'er Israel's tribes, when Philistēan din
Of armies pierc'd his borders, and despair
Seduc'd his languid spirit to consult
The sorceress of Endor. Call, he said,
Elēan Hegesistratus—Be swift.
162
The summon'd augur comes. To him the son
Of Gobryas: Foe to Sparta, heed my words;
Themistocles possesses on our backs
Th' Oetæan passes. Famine, like a beast,
Noos'd and subservient to that fraudful man,
Who shuns the promis'd contest in the field,
He can turn loose against us. In our front
See Aristides. Fatal is delay.
Fam'd are the oracles of Greece—Alas!
My oracle, Masistius, is no more.
To thee, who hatest all the Spartan breed,
I trust my secret purpose. Be my guide
To some near temple, or mysterious cave,
Whence voices supernatural unfold
The destinies of men. The augur here:
Of Gobryas: Foe to Sparta, heed my words;
Themistocles possesses on our backs
Th' Oetæan passes. Famine, like a beast,
Noos'd and subservient to that fraudful man,
Who shuns the promis'd contest in the field,
He can turn loose against us. In our front
See Aristides. Fatal is delay.
Fam'd are the oracles of Greece—Alas!
My oracle, Masistius, is no more.
To thee, who hatest all the Spartan breed,
I trust my secret purpose. Be my guide
To some near temple, or mysterious cave,
Whence voices supernatural unfold
The destinies of men. The augur here:
The nearest, but most awful, is a cave
Oracular, Lebadia's ancient boast,
Where Jupiter Trophonius is ador'd,
Not far beyond Copææ's neighb'ring lake,
Which thou must pass. With costly presents freight,
Such as magnificence like thine requires,
Thy loaded bark; command my service all.
Oracular, Lebadia's ancient boast,
Where Jupiter Trophonius is ador'd,
163
Which thou must pass. With costly presents freight,
Such as magnificence like thine requires,
Thy loaded bark; command my service all.
Mardonius issues orders to provide
The bark and presents. Summoning his chiefs,
To them he spake: My absence from the camp
Important functions claim; three days of rule
To Mindarus I cede. Till my return
Let not a squadron pass th' Asopian stream.
The bark and presents. Summoning his chiefs,
To them he spake: My absence from the camp
Important functions claim; three days of rule
To Mindarus I cede. Till my return
Let not a squadron pass th' Asopian stream.
This said, with Hegesistratus he mounts
A rapid car. Twelve giants of his guard,
Detach'd before, await him on the banks
Of clear Copææ. Silver Phœbè spreads
A light, reposing on the quiet lake,
Save where the snowy rival of her hue,
The gliding swan, behind him leaves a trail
In luminous vibration. Lo! an isle
Swells on the surface. Marble structures there
New gloss of beauty borrow from the moon
To deck the shore. Now silence gently yields
To measur'd strokes of oars. The orange groves,
In rich profusion round the fertile verge,
Impart to fanning breezes fresh perfumes
Exhaustless, visiting the sense with sweets,
Which soften ev'n Briareus; but the son
Of Gobryas, heavy with devouring care,
Uncharm'd, unheeding sits. At length began
Th' Elēan augur, in a learned flow
Of ancient lore, to Asia's pensive chief
Historically thus: Illustrious lord,
Whose nod controuls such multitudes in arms
From lands remote and near, the story learn
Of sage Trophonius, whose prophetic cell
Thou wouldst descend. An architect divine,
He for the Delphians rais'd their Pythian fane.
His recompense imploring from the god,
This gracious answer from the god he drew:
“When thrice my chariot hath its circle run,
“The prime reward, a mortal can obtain,
“Trophonius, shall be thine.” Apollo thrice
His circle ran; behold Trophonius dead.
With prophecy his spirit was endu'd,
But where abiding in concealment long
The destinies envelop'd. Lo! a dearth
Afflicts Bœotia. Messengers address
The Delphian pow'r for succour. He enjoins
Their care throughout Lebadian tracts to seek
Oracular Trophonius. Long they roam
In fruitless search; at last a honey'd swarm
Before them flies; they follow, and attain
A cave. Their leader enters, when a voice,
Revealing there the deity, suggests
Cure to their wants, and knowledge of his will
How to be worshipp'd in succeeding times.
To him the name of Jupiter is giv'n.
He to the fatal sisters hath access;
Sees Clotho's awful distaff; sees the thread
Of human life by Lachesis thence drawn;
Sees Atropos divide, with direful shears,
The slender line. But rueful is the mode
Of consultation, though from peril free,
Within his dreary cell. In thy behalf
Thou mayst a faithful substitute appoint.
A rapid car. Twelve giants of his guard,
Detach'd before, await him on the banks
Of clear Copææ. Silver Phœbè spreads
A light, reposing on the quiet lake,
Save where the snowy rival of her hue,
The gliding swan, behind him leaves a trail
164
Swells on the surface. Marble structures there
New gloss of beauty borrow from the moon
To deck the shore. Now silence gently yields
To measur'd strokes of oars. The orange groves,
In rich profusion round the fertile verge,
Impart to fanning breezes fresh perfumes
Exhaustless, visiting the sense with sweets,
Which soften ev'n Briareus; but the son
Of Gobryas, heavy with devouring care,
Uncharm'd, unheeding sits. At length began
Th' Elēan augur, in a learned flow
Of ancient lore, to Asia's pensive chief
Historically thus: Illustrious lord,
Whose nod controuls such multitudes in arms
From lands remote and near, the story learn
Of sage Trophonius, whose prophetic cell
Thou wouldst descend. An architect divine,
He for the Delphians rais'd their Pythian fane.
165
This gracious answer from the god he drew:
“When thrice my chariot hath its circle run,
“The prime reward, a mortal can obtain,
“Trophonius, shall be thine.” Apollo thrice
His circle ran; behold Trophonius dead.
With prophecy his spirit was endu'd,
But where abiding in concealment long
The destinies envelop'd. Lo! a dearth
Afflicts Bœotia. Messengers address
The Delphian pow'r for succour. He enjoins
Their care throughout Lebadian tracts to seek
Oracular Trophonius. Long they roam
In fruitless search; at last a honey'd swarm
Before them flies; they follow, and attain
A cave. Their leader enters, when a voice,
Revealing there the deity, suggests
Cure to their wants, and knowledge of his will
How to be worshipp'd in succeeding times.
166
He to the fatal sisters hath access;
Sees Clotho's awful distaff; sees the thread
Of human life by Lachesis thence drawn;
Sees Atropos divide, with direful shears,
The slender line. But rueful is the mode
Of consultation, though from peril free,
Within his dreary cell. In thy behalf
Thou mayst a faithful substitute appoint.
By Horomazes, no, exclaims the chief!
It is the cause of empire, from his post
Compels the Persian leader; none but he
Shall with your god confer. Transactions past
To Hegesistratus he now details,
His heart unfolding, nor conceals th' event
In Asia's camp, when Aemnestus bold,
The Spartan legate, prompted, as by heav'n,
Him singled out the victim to atone
The death of Sparta's king. Their changing course
Of navigation now suspends their words.
Against the influx of Cephissus, down
Lebadian vales in limpid flow convey'd,
The rowers now are lab'ring. O'er their heads
Hudge alders weave their canopies, and shed
Disparted moonlight through the lattic'd boughs;
Where Zephyr plays, and whisp'ring motion breathes
Among the pliant leaves. Now roseate tincts
Begin to streak the orient verge of heav'n,
Foretok'ning day. The son of Gobryas lands,
Where in soft murmur down a channell'd slope
The stream Hercyna, from Trophonian groves,
Fresh bubbling meets Cephissus. He ascends
With all his train. Th' inclosure, which begirds
The holy purlieus, through a portal, hung
With double valves on obelisks of stone,
Access afforded to the steps of none
But suppliants. Hegesistratus accosts
One in pontific vesture station'd there:
It is the cause of empire, from his post
Compels the Persian leader; none but he
Shall with your god confer. Transactions past
To Hegesistratus he now details,
His heart unfolding, nor conceals th' event
In Asia's camp, when Aemnestus bold,
The Spartan legate, prompted, as by heav'n,
Him singled out the victim to atone
167
Of navigation now suspends their words.
Against the influx of Cephissus, down
Lebadian vales in limpid flow convey'd,
The rowers now are lab'ring. O'er their heads
Hudge alders weave their canopies, and shed
Disparted moonlight through the lattic'd boughs;
Where Zephyr plays, and whisp'ring motion breathes
Among the pliant leaves. Now roseate tincts
Begin to streak the orient verge of heav'n,
Foretok'ning day. The son of Gobryas lands,
Where in soft murmur down a channell'd slope
The stream Hercyna, from Trophonian groves,
Fresh bubbling meets Cephissus. He ascends
With all his train. Th' inclosure, which begirds
The holy purlieus, through a portal, hung
With double valves on obelisks of stone,
Access afforded to the steps of none
168
One in pontific vesture station'd there:
Priest of Bœotia's oracle most fam'd,
Dismiss all fear. Thy country's guardian hail,
This mighty prince, Mardonius. He preserves
Inviolate her fanes; her willing spears
All range beneath his standards. To confer
With your Trophonius, lo! he comes with gifts,
Surpassing all your treasur'd wealth can boast.
His hours are precious, nor admit delay;
Accept his sumptuous off'rings, and commence
The ceremonials due. At first aghast
The holy man survey'd the giant guard.
Soon admiration follow'd at thy form,
Mardonius. Low in stature, if compar'd
With those unshapen savages, sublime
Thou trod'st in majesty of mien, and grace
Of just proportion. Last the gems and gold,
Bright vases, tripods, images and crowns,
The presents borne by those gigantic hands,
With fascinating lustre fix'd the priest
To gaze unsated on the copious store.
Dismiss all fear. Thy country's guardian hail,
This mighty prince, Mardonius. He preserves
Inviolate her fanes; her willing spears
All range beneath his standards. To confer
With your Trophonius, lo! he comes with gifts,
Surpassing all your treasur'd wealth can boast.
His hours are precious, nor admit delay;
Accept his sumptuous off'rings, and commence
The ceremonials due. At first aghast
The holy man survey'd the giant guard.
Soon admiration follow'd at thy form,
Mardonius. Low in stature, if compar'd
With those unshapen savages, sublime
Thou trod'st in majesty of mien, and grace
Of just proportion. Last the gems and gold,
169
The presents borne by those gigantic hands,
With fascinating lustre fix'd the priest
To gaze unsated on the copious store.
Pass through, but unaccompany'd, he said,
Illustrious Persian. Be th' accepted gifts
Deposited within these holy gates.
Illustrious Persian. Be th' accepted gifts
Deposited within these holy gates.
He leads the satrap to a grassy mount,
Distinct with scatter'd plantains. Each extends
O'er the smooth green his mantle brown of shade.
Of marble white an edifice rotund,
In all th' attractive elegance of art,
Looks from the summit, and invites the feet
Of wond'ring strangers to ascend. The prince,
By his conductor, is instructed thus:
Distinct with scatter'd plantains. Each extends
O'er the smooth green his mantle brown of shade.
Of marble white an edifice rotund,
In all th' attractive elegance of art,
Looks from the summit, and invites the feet
Of wond'ring strangers to ascend. The prince,
By his conductor, is instructed thus:
Observe yon dome. Thou first must enter there
Alone, there fervent in devotion bow
Before two statues; one of Genius good,
Of Fortune fair the other. At the word
Mardonius enters. Chance directs his eye
To that expressive form of Genius good,
Whose gracious lineaments, sedately sweet,
Recall Masistius to the gloomy chief.
Alone, there fervent in devotion bow
170
Of Fortune fair the other. At the word
Mardonius enters. Chance directs his eye
To that expressive form of Genius good,
Whose gracious lineaments, sedately sweet,
Recall Masistius to the gloomy chief.
O melancholy! who can give thee praife?
Not sure the gentle; them thy weight o'erwhelms.
But thou art wholesome to intemp'rate minds,
In vain by wisdom caution'd. In the pool
Of black adversity let them be steep'd,
Then pride, and lust, and fury thou dost tame.
So now Mardonius, by thy pow'r enthrall'd,
Sighs in these words humility of grief.
Not sure the gentle; them thy weight o'erwhelms.
But thou art wholesome to intemp'rate minds,
In vain by wisdom caution'd. In the pool
Of black adversity let them be steep'd,
Then pride, and lust, and fury thou dost tame.
So now Mardonius, by thy pow'r enthrall'd,
Sighs in these words humility of grief.
If heav'n, relenting, will to me assign
A Genius good, he bears no other name
Than of Masistius. Oh! thou spirit bless'd,
(For sure thy virtue dwells with endless peace)
Canst thou, her seat relinquishing awhile,
Unseen, or visible, protect thy friend
In this momentous crisis of his fate;
Or wilt thou, if permitted? Ah! no more
Think of Mardonius fierce, ambitious, proud,
But as corrected by thy precepts mild;
Who would forego his warmest hopes of same,
Of pow'r and splendour, gladly to expire,
If so the myriads trusted to his charge
He might preserve, nor leave whole nations sall'n,
A prey to vultures on these hostile plains.
Come, and be witness to the tears which flow,
Sure tokens of sincerity in me,
Not us'd to weep; who, humbled at thy loss,
Melt like a maiden, of her love bereav'd
By unrelenting death. My demon kind,
Do thou descend, and Fortune will pursue
Spontaneous and auspicious on her wheel
A track unchang'd. Here turning, he adores
Her flatt'ring figure, and forsakes the dome.
A Genius good, he bears no other name
Than of Masistius. Oh! thou spirit bless'd,
171
Canst thou, her seat relinquishing awhile,
Unseen, or visible, protect thy friend
In this momentous crisis of his fate;
Or wilt thou, if permitted? Ah! no more
Think of Mardonius fierce, ambitious, proud,
But as corrected by thy precepts mild;
Who would forego his warmest hopes of same,
Of pow'r and splendour, gladly to expire,
If so the myriads trusted to his charge
He might preserve, nor leave whole nations sall'n,
A prey to vultures on these hostile plains.
Come, and be witness to the tears which flow,
Sure tokens of sincerity in me,
Not us'd to weep; who, humbled at thy loss,
Melt like a maiden, of her love bereav'd
By unrelenting death. My demon kind,
Do thou descend, and Fortune will pursue
Spontaneous and auspicious on her wheel
172
Her flatt'ring figure, and forsakes the dome.
Along Hercyna's bank they now proceed,
To where the river parts. One channel holds
A sluggish, creeping water, under vaults
Of ebon shade, and soporific yew,
The growth of ages on the level line
Of either joyless verge. The satrap here,
Nam'd and presented by his former guide,
A second priest receives, conductor new
Through night-resembling shadows, which obscure
The sleepy stream, unmoving to the sight,
Or moving mute. A fountain they approach,
One of Hercyna's sources. From the pores
Of spongy rock an artificial vase
Of jetty marble in its round collects
The slow-distilling moisture. Hence the priest
A brimming chalice to Mardonius bears,
Whom in these words he solemnly accosts:
To where the river parts. One channel holds
A sluggish, creeping water, under vaults
Of ebon shade, and soporific yew,
The growth of ages on the level line
Of either joyless verge. The satrap here,
Nam'd and presented by his former guide,
A second priest receives, conductor new
Through night-resembling shadows, which obscure
The sleepy stream, unmoving to the sight,
Or moving mute. A fountain they approach,
One of Hercyna's sources. From the pores
Of spongy rock an artificial vase
Of jetty marble in its round collects
The slow-distilling moisture. Hence the priest
173
Whom in these words he solemnly accosts:
This fount is nam'd of Lethè. Who consults
Our subterranean deity, must quaff
Oblivion here of all preceding thoughts,
Sensations, and affections. Reach the draught;
If such oblivious sweets this cup contains,
I gladly grasp it, cries the chief, and drinks.
Our subterranean deity, must quaff
Oblivion here of all preceding thoughts,
Sensations, and affections. Reach the draught;
If such oblivious sweets this cup contains,
I gladly grasp it, cries the chief, and drinks.
Ascending thence, a mazy walk they tread,
Where all the season's florid children shew
Their gorgeous rayment, and their odours breathe
Unspent; while musical in murmur flows
Fast down a steep declivity of bed
Hercyna, winding in a channel new,
Apparent often to the glancing eye
Through apertures, which pierce the loaden boughs
Of golden fruit Hesperian, and th' attire
Of myrtles green, o'ershadowing the banks.
Where all the season's florid children shew
Their gorgeous rayment, and their odours breathe
Unspent; while musical in murmur flows
Fast down a steep declivity of bed
Hercyna, winding in a channel new,
Apparent often to the glancing eye
Through apertures, which pierce the loaden boughs
174
Of myrtles green, o'ershadowing the banks.
In alabaster's variegated hues,
To bound the pleasing avenue, a fane
Its symmetry discover'd on a plat,
Thick-set with roses, which a circling skreen
Of that fair ash, where cluster'd berries glow,
From ruffling gusts defended. Thither speeds
Mardonius, there deliver'd to a third
Religious minister supreme. Two youths,
In snow-like vesture, and of lib'ral mien,
Sons of Lebadian citizens, attend,
Entit'led Mercuries. The seer address'd
The Persian warrior: In this mansion pure
Mnemosynè is worshipp'd; so in Greece
The pow'r of memory is styl'd. Advance,
Invoke her aid propitious to retain
Whate'er by sounds, or visions, in his cave
The prophet god reveals. The chief comply'd;
The hallow'd image he approach'd, and spake:
To bound the pleasing avenue, a fane
Its symmetry discover'd on a plat,
Thick-set with roses, which a circling skreen
Of that fair ash, where cluster'd berries glow,
From ruffling gusts defended. Thither speeds
Mardonius, there deliver'd to a third
Religious minister supreme. Two youths,
In snow-like vesture, and of lib'ral mien,
Sons of Lebadian citizens, attend,
Entit'led Mercuries. The seer address'd
The Persian warrior: In this mansion pure
Mnemosynè is worshipp'd; so in Greece
The pow'r of memory is styl'd. Advance,
Invoke her aid propitious to retain
Whate'er by sounds, or visions, in his cave
175
The hallow'd image he approach'd, and spake:
Thou art indeed a goddess, I revere.
Now to Mardonius, if some dream or sign
Prognosticate success, and thou imprint
The admonitions of unerring heav'n
In his retentive mind; this arm, this sword
Shall win thy further favour to record
His name and glory on the rolls of time.
Now to Mardonius, if some dream or sign
Prognosticate success, and thou imprint
The admonitions of unerring heav'n
In his retentive mind; this arm, this sword
Shall win thy further favour to record
His name and glory on the rolls of time.
This said, with lighter steps he quits the sane.
The Mercuries conduct him to a bath,
Fed from Hercyna's fairer, second source,
In shade sequester'd close. While there his limbs
Are disarray'd of armour, to assume
A civil garment, soon as spotless streams
Have purify'd his frame; the priest, who stands
Without, in ecstacy of joy remarks
The rich Mardonian off'rings on their way,
By servitors transported to enlarge
The holy treasure. Instant he prepares
For sacrifice. A sable ram is slain.
The Mercuries conduct him to a bath,
Fed from Hercyna's fairer, second source,
In shade sequester'd close. While there his limbs
Are disarray'd of armour, to assume
A civil garment, soon as spotless streams
Have purify'd his frame; the priest, who stands
Without, in ecstacy of joy remarks
176
By servitors transported to enlarge
The holy treasure. Instant he prepares
For sacrifice. A sable ram is slain.
Fresh from ablution, lo! Mardonius comes
In linen vesture, fine and white, as down
Of Paphian doves. A sash of tincture bright,
Which rivall'd Flora's brilliancy of dye,
Engirds his loins; majestical his brows
A wreath sustain; Lebadian sandals ease
His steps. Exchanging thus his martial guise,
Like some immortal, of a gentler mold
Than Mars, he moves. So Phœbus, when he sets,
Lav'd by the nymphs of Tethys in their grot
Of coral after his diurnal toil,
Repairs his splendours, and his rosy track
Of morn resumes. With partial eyes the priest
Explores the victim's entrails, and reports
Each sign auspicious with a willing tongue;
Then to Mardonius: Thee, Bœotia's friend,
Magnificently pious to her gods,
Thee I pronounce a votary approv'd
By this Bœotian deity. Now seek
In confidence the cavern. But the rites
Demand, that first an image thou approach,
Which none, but those in purity of garb,
None, but accepted suppliants of the god,
Can lawfully behold. Above the bath
A rock was hollow'd to an ample space;
Thence issued bubbling waters. See, he said,
The main Hercynian fount, whose face reflects
Yon Dædalēan workmanship, the form
Trophonius bears. Adore that rev'rend beard,
The twisted serpents round that awful staff,
Those looks, which pierce the mysteries of fate.
In linen vesture, fine and white, as down
Of Paphian doves. A sash of tincture bright,
Which rivall'd Flora's brilliancy of dye,
Engirds his loins; majestical his brows
A wreath sustain; Lebadian sandals ease
His steps. Exchanging thus his martial guise,
Like some immortal, of a gentler mold
Than Mars, he moves. So Phœbus, when he sets,
Lav'd by the nymphs of Tethys in their grot
Of coral after his diurnal toil,
Repairs his splendours, and his rosy track
Of morn resumes. With partial eyes the priest
Explores the victim's entrails, and reports
177
Then to Mardonius: Thee, Bœotia's friend,
Magnificently pious to her gods,
Thee I pronounce a votary approv'd
By this Bœotian deity. Now seek
In confidence the cavern. But the rites
Demand, that first an image thou approach,
Which none, but those in purity of garb,
None, but accepted suppliants of the god,
Can lawfully behold. Above the bath
A rock was hollow'd to an ample space;
Thence issued bubbling waters. See, he said,
The main Hercynian fount, whose face reflects
Yon Dædalēan workmanship, the form
Trophonius bears. Adore that rev'rend beard,
The twisted serpents round that awful staff,
Those looks, which pierce the mysteries of fate.
Next through a winding cavity and vast
He guides the prince along a mossy vault,
Rough with protuberant and tortuous roots
Of ancient woods, which, clothing all above,
In depth shoot downward equal to their height;
Suspended lamps, with livid glympse and faint,
Direct their darkling passage. Now they reach
The further mouth unclosing in a dale
Abrupt; there shadow, never-fleeting, rests.
Rude-featur'd crags, o'erhanging, thence expel
The blaze of noon. Beneath a frowning clift
A native arch, of altitude which tempts
The soaring eagle to construct his nest,
Expands before an excavation deep,
Unbowelling the hill. On either side
This gate of nature, hoary sons of time,
Enlarg'd by ages to portentous growth,
Impenetrable yews augment the gloom.
He guides the prince along a mossy vault,
178
Of ancient woods, which, clothing all above,
In depth shoot downward equal to their height;
Suspended lamps, with livid glympse and faint,
Direct their darkling passage. Now they reach
The further mouth unclosing in a dale
Abrupt; there shadow, never-fleeting, rests.
Rude-featur'd crags, o'erhanging, thence expel
The blaze of noon. Beneath a frowning clift
A native arch, of altitude which tempts
The soaring eagle to construct his nest,
Expands before an excavation deep,
Unbowelling the hill. On either side
This gate of nature, hoary sons of time,
Enlarg'd by ages to portentous growth,
Impenetrable yews augment the gloom.
In height two cubits, on the rocky floor
A parapet was rais'd of marble white,
In circular dimension; this upholds
The weight of polish'd obelisks, by zones
Of brass connected, ornamental fence.
A wicket opens to th' advancing prince;
Steps moveable th' attentive priest supplies;
By whom instructed, to the awful chasm
Below, profound but narrow, where the god
His inspiration breathes, th' intrepid son
Of Gobryas firm descends. His nether limbs
Up to the loins he plunges. Downward drawn,
As by a whirlpool of some rapid flood,
At once the body is from sight conceal'd.
Entranc'd he lies in subterranean gloom,
Less dark than superstition. She, who caus'd
His bold adventure, with her wonted fumes
Of perturbation from his torpid state
Awakes him; rather in a dream suggests
That he is waking. On a naked bank
He seems to stand; before him sleeps a pool,
Edg'd round by desert mountains, in their height
Obscuring heav'n. Without impulsive oars,
Without a sail, spontaneous flies a bark
Above the stagnant surface, which, untouch'd,
Maintains its silence. On the margin rests
The skiff, presenting to the hero's view
An aged fire, of penetrating ken,
His weight inclining on an ebon staff,
With serpents wreath'd, who, beck'ning, thus began:
A parapet was rais'd of marble white,
179
The weight of polish'd obelisks, by zones
Of brass connected, ornamental fence.
A wicket opens to th' advancing prince;
Steps moveable th' attentive priest supplies;
By whom instructed, to the awful chasm
Below, profound but narrow, where the god
His inspiration breathes, th' intrepid son
Of Gobryas firm descends. His nether limbs
Up to the loins he plunges. Downward drawn,
As by a whirlpool of some rapid flood,
At once the body is from sight conceal'd.
Entranc'd he lies in subterranean gloom,
Less dark than superstition. She, who caus'd
His bold adventure, with her wonted fumes
Of perturbation from his torpid state
Awakes him; rather in a dream suggests
That he is waking. On a naked bank
He seems to stand; before him sleeps a pool,
180
Obscuring heav'n. Without impulsive oars,
Without a sail, spontaneous flies a bark
Above the stagnant surface, which, untouch'd,
Maintains its silence. On the margin rests
The skiff, presenting to the hero's view
An aged fire, of penetrating ken,
His weight inclining on an ebon staff,
With serpents wreath'd, who, beck'ning, thus began:
If, seed of Gobryas, thou wouldst know thy fate,
Embark with me; Trophonius I am call'd.
Embark with me; Trophonius I am call'd.
Th' undaunted chief obeys. In flight more swift
Than eagles, swiftest of the feather'd kind,
Th' unmoving water's central spot they gain.
At once its bosom opens; down they sink
In depth to equal that immane descent
Of Hercules to Pluto, yet perform,
As in a moment, their portentous way.
Around, above, the liquid mass retires,
In concave huge suspended, nor bedews
Their limbs, or garments. Two stupendous valves
Of adamant o'er half the bottom spread;
Them with his mystic rod the prophet smites.
Self-lifted, they a spacious grot expose,
Whose pointed spar is tipt with dancing light,
Beyond Phœbean clear. The Persian looks;
Intelligent he looks. Words, names and things,
Recurring, gather on his anxious mind;
When he, who seems Trophonius: Down this cave
None, but the gods oracular, may pass.
Here dwell the fatal Sisters; at their toil
The Destinies thou see'st. The thread new-drawn
Is thine, Mardonius. Instantly a voice,
Which shakes the grot, and all the concave round,
Sounds Aemnestus. Swift the direful shears
The line dissever, and Mardonius, whirl'd
Back from Trophonian gloom, is found supine
Within the marble parapet, which fenc'd
The cavern's mouth. The watchful priest conducts
The agitated satrap, mute and sad,
Back to Mnemosynè's abode. His eyes
Are sternly fix'd. Now, prince, the seer began,
Divulge, whatever thou hast heard and seen
Before this goddess. Priest, he said, suspend
Thy function now importunate. Remove.
Than eagles, swiftest of the feather'd kind,
Th' unmoving water's central spot they gain.
At once its bosom opens; down they sink
In depth to equal that immane descent
Of Hercules to Pluto, yet perform,
181
Around, above, the liquid mass retires,
In concave huge suspended, nor bedews
Their limbs, or garments. Two stupendous valves
Of adamant o'er half the bottom spread;
Them with his mystic rod the prophet smites.
Self-lifted, they a spacious grot expose,
Whose pointed spar is tipt with dancing light,
Beyond Phœbean clear. The Persian looks;
Intelligent he looks. Words, names and things,
Recurring, gather on his anxious mind;
When he, who seems Trophonius: Down this cave
None, but the gods oracular, may pass.
Here dwell the fatal Sisters; at their toil
The Destinies thou see'st. The thread new-drawn
Is thine, Mardonius. Instantly a voice,
Which shakes the grot, and all the concave round,
Sounds Aemnestus. Swift the direful shears
The line dissever, and Mardonius, whirl'd
182
Within the marble parapet, which fenc'd
The cavern's mouth. The watchful priest conducts
The agitated satrap, mute and sad,
Back to Mnemosynè's abode. His eyes
Are sternly fix'd. Now, prince, the seer began,
Divulge, whatever thou hast heard and seen
Before this goddess. Priest, he said, suspend
Thy function now importunate. Remove.
The seer withdrawn, the Persian thus alone:
Then be it so. To luxury and pow'r,
Magnificence and pleasure, I must bid
Farewell. Leonidas let Greece extol,
Me too shall Persia. Goddess, to thy charge
A name, so dearly purchas'd, I consign.
Then be it so. To luxury and pow'r,
Magnificence and pleasure, I must bid
Farewell. Leonidas let Greece extol,
Me too shall Persia. Goddess, to thy charge
A name, so dearly purchas'd, I consign.
This said, in haste his armour he resumes.
Not as Leonidas compos'd, yet brave
Amid the gloom of trouble, he prefers
Death to dishonour. O'er the holy ground
He pensive treads, a parallel to Saul,
Return'd from Endor's necromantic cell
In sadness, still magnanimously firm
Ne'er to survive his dignity, but face
Predicted ruin, and, in battle slain,
Preserve his fame. Mardonius finds the gates;
His friends rejoins; glides down Cephissian floods;
Copææ's lake repasses; and is lodg'd
In his own tent by midnight. Sullen there
He sits; disturb'd, he shuns repose; access
Forbids to all: but Lamachus intrudes,
Nefarious counsellor, in fell device
Surpassing fellest tyrants. Now hath night
Upcall'd her clouds, black signal for the winds
To burst their dungeons; cataracts of rain
Mix with blue fires; th' ethereal concave groans;
Stern looks Mardonius on the daring Greek,
Who, in his wiles confiding, thus began:
Not as Leonidas compos'd, yet brave
183
Death to dishonour. O'er the holy ground
He pensive treads, a parallel to Saul,
Return'd from Endor's necromantic cell
In sadness, still magnanimously firm
Ne'er to survive his dignity, but face
Predicted ruin, and, in battle slain,
Preserve his fame. Mardonius finds the gates;
His friends rejoins; glides down Cephissian floods;
Copææ's lake repasses; and is lodg'd
In his own tent by midnight. Sullen there
He sits; disturb'd, he shuns repose; access
Forbids to all: but Lamachus intrudes,
Nefarious counsellor, in fell device
Surpassing fellest tyrants. Now hath night
Upcall'd her clouds, black signal for the winds
To burst their dungeons; cataracts of rain
Mix with blue fires; th' ethereal concave groans;
184
Who, in his wiles confiding, thus began:
Supreme o'er nations numberless in arms,
Sole hope of Asia, thy return I greet
With joy. Thy absence hath employ'd my soul
To meditate the means, the certain means
For thee to prosper. Lo! the active son
Of Neocles, who keeps th' Oetæan pass,
Lo! Aristides in the camp of Greece,
Remain thy only obstacles. Her pow'r,
Of them depriv'd, would moulder and disperse,
Devoid of counsel, with an edgless sword.
Uncommon danger stimulates the wise
To search for safety through uncommon paths,
Much more, when pow'r, when empire and renown,
Hang on a crisis. If a serpent's guile
Behind the pillows of such foes might lurk;
If darting thence, his unsuspected sting
Might pierce their bosoms; if the ambient air
Could by mysterious alchymy be chang'd
To viewless poison, and their cups infect
With death; such help would policy disdain?
Hast thou not hardy and devoted slaves?
Try their fidelity and zeal. No life
Can be secure against a daring hand.
Two Grecian deaths confirm thee lord of Greece.
Sole hope of Asia, thy return I greet
With joy. Thy absence hath employ'd my soul
To meditate the means, the certain means
For thee to prosper. Lo! the active son
Of Neocles, who keeps th' Oetæan pass,
Lo! Aristides in the camp of Greece,
Remain thy only obstacles. Her pow'r,
Of them depriv'd, would moulder and disperse,
Devoid of counsel, with an edgless sword.
Uncommon danger stimulates the wise
To search for safety through uncommon paths,
Much more, when pow'r, when empire and renown,
Hang on a crisis. If a serpent's guile
Behind the pillows of such foes might lurk;
If darting thence, his unsuspected sting
185
Could by mysterious alchymy be chang'd
To viewless poison, and their cups infect
With death; such help would policy disdain?
Hast thou not hardy and devoted slaves?
Try their fidelity and zeal. No life
Can be secure against a daring hand.
Two Grecian deaths confirm thee lord of Greece.
He ceas'd, expecting praise; but honour burns
Fierce in the satrap's elevated soul:
Fierce in the satrap's elevated soul:
Dar'st thou suggest such baseness to the son
Of Gobryas? furious he exalts his voice;
Guards, seize and strangle this pernicious wolf.
Of Gobryas? furious he exalts his voice;
Guards, seize and strangle this pernicious wolf.
Time but to wonder at his sudden fate
The ready guards afford him, and the wretch
Fit retribution for his crimes receives.
This act of eastern equity expels
The satrap's gloom. Now, Grecian gods, he cries,
Smile on my justice. From th' assassin's point
I guard your heroes. By yourselves I swear,
My preservation, or success, assur'd
By such unmanly turpitude I spurn.
The ready guards afford him, and the wretch
Fit retribution for his crimes receives.
186
The satrap's gloom. Now, Grecian gods, he cries,
Smile on my justice. From th' assassin's point
I guard your heroes. By yourselves I swear,
My preservation, or success, assur'd
By such unmanly turpitude I spurn.
His mind is cheer'd. A tender warmth succeeds,
Predominant in am'rous, eastern hearts,
A balm to grief, and victor mild of rage.
Predominant in am'rous, eastern hearts,
A balm to grief, and victor mild of rage.
The midnight hour was past, a season dear
To softly-tripping Venus. Through a range
Of watchful eunuchs in apartments gay
He seeks the female quarter of his tent,
Which, like a palace of extent superb,
Spreads on the field magnificence. Soft lutes,
By snowy fingers touch'd, sweet-warbled song
From ruby lips, which harmonize the air
Impregnated with rich Panchæan scents,
Salute him ent'ring. Gentle hands unclasp
His martial harness, in a tepid bath
Lave and perfume his much-enduring limbs.
A couch is strewn with roses; he reclines
In thinly-woven Taffeta. So long
In pond'rous armour cas'd, he scarcely feels
The light and loose attire. Around him smile
Circassian Graces, and the blooming flow'rs
Of beauty cull'd from ev'ry clime to charm.
Lo! in transcending ornament of dress
A fair-one all-surpassing greets the chief;
But pale her lip, and wild her brilliant eye:
To softly-tripping Venus. Through a range
Of watchful eunuchs in apartments gay
He seeks the female quarter of his tent,
Which, like a palace of extent superb,
Spreads on the field magnificence. Soft lutes,
By snowy fingers touch'd, sweet-warbled song
From ruby lips, which harmonize the air
187
Salute him ent'ring. Gentle hands unclasp
His martial harness, in a tepid bath
Lave and perfume his much-enduring limbs.
A couch is strewn with roses; he reclines
In thinly-woven Taffeta. So long
In pond'rous armour cas'd, he scarcely feels
The light and loose attire. Around him smile
Circassian Graces, and the blooming flow'rs
Of beauty cull'd from ev'ry clime to charm.
Lo! in transcending ornament of dress
A fair-one all-surpassing greets the chief;
But pale her lip, and wild her brilliant eye:
Nam'd from Bethulia, where I drew my breath,
I, by a father's indigence betray'd,
Became thy slave; yet noble my descent
From Judith ever-fam'd, whose beauty sav'd
Her native place. Indignant I withstood
Thy passion. Gentle still a master's right
Thou didst forbear, and my reluctant charms
Leave unprophan'd by force. Repuls'd, thy love
Grew cold. Too late contemplating thy worth,
I felt a growing flame, but ne'er again
Could win thy favour. In the Haram's round
Disconsolate, neglected, I have walk'd;
Have seen my gay companions to thy arms
Preferr'd, professing passion far unlike
To mine, Mardonius. Now despair suggests
To give thee proof of undissembled truth,
Which no neglect hath cool'd. To thy success,
Thy glory, my virginity is vow'd.
In this bright raiment, with collected pow'rs
Of beauty, I at Aristides' feet
Will throw me prostrate. To th' alluring face
Of my progenitrix a victim fell
Th' Assyrian captain, Holofernes proud;
So shall thy foe of Athens fall by mine.
The meritorious and heroic deed
Soon will erase the transitory stain.
O! if successful, let Bethulia hope
For thy reviving love. Mardonius starts
In dubious trouble. Whether to chastise
So fierce a spirit, or its zeal admire,
He hesitates. Compassion for the sex
At length prevails, suggesting this reply:
I, by a father's indigence betray'd,
Became thy slave; yet noble my descent
From Judith ever-fam'd, whose beauty sav'd
Her native place. Indignant I withstood
188
Thou didst forbear, and my reluctant charms
Leave unprophan'd by force. Repuls'd, thy love
Grew cold. Too late contemplating thy worth,
I felt a growing flame, but ne'er again
Could win thy favour. In the Haram's round
Disconsolate, neglected, I have walk'd;
Have seen my gay companions to thy arms
Preferr'd, professing passion far unlike
To mine, Mardonius. Now despair suggests
To give thee proof of undissembled truth,
Which no neglect hath cool'd. To thy success,
Thy glory, my virginity is vow'd.
In this bright raiment, with collected pow'rs
Of beauty, I at Aristides' feet
Will throw me prostrate. To th' alluring face
Of my progenitrix a victim fell
Th' Assyrian captain, Holofernes proud;
189
The meritorious and heroic deed
Soon will erase the transitory stain.
O! if successful, let Bethulia hope
For thy reviving love. Mardonius starts
In dubious trouble. Whether to chastise
So fierce a spirit, or its zeal admire,
He hesitates. Compassion for the sex
At length prevails, suggesting this reply:
Fell magnanimity! enormous proof
Of such intemp'rate passion! I forgive
While I reject thy proffer'd crime, although
The deed might fix my glory and success;
And in return for thy prepos'trous love
Will safe replace thee in thy native seat
With gifts to raise from indigence thy house.
But never, never from this hour will view
Thy face again, Bethulia. Eunuchs, hear;
Remove, conceal this woman from my sight.
Of such intemp'rate passion! I forgive
While I reject thy proffer'd crime, although
The deed might fix my glory and success;
And in return for thy prepos'trous love
Will safe replace thee in thy native seat
With gifts to raise from indigence thy house.
But never, never from this hour will view
190
Remove, conceal this woman from my sight.
No, thou inhuman, thus Bethulia wild:
This shall remove for ever from thy sight
A woman scorn'd, and terminate her pains.
This shall remove for ever from thy sight
A woman scorn'd, and terminate her pains.
She said, and struck a poniard through her heart.
With shrieks the Haram sounds; th' afflicted fair,
The eunuchs shudder; when the satrap thus:
With shrieks the Haram sounds; th' afflicted fair,
The eunuchs shudder; when the satrap thus:
Is this another black portent of ill,
Stern Horomazes? or is this my crime?
No, thou art just. My conscious spirit feels
Thy approbation of Mardonius now.
Stern Horomazes? or is this my crime?
No, thou art just. My conscious spirit feels
Thy approbation of Mardonius now.
But from his breast the dire event expels
All soft and am'rous cares. His vast command,
His long inaction, and the dread of shame
Recur. He quits the chamber; to his own
Repairing, summons Mindarus, and firm
In aspect speaks: The morning soon will dawn.
Draw down our slingers, archers, and the skill'd
In flying darts to line th' Asopian brink;
Thence gall the Grecians, whose diurnal wants
That flood relieves. Then Mindarus: O chief,
This instant sure intelligence is brought,
That from the isthmus, to supply their camp,
A convoy, rich in plenty, is descry'd
Advancing tow'rds Cithæron's neighb'ring pass.
All soft and am'rous cares. His vast command,
191
Recur. He quits the chamber; to his own
Repairing, summons Mindarus, and firm
In aspect speaks: The morning soon will dawn.
Draw down our slingers, archers, and the skill'd
In flying darts to line th' Asopian brink;
Thence gall the Grecians, whose diurnal wants
That flood relieves. Then Mindarus: O chief,
This instant sure intelligence is brought,
That from the isthmus, to supply their camp,
A convoy, rich in plenty, is descry'd
Advancing tow'rds Cithæron's neighb'ring pass.
Mardonius quick: No moment shall be lost.
Bid Tiridates with five thousand horse
Possess that pass, and, pouring on the plain,
Secure the precious store. This said, he seeks
A short repose, and Mindarus withdraws.
Bid Tiridates with five thousand horse
Possess that pass, and, pouring on the plain,
Secure the precious store. This said, he seeks
A short repose, and Mindarus withdraws.
192
In arms anon to paragon the morn,
The morn new-rising, whose vermillion hand
Draws from the bright'ning front of heav'n serene
The humid curtains of tempestuous night,
Mardonius mounts his courser. On his bank
The godlike figure soon Asopus views.
The morn new-rising, whose vermillion hand
Draws from the bright'ning front of heav'n serene
The humid curtains of tempestuous night,
Mardonius mounts his courser. On his bank
The godlike figure soon Asopus views.
End of the Twenty-seventh Book.
193
BOOK the Twenty-Eighth.
While lamentation for Masistius dead
Depress'd the Persians, undisturb'd the Greeks
To all their camp refreshment had deriv'd
From clear Asopus. To th' accustom'd edge
Of his abounding flood they now resort.
Stones, darts and arrows from unnumber'd ranks,
Along the margin opposite dispos'd
By Mindarus, forbid access. Repulse
Disbands the Greeks. Exulting, he forgets
Cleora; active valour in his breast
Extinguishes the embers, cherish'd long
By self-tormenting memory, and warmth
Of fruitless passion. Present too his chief,
His friend and kinsman, from a fiery steed
Mardonius rules and stimulates the fight,
Like Boreas, riding on a stormy cloud,
Whence issue darts of light'ning, mix'd with hail
In rattling show'rs. The enemies dispers'd,
Embolden Mindarus to ford the stream.
In guidance swift of cavalry expert,
With unresisted squadrons he careers
Along the field. Inviolate the flood
He guards; each hostile quarter he insults.
Depress'd the Persians, undisturb'd the Greeks
To all their camp refreshment had deriv'd
From clear Asopus. To th' accustom'd edge
Of his abounding flood they now resort.
Stones, darts and arrows from unnumber'd ranks,
Along the margin opposite dispos'd
By Mindarus, forbid access. Repulse
Disbands the Greeks. Exulting, he forgets
Cleora; active valour in his breast
194
By self-tormenting memory, and warmth
Of fruitless passion. Present too his chief,
His friend and kinsman, from a fiery steed
Mardonius rules and stimulates the fight,
Like Boreas, riding on a stormy cloud,
Whence issue darts of light'ning, mix'd with hail
In rattling show'rs. The enemies dispers'd,
Embolden Mindarus to ford the stream.
In guidance swift of cavalry expert,
With unresisted squadrons he careers
Along the field. Inviolate the flood
He guards; each hostile quarter he insults.
Now Gobryas' son, unfetter'd from the bonds
Of superstitious terrors, joyful sees
In Mindarus a new Masistius rise;
Nor less the tidings Tiridates sends,
Who in Cithæron's passes hath despoil'd
The slaughter'd foes, inspire the gen'ral's thoughts,
Which teem with arduous enterprise. The camp
He empties all; beneath whose forming host
The meadow sounds. The native Persians face
Laconia's station, Greek allies oppose
Th' Athenian. All the force of Thebes array'd
Envenom'd Leontiades commands.
Of superstitious terrors, joyful sees
In Mindarus a new Masistius rise;
Nor less the tidings Tiridates sends,
Who in Cithæron's passes hath despoil'd
195
Which teem with arduous enterprise. The camp
He empties all; beneath whose forming host
The meadow sounds. The native Persians face
Laconia's station, Greek allies oppose
Th' Athenian. All the force of Thebes array'd
Envenom'd Leontiades commands.
Greece in her lines sits tranquil; either host
Expects the other. By their augurs still
Restrain'd, they shun the interdicted ford.
But of the river's plenteous stream depriy'd
By Mindarus, the Grecians fear a dearth
Of that all-cheering element. A rill
Flows from a distant spring, Gargaphia nam'd,
Their sole resource. Nor dread of other wants
Afflicts them less; their convoy is o'erpow'r'd
By Tiridates. Anxious all exhaust
A night disturb'd; the bravest grieve the most,
Lest through severe necessity they quit
Inglorious their position. Morning shines;
When frequent signals from th' external guards,
Near and remote, successive rise. To arms
All rush. Along the spacious public way
From Megara, obscuring dust ascends.
The sound of trampling hoofs, and laden wheels,
With shouts of multitude, is heard. Behold,
Forth from the cloud, a messenger of joy,
Sicinus breaks, of bold auxiliar bands
Forerunner swift, and unexpected aid
In copious stores, at Megara's wide port
New-landed from Thermopylæ. The camp
Admits, and hails in rapturous acclaim
Eubœan standards, Potidæa's ranks,
The laurell'd priest and hero, Timon sage,
Th' ennobled heir of Lygdamis, and thee,
Melissa's brother, great Oïleus' son,
Friend of Leonidas, thee dear to all,
O brave, and gen'rous Medon! From their tents
The chiefs assemble, when Sicinus spake:
Expects the other. By their augurs still
Restrain'd, they shun the interdicted ford.
But of the river's plenteous stream depriy'd
By Mindarus, the Grecians fear a dearth
Of that all-cheering element. A rill
Flows from a distant spring, Gargaphia nam'd,
Their sole resource. Nor dread of other wants
Afflicts them less; their convoy is o'erpow'r'd
By Tiridates. Anxious all exhaust
A night disturb'd; the bravest grieve the most,
196
Inglorious their position. Morning shines;
When frequent signals from th' external guards,
Near and remote, successive rise. To arms
All rush. Along the spacious public way
From Megara, obscuring dust ascends.
The sound of trampling hoofs, and laden wheels,
With shouts of multitude, is heard. Behold,
Forth from the cloud, a messenger of joy,
Sicinus breaks, of bold auxiliar bands
Forerunner swift, and unexpected aid
In copious stores, at Megara's wide port
New-landed from Thermopylæ. The camp
Admits, and hails in rapturous acclaim
Eubœan standards, Potidæa's ranks,
The laurell'd priest and hero, Timon sage,
Th' ennobled heir of Lygdamis, and thee,
Melissa's brother, great Oïleus' son,
Friend of Leonidas, thee dear to all,
197
The chiefs assemble, when Sicinus spake:
Pausanius, gen'ral of united Greece,
Accept these ample succours from the hand
Of provident Themistocles. Possess'd
Of Oeta's passes, he the Persian host
Now with impenetrable toils besets
Like beasts of prey, entangled by the skill
Of some experienc'd hunter. Thou receive,
Just Aristides, from Timothea's love,
A suit of armour new, in Chalcis fram'd,
Without luxuriant ornament, or gold.
The shield, an emblem of thy soul, displays
Truth, equity and wisdom, hand in hand.
This for her children, and thy own, consign'd
To her Eubœan roof and pious care,
She bids thee lift and conquer. Thou restore
The little exiles in their native homes
To dwell in peace. Her gift, she adds, derives
Its only value from the wearer's worth.
Accept these ample succours from the hand
Of provident Themistocles. Possess'd
Of Oeta's passes, he the Persian host
Now with impenetrable toils besets
Like beasts of prey, entangled by the skill
Of some experienc'd hunter. Thou receive,
Just Aristides, from Timothea's love,
A suit of armour new, in Chalcis fram'd,
Without luxuriant ornament, or gold.
The shield, an emblem of thy soul, displays
Truth, equity and wisdom, hand in hand.
This for her children, and thy own, consign'd
To her Eubœan roof and pious care,
She bids thee lift and conquer. Thou restore
The little exiles in their native homes
198
Its only value from the wearer's worth.
In smiles, like Saturn at the tribute pure
Of fruits and flow'rs in singleness of heart
Paid by religion of the golden age,
Timothea's gift the righteous man receives,
Not righteous more than practic'd to endure
Heroic labours, soon by matchless deeds
To justify the giver. He began:
Of fruits and flow'rs in singleness of heart
Paid by religion of the golden age,
Timothea's gift the righteous man receives,
Not righteous more than practic'd to endure
Heroic labours, soon by matchless deeds
To justify the giver. He began:
Confederated warriors, who withstand
A tyrant's pow'r, unanimous confess
Your debt to great Themistocles, the lord
Of all-admir'd Timothea. He and I
Evince the fruits of concord. Ancient foes,
Through her united, cheerful we sustain
Our public charge. From gen'ral union Greece
Expects her safety. Him success hath crown'd
In arms and counsel; whether on the main
His naval flag he spread, or shook the land
With his triumphant step. O, hero-born
Pausanias! glowing with Herculean blood,
Now under thee let Aristides hope
To share success, nor tarnish with disgrace
His armour new. Behold, yon river gleams
With hostile arms. Those standards on the left,
Well-known to Attic eyes, are proudly borne
By native Medes and Persians. Treach'rous Thebes
Lifts her Cadmēan banner on the right.
A second time Mardonius forms his host
To proffer battle. He, perhaps, may ford
Asopus, which Tisamenus, the learn'd
In divination, hath forbid our steps
To pass. Thy former numbers swift arrange.
New from a march let these auxiliars guard
The camp. To him Pausanias thus apart:
A tyrant's pow'r, unanimous confess
Your debt to great Themistocles, the lord
Of all-admir'd Timothea. He and I
Evince the fruits of concord. Ancient foes,
Through her united, cheerful we sustain
Our public charge. From gen'ral union Greece
Expects her safety. Him success hath crown'd
199
His naval flag he spread, or shook the land
With his triumphant step. O, hero-born
Pausanias! glowing with Herculean blood,
Now under thee let Aristides hope
To share success, nor tarnish with disgrace
His armour new. Behold, yon river gleams
With hostile arms. Those standards on the left,
Well-known to Attic eyes, are proudly borne
By native Medes and Persians. Treach'rous Thebes
Lifts her Cadmēan banner on the right.
A second time Mardonius forms his host
To proffer battle. He, perhaps, may ford
Asopus, which Tisamenus, the learn'd
In divination, hath forbid our steps
To pass. Thy former numbers swift arrange.
New from a march let these auxiliars guard
The camp. To him Pausanias thus apart:
200
Athenian, hear: Your citizens are vers'd
In this Barbarian warfare, yet unknown
To us. Let Spartans and Athenians change
Their station. You, an adversary try'd
At Marathon, and foil'd, will best oppose.
To vanquish Grecians we accustom'd long
Will yon Bœotians and Thessalians face.
Such is my will. Concise the Attic sage:
In this Barbarian warfare, yet unknown
To us. Let Spartans and Athenians change
Their station. You, an adversary try'd
At Marathon, and foil'd, will best oppose.
To vanquish Grecians we accustom'd long
Will yon Bœotians and Thessalians face.
Such is my will. Concise the Attic sage:
Thou hast commanded what my willing thoughts
Themselves devis'd, but waited first to hear.
Well canst thou sight, Pausanias. I will strive
To imitate thy deeds and thy renown,
On whose increase our liberty and laws
Depend. This said, they part. Behind the rear
Soon from the left th' Athenians, from the right
The Spartans file. Their stations they exchange,
Not by Mardonius unperceiv'd. He moves
His Medes and Persians to the post of Thebes,
Whence still the Spartan phalanx they confront,
The Thebans still th' Athenian. This observ'd,
Pausanias swift to Aristides sends
Strict charge his old position to resume.
Themselves devis'd, but waited first to hear.
Well canst thou sight, Pausanias. I will strive
To imitate thy deeds and thy renown,
On whose increase our liberty and laws
Depend. This said, they part. Behind the rear
Soon from the left th' Athenians, from the right
The Spartans file. Their stations they exchange,
Not by Mardonius unperceiv'd. He moves
His Medes and Persians to the post of Thebes,
201
The Thebans still th' Athenian. This observ'd,
Pausanias swift to Aristides sends
Strict charge his old position to resume.
Now indignation high through all the tribes
Of Athens rages. Noble pride, and sense
Of just desert, in exclamation fierce
Break from th' exalted populace, who claim
Their soil for parent. Gods! from wing to wing
Must we like servile mercenary bands,
Like Helots, slaves to Lacedæmon born,
Be hurry'd thus obsequious to controul
From an imperious Spartan? Tegea first
Contested our prerogative. The pride
Of Sparta next removes us from the post,
Assign'd by public judgment; we comply.
Must we at her contemptuous nod resume
The station we forsook? Defending Greece,
Ourselves meanwhile deserted and betray'd,
Twice have we lost our city. What is left
Of our abandon'd residence, but dust?
Let Greece defend herself. Let us remove
For the last time our standards, hoist our sails,
Our floating empire fix on distant shores,
Our household gods, our progeny, and name,
On some new soil establish, sure to find
None so ingrate as this. The Athenians thus
Swell with ingenuous ire, as ocean boils,
Disturb'd by Eurus, and the rude career
Of Boreas, threat'ning furious to surmount
All circumscription. But as oft a cloud,
Distilling gentle moisture as it glides,
Dissolves the rigour of their boist'rous wings,
Till o'er the main serenity returns;
So from the mouth of Aristides fall
Composing words. Insensibly he sooths
Their justly-irritated minds, and calms
Their just resentment. Righteousness and truth,
How prevalent your efforts, when apply'd
By placid wisdom! In these strains he spake:
Of Athens rages. Noble pride, and sense
Of just desert, in exclamation fierce
Break from th' exalted populace, who claim
Their soil for parent. Gods! from wing to wing
Must we like servile mercenary bands,
Like Helots, slaves to Lacedæmon born,
Be hurry'd thus obsequious to controul
From an imperious Spartan? Tegea first
Contested our prerogative. The pride
Of Sparta next removes us from the post,
Assign'd by public judgment; we comply.
Must we at her contemptuous nod resume
The station we forsook? Defending Greece,
202
Twice have we lost our city. What is left
Of our abandon'd residence, but dust?
Let Greece defend herself. Let us remove
For the last time our standards, hoist our sails,
Our floating empire fix on distant shores,
Our household gods, our progeny, and name,
On some new soil establish, sure to find
None so ingrate as this. The Athenians thus
Swell with ingenuous ire, as ocean boils,
Disturb'd by Eurus, and the rude career
Of Boreas, threat'ning furious to surmount
All circumscription. But as oft a cloud,
Distilling gentle moisture as it glides,
Dissolves the rigour of their boist'rous wings,
Till o'er the main serenity returns;
So from the mouth of Aristides fall
Composing words. Insensibly he sooths
Their justly-irritated minds, and calms
203
How prevalent your efforts, when apply'd
By placid wisdom! In these strains he spake:
Ye men of Athens, at Laconia's call
To meet the flow'r of Asia's host in fight
Do ye repine? A station, which implies
Pre-eminence of Attic worth, a task
Of all most glorious, which the martial race
Of Sparta shuns, and you should covet most,
Ye Marathonian victors? In the sight
Of Greece, who trembles at a Median garb,
You are preferr'd for valour. Arms the same,
The same embroider'd vestment on their limbs
Effeminate, the same unmanly souls,
Debas'd by vices and monarchal rule,
The Medes retain, as when their vanquish'd ranks
Fled heretofore. With weapons often try'd,
With confidence by victories increas'd,
Not now for liberty and Greece alone
You march to battle; but to keep unspoil'd
Your trophies won already, and the name,
Which Marathon and Salamis have rais'd,
Preserve unstain'd; that men may ever say,
Not through your leaders, not by fortune there
You triumph'd, but by fortitude innate,
And lib'ral vigour of Athenian blood.
To meet the flow'r of Asia's host in fight
Do ye repine? A station, which implies
Pre-eminence of Attic worth, a task
Of all most glorious, which the martial race
Of Sparta shuns, and you should covet most,
Ye Marathonian victors? In the sight
Of Greece, who trembles at a Median garb,
You are preferr'd for valour. Arms the same,
The same embroider'd vestment on their limbs
Effeminate, the same unmanly souls,
Debas'd by vices and monarchal rule,
The Medes retain, as when their vanquish'd ranks
Fled heretofore. With weapons often try'd,
204
Not now for liberty and Greece alone
You march to battle; but to keep unspoil'd
Your trophies won already, and the name,
Which Marathon and Salamis have rais'd,
Preserve unstain'd; that men may ever say,
Not through your leaders, not by fortune there
You triumph'd, but by fortitude innate,
And lib'ral vigour of Athenian blood.
He said and march'd. All follow mute through love
Of Aristides, inexpressive love,
Which melts each bosom. Solemn they proceed,
Though lion-like in courage, at his call
Meek and obedient, as the fleecy breed
To wonted notes of Pan's conducting pipe.
Of Aristides, inexpressive love,
Which melts each bosom. Solemn they proceed,
Though lion-like in courage, at his call
Meek and obedient, as the fleecy breed
To wonted notes of Pan's conducting pipe.
Arriv'd, disbanded, in their sep'rate tents
Cecropia's tribes exhaust a tedious night,
Unvisited by sleep. The morning breaks;
Instead of joy to gratulate her light
The tone of sadness from dejected hearts,
Combining sighs and groans in murmur deep,
Alarms the leader. Aristides, shew
Thy countenance amongst us, hasty spake
The warrior-poet ent'ring: All thy camp
Enthusiastic sorrow hath o'erwhelm'd,
And ev'ry heart unbrac'd. By earliest dawn
Each left his restless couch. Their first discourse
Was calm, and fill'd with narratives distinct
Of thy accomplishments, and worth. At length
A soldier thus in agitation spake:
“Yet, O most excellent of Gods! O Jove!
“This is the man, we banish'd! In thy sight
“The most excelling man, whose sole offence
“Was all-transcending merit, from his home
“Our impious votes expell'd, by envy's spight
“Seduc'd. We drove him fugitive through Greece;
“Where still he held ungrateful Athens dear,
“For whose redemption from her sloth he rous'd
“All Greece to arms.” The soldier clos'd in floods
Of anguish. Instant through the concourse ran
Contagious grief; as if the fiend Despair,
From his black chariot, wheeling o'er their heads
In clouds of darkness, dropp'd his pois'nous dews
Of melancholy down to chill the blood,
Unnerve the limbs, and fortitude dissolve.
Speed, Aristides. By th' immortal pow'rs!
The feeblest troop of Persians in this hour
Might overcome the tame, desponding force
Of thy dear country, mistress long confess'd
Of eloquence and arts, of virtue now
Through thy unerring guidance. Here the sage:
Cecropia's tribes exhaust a tedious night,
205
Instead of joy to gratulate her light
The tone of sadness from dejected hearts,
Combining sighs and groans in murmur deep,
Alarms the leader. Aristides, shew
Thy countenance amongst us, hasty spake
The warrior-poet ent'ring: All thy camp
Enthusiastic sorrow hath o'erwhelm'd,
And ev'ry heart unbrac'd. By earliest dawn
Each left his restless couch. Their first discourse
Was calm, and fill'd with narratives distinct
Of thy accomplishments, and worth. At length
A soldier thus in agitation spake:
“Yet, O most excellent of Gods! O Jove!
“This is the man, we banish'd! In thy sight
“The most excelling man, whose sole offence
“Was all-transcending merit, from his home
“Our impious votes expell'd, by envy's spight
“Seduc'd. We drove him fugitive through Greece;
206
“For whose redemption from her sloth he rous'd
“All Greece to arms.” The soldier clos'd in floods
Of anguish. Instant through the concourse ran
Contagious grief; as if the fiend Despair,
From his black chariot, wheeling o'er their heads
In clouds of darkness, dropp'd his pois'nous dews
Of melancholy down to chill the blood,
Unnerve the limbs, and fortitude dissolve.
Speed, Aristides. By th' immortal pow'rs!
The feeblest troop of Persians in this hour
Might overcome the tame, desponding force
Of thy dear country, mistress long confess'd
Of eloquence and arts, of virtue now
Through thy unerring guidance. Here the sage:
With-hold thy praise, good Æschylus-Be swift,
Arrange my fellow citizens in arms
Beneath each ensign of the sev'ral tribes.
I will appear a comforter, a friend,
Their public servant. Æschylus withdraws.
Arrange my fellow citizens in arms
Beneath each ensign of the sev'ral tribes.
207
Their public servant. Æschylus withdraws.
Soon Aristides, in his armour new,
Timothea's gift, advances from his tent.
Should from his throne th' Omnipotent descend
In visitation of the human race,
While dreading his displeasure; as to earth
All heads would bend in reverential awe,
Contrite and conscious of their own misdeeds;
So look th' Athenians, though in all the pomp
Of Mars array'd, and terrible to half
The world in battle. Down their corslets bright
Tears trickle, tears of penitence and shame,
To see their injur'd patriot chief assume
In goodness heav'n's whole semblance, as he moves
Observant by, and through the weeping ranks
From man to man his lib'ral hand extends,
Consoling. No resentment he could shew,
Who none had felt. Ascending now on high,
He thus address'd the penitential throng.
Timothea's gift, advances from his tent.
Should from his throne th' Omnipotent descend
In visitation of the human race,
While dreading his displeasure; as to earth
All heads would bend in reverential awe,
Contrite and conscious of their own misdeeds;
So look th' Athenians, though in all the pomp
Of Mars array'd, and terrible to half
The world in battle. Down their corslets bright
Tears trickle, tears of penitence and shame,
To see their injur'd patriot chief assume
In goodness heav'n's whole semblance, as he moves
Observant by, and through the weeping ranks
From man to man his lib'ral hand extends,
Consoling. No resentment he could shew,
208
He thus address'd the penitential throng.
Rate not too high my merit, nor too low
Your own depreciate. Error is the lot
Of man; but lovely in the eye of heav'n
Is sense of error. Better will you sight,
As better men from these auspicious tears,
Which evidence your worth, and please the gods.
With strength and valour, equity of mind
Uniting doubles fortitude. Your wives,
Your progeny and parents, laws and rites,
Were ne'er so well secur'd. The warlike bard
Rose next: Requested by the sev'ral tribes,
In their behalf I promise to thy rule
All acquiescence. Bid them fight, retreat,
Maintain, or yield a station; bid them face
Innumerable foes, surmount a foss
Deep as the sea, or bulwarks high as rocks;
Subordination, vigilance, contempt
Of toil and death, thy dictates shall command.
Your own depreciate. Error is the lot
Of man; but lovely in the eye of heav'n
Is sense of error. Better will you sight,
As better men from these auspicious tears,
Which evidence your worth, and please the gods.
With strength and valour, equity of mind
Uniting doubles fortitude. Your wives,
Your progeny and parents, laws and rites,
Were ne'er so well secur'd. The warlike bard
Rose next: Requested by the sev'ral tribes,
In their behalf I promise to thy rule
All acquiescence. Bid them fight, retreat,
Maintain, or yield a station; bid them face
Innumerable foes, surmount a foss
Deep as the sea, or bulwarks high as rocks;
209
Of toil and death, thy dictates shall command.
Th' Oïlean hero, Timon, and the seed
Of Lygdamis, are present, who encamp'd
Among th' Athenians. They admire the chief,
Nor less the people. While the term of morn
Was passing thus, a summons to his tent
Calls Aristides. Aemnestus there
Salutes him: Attic friend, a new event
In Sparta's quarter is to thee unknown;
From me accept th' intelligence. The sun
Was newly ris'n, when o'er th' Asopian flood
An Eastern herald pass'd. Bèhind him tow'r'd
A giant-siz'd Barbarian. He approach'd
Our camp; before Pausanias brought, he spake:
Of Lygdamis, are present, who encamp'd
Among th' Athenians. They admire the chief,
Nor less the people. While the term of morn
Was passing thus, a summons to his tent
Calls Aristides. Aemnestus there
Salutes him: Attic friend, a new event
In Sparta's quarter is to thee unknown;
From me accept th' intelligence. The sun
Was newly ris'n, when o'er th' Asopian flood
An Eastern herald pass'd. Bèhind him tow'r'd
A giant-siz'd Barbarian. He approach'd
Our camp; before Pausanias brought, he spake:
“I am Briareus, of Mardonian guards
“Commander. Through my delegated mouth
“Thus saith the son of Gobryas: I have heard
“Among the Greeks your prowess vaunted high,
“Ye men of Sparta, that in martial ranks
“You either kill, or perish; but I find,
“Fame is a liar. I expected long,
“You would defy me on the field of war.
“Have I not seen you shift from wing to wing,
“The task imposing on th' Athenians twice
“To face the Medes and Persians; while yourselves
“Sought with our servants to contend in arms,
“Ye brave in name alone! Since you decline
“To challenge us, we, prime of eastern blood,
“With equal numbers challenge you to prove,
“That you possess, what rumour hath proclaim'd,
“The boldest hearts in Greece. Acknowledge else
“Your boasted valour bury'd in the grave
“With your Leonidas, o'erthrown and slain.”
“Commander. Through my delegated mouth
210
“Among the Greeks your prowess vaunted high,
“Ye men of Sparta, that in martial ranks
“You either kill, or perish; but I find,
“Fame is a liar. I expected long,
“You would defy me on the field of war.
“Have I not seen you shift from wing to wing,
“The task imposing on th' Athenians twice
“To face the Medes and Persians; while yourselves
“Sought with our servants to contend in arms,
“Ye brave in name alone! Since you decline
“To challenge us, we, prime of eastern blood,
“With equal numbers challenge you to prove,
“That you possess, what rumour hath proclaim'd,
“The boldest hearts in Greece. Acknowledge else
“Your boasted valour bury'd in the grave
“With your Leonidas, o'erthrown and slain.”
Pausanias gave no answer, not through fear,
But humour torpid and morose, which wrapp'd
In clouds of scorn his brow. Consulting none,
With silent pride the giant he dismiss'd.
The challenger, in triumph turning back,
Repass'd the river. Aemnestus paus'd;
A second messenger appear'd. Behold,
In blooming vigour, flush'd by rapid haste,
Young Menalippus, from the rev'rend seer
Megistias sprung. Athenian chief, he said,
Bring down thy active, missile-weapon'd troops;
On their immediate help Pausanias calls.
A cloud of hostile cavalry invests
Laconia's quarter. Javelins, arrows, darts,
In sheets discharg'd, have choak'd our last resource,
Gargaphia's fountain, and our heavy bands
Perplex and harrass. Aristides hears,
And issues swift his orders, while the youth
Continues thus: Thou knew'st of old my sire,
Who at Thermopylæ expir'd. The just
Consort together. Aristides thus:
But humour torpid and morose, which wrapp'd
211
With silent pride the giant he dismiss'd.
The challenger, in triumph turning back,
Repass'd the river. Aemnestus paus'd;
A second messenger appear'd. Behold,
In blooming vigour, flush'd by rapid haste,
Young Menalippus, from the rev'rend seer
Megistias sprung. Athenian chief, he said,
Bring down thy active, missile-weapon'd troops;
On their immediate help Pausanias calls.
A cloud of hostile cavalry invests
Laconia's quarter. Javelins, arrows, darts,
In sheets discharg'd, have choak'd our last resource,
Gargaphia's fountain, and our heavy bands
Perplex and harrass. Aristides hears,
And issues swift his orders, while the youth
Continues thus: Thou knew'st of old my sire,
Who at Thermopylæ expir'd. The just
Consort together. Aristides thus:
212
Ingenuous youth, for Greece thy father bled
A spotless victim, but for ever lives
Companion with Leonidas in fame.
By heav'n protected, thou shalt live to see
Their death aton'd; the period is not far.
Come on; my force is ready. Medon arms
With Haliartus, once the shepherd-swain
In Oeta's pass to Menalippus known,
Whom both embrace with gratulation kind.
A spotless victim, but for ever lives
Companion with Leonidas in fame.
By heav'n protected, thou shalt live to see
Their death aton'd; the period is not far.
Come on; my force is ready. Medon arms
With Haliartus, once the shepherd-swain
In Oeta's pass to Menalippus known,
Whom both embrace with gratulation kind.
All march, but reach not Sparta's distant wing,
Before the Persians, sated with success,
Fil'd back to join Mardonius. Secret he
Was communing with Mirzes, most renown'd
Among the Magi. Thus the satrap clos'd:
Before the Persians, sated with success,
Fil'd back to join Mardonius. Secret he
Was communing with Mirzes, most renown'd
Among the Magi. Thus the satrap clos'd:
Through each occurrence undisguis'd, O sage!
My circumstantial narrative hath run,
From where I enter'd first Trophonian ground,
Till my descent and vision in the cave.
Speak frankly, Mirzes-nor believe thy words,
Whatever black presages they contain,
Subjoin'd to all Trophonius hath foretold,
Can change my firm resolves, or blunt my sword.
My circumstantial narrative hath run,
From where I enter'd first Trophonian ground,
213
Speak frankly, Mirzes-nor believe thy words,
Whatever black presages they contain,
Subjoin'd to all Trophonius hath foretold,
Can change my firm resolves, or blunt my sword.
Solicitude for Persia to excess
Misled thee, satrap, to that graven god,
Rejoins the Magus, where, if ought besides
The craft of Grecian, mercenary priests,
It was the demon Arimanius rul'd.
He long hath prompted that Elēan seer,
Who blunts thy sword by divination false.
What thou dost vision call was empty dream;
Imagination heated, and disturb'd,
A texture wild and various, intermix'd
With ill-match'd images of things, which last
Oppress'd thy mind. Thy own distemper fram'd
Th' unreal grot, where Destinies of air
In apparition cut thy vital thread;
Their act was thine, the oracle thy own,
All vague creation of thy erring sleep.
Misled thee, satrap, to that graven god,
Rejoins the Magus, where, if ought besides
The craft of Grecian, mercenary priests,
It was the demon Arimanius rul'd.
He long hath prompted that Elēan seer,
Who blunts thy sword by divination false.
What thou dost vision call was empty dream;
Imagination heated, and disturb'd,
A texture wild and various, intermix'd
With ill-match'd images of things, which last
Oppress'd thy mind. Thy own distemper fram'd
Th' unreal grot, where Destinies of air
214
Their act was thine, the oracle thy own,
All vague creation of thy erring sleep.
Briareus enters. At his tidings glad,
Which ostentation sounded, thus exults
Mardonius: Sayst thou, Lacedæmon's chief
Was mute, when my defiance shook his ear?
Hence to the winds, ye auguries and signs!
Ye dreams and mysteries of Greece, avaunt!
Thou, Horomazes, not in marble fanes,
Nor woods oracular, and caves, dost dwell.
It is the pow'r of evil there misguides
Insensate mortals, and misguided me.
O, Artemisia! now shall Gobryas' son
Look only, where no mystery can lurk,
On ev'ry manly duty. Nothing dark
The tracks of honour shades. To chiefs select,
Greek and Barbarian summon'd, he reveals
His fix'd resolves in council. They disperse
To execute his will. Among the rest
Young Alexander, Macedonia's lord,
Speeds to his quarters in the solemn bow'r
Of Dircè. There Mardonius had decreed
A cenotaph of marble, newly-rais'd
To his deplor'd Masistius. There the queen
Of Macedon, Phœbean Timon's child,
Bright Amarantha, like an ev'ning bird,
Whose trill delights a melancholy grove,
Oft with harmonious skill in Delphian strains,
Th' ingenuous practice of her maiden days,
Sung of her father, and Masistius good,
That friend, that known protector. She her lute
Was now in cadence with Dircæan rills
Attuning. Vocal melody she breath'd,
Which at another season might have won
Her lord from sadness. Sighing, he her song
Thus interrupts: Ah! consort dear, as fair,
I come from Persia's council; where the son
Of Gobryas, urg'd by fear of sudden want
Through his wide host, nor animated less
By Spartan silence at the challenge proud
His herald bore, determines to reject
The augur's warnings. O'er the stream he means
To lead th' embattled nations, and surprise
Ere dawn, at least assail the camp of Greece
In ev'ry station. If she quits her lines,
Then will his num'rous cavalry surround
Her heavy phalanx on the level space.
O that my ancestor had never left
His Grecian home in Argos, nor acquir'd
Emathia's crown! I never then compell'd,
Had borne reluctant arms against a race
By friendship link'd, affinity, and blood,
With me and mine. What horror! cries the queen,
While fear surmises, that my husband's sword
May blindly cut my father's vital thread.
But not alone such parricide to shun
Should wake thy efforts. Alexander, no;
Thou must do more. Our mutual words recall,
When thou to Athens by Mardonius sent
Didst from thy fruitless ambassy rejoin
Me in Trachiniæ; whence the Barb'rous chief
Renew'd his march to lay Cecropian domes
In fresh destruction. “What a lot is mine,
“Thou saidst? If Xerxes triumph, I become
“A slave in purple. Should the Greeks prevail,
“Should that Euboean conqueror, the son
“Of Neocles be sent th' Athenian scourge....
Which ostentation sounded, thus exults
Mardonius: Sayst thou, Lacedæmon's chief
Was mute, when my defiance shook his ear?
Hence to the winds, ye auguries and signs!
Ye dreams and mysteries of Greece, avaunt!
Thou, Horomazes, not in marble fanes,
Nor woods oracular, and caves, dost dwell.
It is the pow'r of evil there misguides
Insensate mortals, and misguided me.
O, Artemisia! now shall Gobryas' son
Look only, where no mystery can lurk,
On ev'ry manly duty. Nothing dark
The tracks of honour shades. To chiefs select,
Greek and Barbarian summon'd, he reveals
215
To execute his will. Among the rest
Young Alexander, Macedonia's lord,
Speeds to his quarters in the solemn bow'r
Of Dircè. There Mardonius had decreed
A cenotaph of marble, newly-rais'd
To his deplor'd Masistius. There the queen
Of Macedon, Phœbean Timon's child,
Bright Amarantha, like an ev'ning bird,
Whose trill delights a melancholy grove,
Oft with harmonious skill in Delphian strains,
Th' ingenuous practice of her maiden days,
Sung of her father, and Masistius good,
That friend, that known protector. She her lute
Was now in cadence with Dircæan rills
Attuning. Vocal melody she breath'd,
Which at another season might have won
Her lord from sadness. Sighing, he her song
Thus interrupts: Ah! consort dear, as fair,
216
Of Gobryas, urg'd by fear of sudden want
Through his wide host, nor animated less
By Spartan silence at the challenge proud
His herald bore, determines to reject
The augur's warnings. O'er the stream he means
To lead th' embattled nations, and surprise
Ere dawn, at least assail the camp of Greece
In ev'ry station. If she quits her lines,
Then will his num'rous cavalry surround
Her heavy phalanx on the level space.
O that my ancestor had never left
His Grecian home in Argos, nor acquir'd
Emathia's crown! I never then compell'd,
Had borne reluctant arms against a race
By friendship link'd, affinity, and blood,
With me and mine. What horror! cries the queen,
While fear surmises, that my husband's sword
May blindly cut my father's vital thread.
217
Should wake thy efforts. Alexander, no;
Thou must do more. Our mutual words recall,
When thou to Athens by Mardonius sent
Didst from thy fruitless ambassy rejoin
Me in Trachiniæ; whence the Barb'rous chief
Renew'd his march to lay Cecropian domes
In fresh destruction. “What a lot is mine,
“Thou saidst? If Xerxes triumph, I become
“A slave in purple. Should the Greeks prevail,
“Should that Euboean conqueror, the son
“Of Neocles be sent th' Athenian scourge....
I interrupted thus: “Awhile, dear lord,
“We must submit to wear the galling mask,
“Necessity imposes. New events
“Are daily scatter'd by the restless palm
“Of fortune. Some will prove propitious. Wise,
“To all benignant, Aristides serv'd
“By us in season will befriend our state.”
“We must submit to wear the galling mask,
“Necessity imposes. New events
“Are daily scatter'd by the restless palm
“Of fortune. Some will prove propitious. Wise,
218
“By us in season will befriend our state.”
Behold that season come; let Grecian blood,
Which warms thy veins, inspire thy prudent tongue
This night th' Athenian hero to apprise
Of all these tidings. Thus secure the Greeks
Against surprisal; timely thus oblige
The first of men, and magnify thy name
In Greece for ages. Here the youthful king:
Which warms thy veins, inspire thy prudent tongue
This night th' Athenian hero to apprise
Of all these tidings. Thus secure the Greeks
Against surprisal; timely thus oblige
The first of men, and magnify thy name
In Greece for ages. Here the youthful king:
Though by oppressive Xerxes forc'd to war,
Shall I abuse the confidence repos'd
By great Mardonius, qualify'd to win
Regard at first, which intercourse augments?
I will do all by honour's rules allow'd,
Will act a neutral part, withdraw my troops,
Ev'n at the hazard of my crown and life,
If such my queen's injunction. Ah! forbear
To frown; what means this flushing of thy cheek?
Must I betray Mardonius to his foes?
Shall I abuse the confidence repos'd
By great Mardonius, qualify'd to win
Regard at first, which intercourse augments?
I will do all by honour's rules allow'd,
Will act a neutral part, withdraw my troops,
Ev'n at the hazard of my crown and life,
If such my queen's injunction. Ah! forbear
219
Must I betray Mardonius to his foes?
She spake abrupt; he started at her look:
If forc'd obedience to a tyrant binds,
If more, than I, Mardonius holds thy heart,
Who has thy dearest confidence abus'd,
Thou wilt discredit my accusing tongue.
Could from this empty monument the shade
Of just Masistius rise, his awful voice
Would verify a story, till this hour
From thee conceal'd. My virgin hand in blood
Of one Barbarian miscreant once I stain'd;
Not to pollute my hymeneal state,
Nor lay Mardonius gasping at my feet
Like Mithridates in the streets of Thebes,
This hateful camp for Delphi I forsook,
Fled from a lawless and presumptuous flame,
Insulting me, thy queen, who boast descent
From holy Timon. While for his behoof
Collecting Greeks against their country's cause,
Thyself was absent, and Mardonius left
My only guardian; scorning every tie,
His daring importunity of love
Assail'd thy consort's ear. What hope, what trust
In such Barbarians? All their faith expir'd
With good Masistius. Should the Greeks be foil'd,
How long will Macedon thy realm, how long
Will Amarantha be securely held
Against a satrap, whose ungovern'd will
May covet both? Of this, O prince, be sure,
Her part of shame will Amarantha bear
But brief shall be its date. The poniard still,
Which once preserv'd my honour, I possess
To cut my period of dishonour short.
If forc'd obedience to a tyrant binds,
If more, than I, Mardonius holds thy heart,
Who has thy dearest confidence abus'd,
Thou wilt discredit my accusing tongue.
Could from this empty monument the shade
Of just Masistius rise, his awful voice
Would verify a story, till this hour
From thee conceal'd. My virgin hand in blood
Of one Barbarian miscreant once I stain'd;
Not to pollute my hymeneal state,
Nor lay Mardonius gasping at my feet
Like Mithridates in the streets of Thebes,
This hateful camp for Delphi I forsook,
Fled from a lawless and presumptuous flame,
Insulting me, thy queen, who boast descent
220
Collecting Greeks against their country's cause,
Thyself was absent, and Mardonius left
My only guardian; scorning every tie,
His daring importunity of love
Assail'd thy consort's ear. What hope, what trust
In such Barbarians? All their faith expir'd
With good Masistius. Should the Greeks be foil'd,
How long will Macedon thy realm, how long
Will Amarantha be securely held
Against a satrap, whose ungovern'd will
May covet both? Of this, O prince, be sure,
Her part of shame will Amarantha bear
But brief shall be its date. The poniard still,
Which once preserv'd my honour, I possess
To cut my period of dishonour short.
The prince impatient, yet attentive, heard
Her words; when thus the measure of his wrath
From his full bosom rapidly o'erflow'd.
Her words; when thus the measure of his wrath
From his full bosom rapidly o'erflow'd.
221
O impious breach of hospitable ties!
O violation base of rights and laws,
Exacting swift revenge from heav'n and man,
From me the first! Unparallel'd in form,
O like the sister of thy Delphian god
Immaculate! Did sacrilegious hands
This pure abode of chastity assail
With profanation? Less a friend to Greece,
Than foe to false Mardonius, now I go.
O violation base of rights and laws,
Exacting swift revenge from heav'n and man,
From me the first! Unparallel'd in form,
O like the sister of thy Delphian god
Immaculate! Did sacrilegious hands
This pure abode of chastity assail
With profanation? Less a friend to Greece,
Than foe to false Mardonius, now I go.
He said, and order'd forth his swiftest steed.
By moon-light, twinkling on a shaded track,
He urg'd his secret way beyond the springs
Asopian; whence an outlet short and close
Through mount Cithæron to th' adjacent line
Of Aristides led. Meantime the sound
Of steps advancing Amarantha heard;
She heard, and saw Mardonius. He his pace
Stopp'd short, inclining with obeisance low
His stately frame. Through terror and amaze
To earth she rigid grew, of pow'r to fly
Depriv'd. He distant spake: Imperial dame,
That he offended once, Mardonius makes
A penitent confession. O! that fault
To no innate discourtesy impute,
But Eastern manners, not as Grecian pure;
The ignorance which err'd, by thee is chang'd
To veneration. From my presence here,
Which ne'er before intruded on this seat
Of thy retirement, do not too severe
A new offence interpret; rest assur'd,
A solemn cause impels. He silent waits,
Nor moves; till, gliding silently away,
Like Dian fair and chaste, but less severe,
The queen withdrew, and tow'rds a gallant chief,
Perhaps by her devices near his fall,
Thus far relented; for the private wrong
The frank atonement rais'd a generous sigh;
Against the public enemy of Greece,
Unquenchable she burn'd. Now left alone,
Before the cenotaph he kneel'd and spake:
By moon-light, twinkling on a shaded track,
He urg'd his secret way beyond the springs
Asopian; whence an outlet short and close
Through mount Cithæron to th' adjacent line
Of Aristides led. Meantime the sound
Of steps advancing Amarantha heard;
She heard, and saw Mardonius. He his pace
Stopp'd short, inclining with obeisance low
222
To earth she rigid grew, of pow'r to fly
Depriv'd. He distant spake: Imperial dame,
That he offended once, Mardonius makes
A penitent confession. O! that fault
To no innate discourtesy impute,
But Eastern manners, not as Grecian pure;
The ignorance which err'd, by thee is chang'd
To veneration. From my presence here,
Which ne'er before intruded on this seat
Of thy retirement, do not too severe
A new offence interpret; rest assur'd,
A solemn cause impels. He silent waits,
Nor moves; till, gliding silently away,
Like Dian fair and chaste, but less severe,
The queen withdrew, and tow'rds a gallant chief,
Perhaps by her devices near his fall,
Thus far relented; for the private wrong
The frank atonement rais'd a generous sigh;
223
Unquenchable she burn'd. Now left alone,
Before the cenotaph he kneel'd and spake:
To-morrow, O! to-morrow let my helm
Blaze in thy beams auspicious, spirit bright,
Whose name adorns this honorary tomb!
The weight of Asia's mighty weal, the weight
Of fifty myriads on thy friend augments
From hour to hour. Yet purg'd of gloomy thoughts,
Clear of ambition, save to win the palm
Of victory for Xerxes, I approach
Thy suppliant. Thou an intercessor pure
For me, deceiv'd by Grecian seers and gods,
Before the throne of Horomazes stand,
That he may bless my standards, if alone
To guard so many worshippers, and spread
By their success his celebrated name
Through each Hesperian clime. Now grant a sign,
Masistius, ere thy faithful friend depart,
Fix'd, as he is, to vanquish, or to fall.
Blaze in thy beams auspicious, spirit bright,
Whose name adorns this honorary tomb!
The weight of Asia's mighty weal, the weight
Of fifty myriads on thy friend augments
From hour to hour. Yet purg'd of gloomy thoughts,
Clear of ambition, save to win the palm
Of victory for Xerxes, I approach
Thy suppliant. Thou an intercessor pure
For me, deceiv'd by Grecian seers and gods,
Before the throne of Horomazes stand,
That he may bless my standards, if alone
To guard so many worshippers, and spread
By their success his celebrated name
Through each Hesperian clime. Now grant a sign,
224
Fix'd, as he is, to vanquish, or to fall.
He ceas'd. Quick rapture dims his cheated eyes.
He sees in thought a canopy of light,
Descending o'er the tomb. In joy he speeds
To preparation for the destin'd march.
He sees in thought a canopy of light,
Descending o'er the tomb. In joy he speeds
To preparation for the destin'd march.
End of the Twenty-eighth Book.
225
BOOK the Twenty-ninth.
Among the Greeks their first nocturnal watch
Was near its period. From Laconia's wing
Return'd, th' Athenian leader thus bespake
Sicinus: Worthy of my trust, give ear.
Within six hours the army will decamp
To chuse a friendlier station; so the chiefs
In gen'ral council, as Gargaphia choak'd
Withholds her wonted succour, have resolv'd.
At Juno's fane, yet undespoil'd, though near
Platæa's ruins, ev'ry band is charg'd
To reassemble.... Suddenly appears
A centinel, who speaks: A stranger, near
The trenches waits thee; us in peaceful words
Saluting, he importunate requires
Thy instant presence. Aristides hastes;
To whom the stranger: Bulwark of this camp,
Hear, credit, weigh, the tidings which I bear.
Mardonius, press'd by fear of threat'ning want,
At night's fourth watch the fatal stream will pass,
Inflexibly determin'd, though forbid
By each diviner, to assail your host
With all his numbers. I against surprise
Am come to warn you; thee alone I trust,
My name revealing. I, O man divine!
I, who thus hazard both my realm, and life,
Am Alexander, Macedonian friend
Of Athens. Kindly on a future day
Remember me. He said, and spurr'd his steed
Back through the op'ning of Cithæron's hill.
Was near its period. From Laconia's wing
Return'd, th' Athenian leader thus bespake
Sicinus: Worthy of my trust, give ear.
Within six hours the army will decamp
To chuse a friendlier station; so the chiefs
In gen'ral council, as Gargaphia choak'd
Withholds her wonted succour, have resolv'd.
At Juno's fane, yet undespoil'd, though near
Platæa's ruins, ev'ry band is charg'd
226
A centinel, who speaks: A stranger, near
The trenches waits thee; us in peaceful words
Saluting, he importunate requires
Thy instant presence. Aristides hastes;
To whom the stranger: Bulwark of this camp,
Hear, credit, weigh, the tidings which I bear.
Mardonius, press'd by fear of threat'ning want,
At night's fourth watch the fatal stream will pass,
Inflexibly determin'd, though forbid
By each diviner, to assail your host
With all his numbers. I against surprise
Am come to warn you; thee alone I trust,
My name revealing. I, O man divine!
I, who thus hazard both my realm, and life,
Am Alexander, Macedonian friend
Of Athens. Kindly on a future day
Remember me. He said, and spurr'd his steed
Back through the op'ning of Cithæron's hill.
227
By Aristides instantly detach'd,
Sicinus calls each leader to attend
usanias. Attica's great captain joins
The council full. His tidings he relates,
Concluding thus with exhortation sage:
Sicinus calls each leader to attend
usanias. Attica's great captain joins
The council full. His tidings he relates,
Concluding thus with exhortation sage:
We destitute of water had resolv'd
To change our station. Now without a pause
We must anticipate th' appointed hour
For this retreat, nor ling'ring tempt the force
Of squadrons swift to intercept our march.
All move your standards. Let Mardonius bring
A host discourag'd by their augur's voice;
Who are forbid to pass the fatal stream,
But are compell'd by famine and despair
To inauspicious battle. We to heav'n
Obedient, heav'n's assistance shall obtain.
A situation, safeguard to our flanks
Against superior and surrounding horse,
In sight of burnt Platæa, of her fanes
Defac'd, and violated gods, I know;
There will assure you conquest. All assent.
To change our station. Now without a pause
We must anticipate th' appointed hour
For this retreat, nor ling'ring tempt the force
Of squadrons swift to intercept our march.
All move your standards. Let Mardonius bring
A host discourag'd by their augur's voice;
Who are forbid to pass the fatal stream,
But are compell'd by famine and despair
To inauspicious battle. We to heav'n
Obedient, heav'n's assistance shall obtain.
A situation, safeguard to our flanks
Against superior and surrounding horse,
228
Defac'd, and violated gods, I know;
There will assure you conquest. All assent.
At once the diff'rent Grecians, who compose
The center, lift their ensigns. O'er the plain
First swiftly tow'rds Platæan Juno's dome
Speeds Adimantus. In array more slow
The rest advance. Cleander guards the rear;
Brave youth, whom chance malicious will bereave
Of half the laurels to his temples due.
The center, lift their ensigns. O'er the plain
First swiftly tow'rds Platæan Juno's dome
Speeds Adimantus. In array more slow
The rest advance. Cleander guards the rear;
Brave youth, whom chance malicious will bereave
Of half the laurels to his temples due.
Th' Athenians arm delib'rate; in whose train
Illustrious Medon ranks a faithful troop,
His hundred Locrians. Haliartus there,
There Timon's few, but gen'rous Delphians stand,
By Aristides all enjoin'd to watch
Laconia's host. That sternly-tutor'd race,
To passion cold, he knew in action slow,
In consultation torpid. Anxious long
He waits, and fears the eyelids of the morn,
Too soon unclosing, may too much reveal.
Illustrious Medon ranks a faithful troop,
His hundred Locrians. Haliartus there,
There Timon's few, but gen'rous Delphians stand,
By Aristides all enjoin'd to watch
Laconia's host. That sternly-tutor'd race,
To passion cold, he knew in action slow,
229
He waits, and fears the eyelids of the morn,
Too soon unclosing, may too much reveal.
Sicinus, hast'ning to Laconia's camp,
Finds all confus'd, subordination lost
In altercation, wond'rous in that breed
Of discipline and manners, nor less strange,
Than if the laws of nature in the sky
Dissolv'd, should turn the moon and planets loose
From their accustom'd orbits, to obey
The sun no longer. When his first command
Pausanias issu'd for the march, nor thought
Of disobedience to disturb his pride;
One leader, Amompharetus, whose band
Of Pitanè rever'd him, as the first
Among the brave, refusal stern oppos'd,
Protesting firm, he never would retreat
Before Barbarians. Aemnestus swift,
Callicrates and others, long approv'd
In arms, entreat the Spartan to submit,
Nor disconcert the salutary plan
Of gen'ral council. Sullen he replies:
Finds all confus'd, subordination lost
In altercation, wond'rous in that breed
Of discipline and manners, nor less strange,
Than if the laws of nature in the sky
Dissolv'd, should turn the moon and planets loose
From their accustom'd orbits, to obey
The sun no longer. When his first command
Pausanias issu'd for the march, nor thought
Of disobedience to disturb his pride;
One leader, Amompharetus, whose band
Of Pitanè rever'd him, as the first
Among the brave, refusal stern oppos'd,
Protesting firm, he never would retreat
Before Barbarians. Aemnestus swift,
230
In arms, entreat the Spartan to submit,
Nor disconcert the salutary plan
Of gen'ral council. Sullen he replies:
Not of that council, I will ne'er disgrace
The Spartan name. But all the Greeks withdrawn
Expect our junction at Saturnia's dome,
Callicrates and Aemnestus plead.
Would'st thou expose thy countrymen to sace
Unaided yonder multitude of Medes,
Untry'd by us in combat? Yes, rejoins
The pertinacious man, ere yield to flight.
The Spartan name. But all the Greeks withdrawn
Expect our junction at Saturnia's dome,
Callicrates and Aemnestus plead.
Would'st thou expose thy countrymen to sace
Unaided yonder multitude of Medes,
Untry'd by us in combat? Yes, rejoins
The pertinacious man, ere yield to flight.
His troop applauded. Now contention harsh
Resounded high, exhausting precious hours,
The Spartan march retarding; when arriv'd
Sicinus witness to the wild debate.
At length Pausanias knit his haughty brow
At Amompharetus, and spake: Weak man,
Thou art insane. The chastisement thy due,
Our time allows not. Instant march, or stay
Behind and perish. In his two-fold grasp
The restive Spartan lifting from the ground
A pond'rous stone, before the gen'ral's feet
Plac'd it, and thus: Against dishonest flight
From strangers vile, I rest my suffrage there,
Nor will forsake it. To Sicinus turn'd
Pausanias: Tell th' Athenians what thou see'st.
I by Cithæron's side to Juno's fane
Am hast'ning; charge their phalanx to proceed.
Resounded high, exhausting precious hours,
The Spartan march retarding; when arriv'd
Sicinus witness to the wild debate.
At length Pausanias knit his haughty brow
231
Thou art insane. The chastisement thy due,
Our time allows not. Instant march, or stay
Behind and perish. In his two-fold grasp
The restive Spartan lifting from the ground
A pond'rous stone, before the gen'ral's feet
Plac'd it, and thus: Against dishonest flight
From strangers vile, I rest my suffrage there,
Nor will forsake it. To Sicinus turn'd
Pausanias: Tell th' Athenians what thou see'st.
I by Cithæron's side to Juno's fane
Am hast'ning; charge their phalanx to proceed.
Sicinus back to Aristides flies.
His ready phalanx from the lines he draws,
Wing'd with his horse and bowmen; yet his course
Suspends at Sparta's camp. There sullen, fix'd
Like some old oak's deep-rooted, knotted trunk,
Which hath endur'd the tempest-breathing months
Of thrice a hundred winters, yet remains
Unshaken, there amidst his silent troop
Sat Amompharetus. To him the sage:
His ready phalanx from the lines he draws,
Wing'd with his horse and bowmen; yet his course
Suspends at Sparta's camp. There sullen, fix'd
Like some old oak's deep-rooted, knotted trunk,
232
Of thrice a hundred winters, yet remains
Unshaken, there amidst his silent troop
Sat Amompharetus. To him the sage:
Unwife, though brave, transgressing all the laws
Of discipline, though Spartan born and train'd;
Arise, o'ertake thy gen'ral and rejoin.
Thy country's mercy by some rare exploit
Win to forgive thy capital default,
Excess of courage. Where Pausanias, arm'd
With pow'r unlimited in war, where all
The Spartan captains in persuasion fail'd,—
Requir'd not less than Jove himself, or Jove
In Aristides to prevail. Uprose
The warrior, late inflexible; yet slow,
In strictest regularity of march,
Led his well-order'd files. Correcting thus
The erring Spartan, Aristides swept
Across the plain to fill the gen'ral host.
Of discipline, though Spartan born and train'd;
Arise, o'ertake thy gen'ral and rejoin.
Thy country's mercy by some rare exploit
Win to forgive thy capital default,
Excess of courage. Where Pausanias, arm'd
With pow'r unlimited in war, where all
The Spartan captains in persuasion fail'd,—
Requir'd not less than Jove himself, or Jove
In Aristides to prevail. Uprose
The warrior, late inflexible; yet slow,
In strictest regularity of march,
Led his well-order'd files. Correcting thus
233
Across the plain to fill the gen'ral host.
Not yet the twilight, harbinger of morn,
Had overcome the stars. The Persian scouts,
Who rang'd abroad, observing that no sound
Was heard, no watch-word through the Grecian lines,
Adventur'd nigh, and found an empty space.
Swift they appris'd Mardonius, who had form'd
His whole array. Encircled by his chiefs
Greek and Barbarian, first he gave command,
That ev'ry hand provide a blazing torch
To magnify his terrors, and with light
Facilitate pursuit; then gladsome thus
Address'd his friends of Thessaly and Thebes:
Had overcome the stars. The Persian scouts,
Who rang'd abroad, observing that no sound
Was heard, no watch-word through the Grecian lines,
Adventur'd nigh, and found an empty space.
Swift they appris'd Mardonius, who had form'd
His whole array. Encircled by his chiefs
Greek and Barbarian, first he gave command,
That ev'ry hand provide a blazing torch
To magnify his terrors, and with light
Facilitate pursuit; then gladsome thus
Address'd his friends of Thessaly and Thebes:
Now Larissæan Thorax, and the rest
Of Aleuadian race; now Theban lords,
Judge of the Spartans justly. Vaunted high
For unexampled prowess, them you saw
First change their place, imposing on the sons
Of Athens twice the formidable task
To face my chosen Persians; next they gave
To my defiance no reply, and last
Are fled before me. Can your augurs shew
A better omen, than a foe dismay'd?
But, kind allies, to you my friendly care
Shall now be prov'd. These thunderbolts of war,
As you esteem them, will Mardonius chuse
For his opponents. Level your attack
Entire against th' Athenians. None I dread;
Yet by the sun less terrible to me
Is that Pausanias, head of Sparta's race,
Than Aristides. Him Masistius lov'd;
If you o'erthrow, preserve him; in the name
Of your own gods I charge you. Mithra, shine
On me no longer, if in grateful warmth
Confessing ev'ry benefit receiv'd,
I do not clasp that guardian of my friend!
Now, Persians, mount your bold Nisæan steeds,
Alert your targets grasp, your lances poise;
The word is Cyrus. Royal spirit! look
On me, deriv'd from thy illustrious blood,
Yet not in me illustrious, if this day
My hand, or courage faint. Look down on these,
Sons of thy matchless veterans. The fire,
Which at thy breath o'erspread the vanquish'd East,
Light in their offs'pring; that the loud report
Of their achievements on Asopian banks,
Far as the floods of Ganges may proclaim
The western world a vassal to thy throne.
Of Aleuadian race; now Theban lords,
234
For unexampled prowess, them you saw
First change their place, imposing on the sons
Of Athens twice the formidable task
To face my chosen Persians; next they gave
To my defiance no reply, and last
Are fled before me. Can your augurs shew
A better omen, than a foe dismay'd?
But, kind allies, to you my friendly care
Shall now be prov'd. These thunderbolts of war,
As you esteem them, will Mardonius chuse
For his opponents. Level your attack
Entire against th' Athenians. None I dread;
Yet by the sun less terrible to me
Is that Pausanias, head of Sparta's race,
Than Aristides. Him Masistius lov'd;
If you o'erthrow, preserve him; in the name
Of your own gods I charge you. Mithra, shine
On me no longer, if in grateful warmth
235
I do not clasp that guardian of my friend!
Now, Persians, mount your bold Nisæan steeds,
Alert your targets grasp, your lances poise;
The word is Cyrus. Royal spirit! look
On me, deriv'd from thy illustrious blood,
Yet not in me illustrious, if this day
My hand, or courage faint. Look down on these,
Sons of thy matchless veterans. The fire,
Which at thy breath o'erspread the vanquish'd East,
Light in their offs'pring; that the loud report
Of their achievements on Asopian banks,
Far as the floods of Ganges may proclaim
The western world a vassal to thy throne.
He said, and spurr'd his courser. Through the ford
He dashes, follow'd by th' impetuous speed
Of tall equestrian bands in armour scal'd
With gold, on trappings of embroider'd gloss
Superbly seated. Persians next and Medes
Advance, an infantry select, whose mail
Bright-gilt, or silver'd o'er, augments the light
Of sparkling brands, innumerably wav'd
By nations, plunging through the turbid flood
In tumult rude, emblazing, as they pass,
The skies, the waters, and with direst howl
Distracting both. Like savage wolves they rush,
As with ferocious fangs to rend the Greeks,
To gnaw their flesh, and satiate in their blood
The greedy thirst of massacre. In chief
Here Mindarus commands, by Midias join'd
And Tiridates, powerless all to curb,
Much more to marshal such Barbarian throngs,
Which, like a tumbling tide on level strands,
When new the moon impels it, soon o'erwhelm'd
Th' Asopian mead; or like the mightier surge,
When ireful Neptune strikes the ocean's bed
Profound. Upheav'd, the bottom lifts and rolls
A ridge of liquid mountains o'er th' abodes
Of some offending nation; while the heav'ns
With coruscation red his brother Jove
Inflames, and rocks with thunder's roar the poles.
He dashes, follow'd by th' impetuous speed
Of tall equestrian bands in armour scal'd
With gold, on trappings of embroider'd gloss
236
Advance, an infantry select, whose mail
Bright-gilt, or silver'd o'er, augments the light
Of sparkling brands, innumerably wav'd
By nations, plunging through the turbid flood
In tumult rude, emblazing, as they pass,
The skies, the waters, and with direst howl
Distracting both. Like savage wolves they rush,
As with ferocious fangs to rend the Greeks,
To gnaw their flesh, and satiate in their blood
The greedy thirst of massacre. In chief
Here Mindarus commands, by Midias join'd
And Tiridates, powerless all to curb,
Much more to marshal such Barbarian throngs,
Which, like a tumbling tide on level strands,
When new the moon impels it, soon o'erwhelm'd
Th' Asopian mead; or like the mightier surge,
When ireful Neptune strikes the ocean's bed
Profound. Upheav'd, the bottom lifts and rolls
237
Of some offending nation; while the heav'ns
With coruscation red his brother Jove
Inflames, and rocks with thunder's roar the poles.
Th' auxiliar Greeks compact and silent march
In strength five myriads. In arrangement just
The foot by Leontiades, the wings
Of horse by Thorax and Emathia's king
Were led. Now, long before th' unwieldy mass
Of his disorder'd multitude advanc'd,
Mardonius, rushing through the vacant lines
Of Lacedæmon, tow'rds Cithæron bent
His swift career. Faint rays began to streak
The third clear morning of that fruitful month,
The last in summer's train. Immortal day!
Which all the Muses consecrate to fame.
In strength five myriads. In arrangement just
The foot by Leontiades, the wings
Of horse by Thorax and Emathia's king
Were led. Now, long before th' unwieldy mass
Of his disorder'd multitude advanc'd,
Mardonius, rushing through the vacant lines
Of Lacedæmon, tow'rds Cithæron bent
His swift career. Faint rays began to streak
The third clear morning of that fruitful month,
The last in summer's train. Immortal day!
Which all the Muses consecrate to fame.
O thou! exalted o'er the laurell'd train,
High as the sweet Calliopè is thron'd
Above her sisters on the tuneful mount,
O father, hear! Great Homer, let one ray
From thy celestial light an humble son
Of thine illuminate; lest freedom mourn
Her chosen race dishonour'd in these strains.
Thou too, my eldest brother, who enjoy'st
The paradise thy genius hath portray'd,
Propitious smile. Lend vigour to a Muse,
Who in her love of freedom equals thine,
But to sustain her labours from thy store
Must borrow language, sentiment and verse.
High as the sweet Calliopè is thron'd
238
O father, hear! Great Homer, let one ray
From thy celestial light an humble son
Of thine illuminate; lest freedom mourn
Her chosen race dishonour'd in these strains.
Thou too, my eldest brother, who enjoy'st
The paradise thy genius hath portray'd,
Propitious smile. Lend vigour to a Muse,
Who in her love of freedom equals thine,
But to sustain her labours from thy store
Must borrow language, sentiment and verse.
Cithæron's ridge, from where Asopus rose,
Stretch'd to Platæa, with a southern fence
Confining one broad level, which the floods
From their Hesperian head in eastward flow
Meandring parted. O'er the mountain's foot
His course Pausanias destin'd, where the soil
Abrupt and stony might the dread career
Of Persia's cavalry impede. His ranks,
Accompany'd by Tegea's faithful breed,
Had measur'd now ten furlongs of their march
Half o'er the plain to reach the friendly ground;
Then halted near an Eleusinian dome
Of Ceres; thence they mov'd, but timely first
Were join'd by Amompharetus. At length
The chosen track was gain'd. Pausanias cast
His eyes below first northward, and survey'd
Between the river and his empty camp
A blaze involving all the plain. The yell
Of mouths Barbarian, of unnumber'd feet
Th' impetuous tread, which crush'd the groaning turf,
The neigh of horses, and their echoing hoofs,
Th' insulting clash of shields and sabres, shook
The theatre of mountains; hollow-voic'd,
Their cavities rebellow'd, and enlarg'd
The hideous sound. His eyes the orient dawn
Attracted next. Saturnia's roof he view'd,
But distant still, around whose sacred walls
The first-departed Grecians stood in arms
Beneath wide-floating banners, wish'd more nigh.
There was the Genius of Platæa seen
By fancy's ken, a hov'ring mourner seen,
O'er his renown'd, but desolated seat,
One mass of ruins mountainous. He mark'd
Th' Athenians traversing the meads below
In full battalia. Resolute, sedate,
Without one shield in disarray, they mov'd
To join the gen'ral host. Beyond the stream
In prospect rose the battlements of Thebes;
Whose sons perfidious, but in battle firm,
With phalanges of other hostile Greeks
Spread on the bank, and menace to surmount
The shallow current for some dire attempt.
To Aemnestus, marching by his side,
Pausanias turns; the army he commands
To halt; while, mast'ring all unmanly fear,
His haughty phlegm serenely thus fulfils
A leader's function: Spartan, we in vain
Precipitate our junction with allies
At Juno's distant fane; the hour is past;
The Pitanēan mutineer the cause.
Seest thou yon Persian squadrons? They precede
The whole Barbarian multitude. The storm
Is gath'ring nigh; we sep'rate must abide
The heavy weight of this unequal shock,
Unless th' Athenians, still in sight, impart
A present aid. A herald swift he sends
To Aristides, with this weighty charge:
“All Greece is now in danger, and the blood
“Of Hercules in me. Athenian help
“Is wanted here, their missile-weapon'd force.”
Last he address'd Tisamenus: Provide
The sacrifice for battle—Warriors, form.
Stretch'd to Platæa, with a southern fence
Confining one broad level, which the floods
From their Hesperian head in eastward flow
Meandring parted. O'er the mountain's foot
His course Pausanias destin'd, where the soil
Abrupt and stony might the dread career
239
Accompany'd by Tegea's faithful breed,
Had measur'd now ten furlongs of their march
Half o'er the plain to reach the friendly ground;
Then halted near an Eleusinian dome
Of Ceres; thence they mov'd, but timely first
Were join'd by Amompharetus. At length
The chosen track was gain'd. Pausanias cast
His eyes below first northward, and survey'd
Between the river and his empty camp
A blaze involving all the plain. The yell
Of mouths Barbarian, of unnumber'd feet
Th' impetuous tread, which crush'd the groaning turf,
The neigh of horses, and their echoing hoofs,
Th' insulting clash of shields and sabres, shook
The theatre of mountains; hollow-voic'd,
Their cavities rebellow'd, and enlarg'd
The hideous sound. His eyes the orient dawn
240
But distant still, around whose sacred walls
The first-departed Grecians stood in arms
Beneath wide-floating banners, wish'd more nigh.
There was the Genius of Platæa seen
By fancy's ken, a hov'ring mourner seen,
O'er his renown'd, but desolated seat,
One mass of ruins mountainous. He mark'd
Th' Athenians traversing the meads below
In full battalia. Resolute, sedate,
Without one shield in disarray, they mov'd
To join the gen'ral host. Beyond the stream
In prospect rose the battlements of Thebes;
Whose sons perfidious, but in battle firm,
With phalanges of other hostile Greeks
Spread on the bank, and menace to surmount
The shallow current for some dire attempt.
To Aemnestus, marching by his side,
Pausanias turns; the army he commands
241
His haughty phlegm serenely thus fulfils
A leader's function: Spartan, we in vain
Precipitate our junction with allies
At Juno's distant fane; the hour is past;
The Pitanēan mutineer the cause.
Seest thou yon Persian squadrons? They precede
The whole Barbarian multitude. The storm
Is gath'ring nigh; we sep'rate must abide
The heavy weight of this unequal shock,
Unless th' Athenians, still in sight, impart
A present aid. A herald swift he sends
To Aristides, with this weighty charge:
“All Greece is now in danger, and the blood
“Of Hercules in me. Athenian help
“Is wanted here, their missile-weapon'd force.”
Last he address'd Tisamenus: Provide
The sacrifice for battle—Warriors, form.
242
Slain is the victim; but th' inspecting seer
Reveals no sign propitious. Now full nigh
The foremost Persian horse discharge around
Their javelins, darts, and arrows. Sparta's chief
In calm respect of inauspicious heav'n
Directs each soldier at his foot to rest
The passive shield, submissive to endure
Th' assault, and watch a signal from the gods.
A second time unfavorable prove
The victim's entrails. Unremitted show'rs
Of pointed arms distribute wounds and death.
Reveals no sign propitious. Now full nigh
The foremost Persian horse discharge around
Their javelins, darts, and arrows. Sparta's chief
In calm respect of inauspicious heav'n
Directs each soldier at his foot to rest
The passive shield, submissive to endure
Th' assault, and watch a signal from the gods.
A second time unfavorable prove
The victim's entrails. Unremitted show'rs
Of pointed arms distribute wounds and death.
Oh! discipline of Sparta! Patient stands
The wounded soldier, sees a comrade fall,
Yet waits permission from his chief to shield
His own, or brother's head. Among the rest
Callicrates is pierc'd; a mortal stroke
His throat receives. Him celebrate, O muse!
Him in historic rolls deliver'd down
To admiration of remotest climes
Through latest ages. These expiring words
Beyond Olympian chaplets him exalt,
Beyond his palms in battle: Not to die
For Greece, but dying, ere my sword is drawn,
Without one action worthy of my name,
I grieve. He said, and fainting on the breast
Of Aemnestus, breath'd in spouting blood
His last, departing thy attendant meet,
Leonidas, in regions of the bless'd.
The wounded soldier, sees a comrade fall,
Yet waits permission from his chief to shield
His own, or brother's head. Among the rest
Callicrates is pierc'd; a mortal stroke
His throat receives. Him celebrate, O muse!
Him in historic rolls deliver'd down
243
Through latest ages. These expiring words
Beyond Olympian chaplets him exalt,
Beyond his palms in battle: Not to die
For Greece, but dying, ere my sword is drawn,
Without one action worthy of my name,
I grieve. He said, and fainting on the breast
Of Aemnestus, breath'd in spouting blood
His last, departing thy attendant meet,
Leonidas, in regions of the bless'd.
A second victim bleeds; the gath'ring foes
To multitude are grown; the show'rs of death
Increase; then melted into slowing grief
Pausanian pride. He, tow'rds the fane remote
Of Juno lifting his afflicted eyes,
Thus suppliant spake: O Goddess! let my hopes
Be not defeated, whether to obtain
A victory so glorious, or expire
Without dishonour to Herculean blood.
To multitude are grown; the show'rs of death
Increase; then melted into slowing grief
Pausanian pride. He, tow'rds the fane remote
Of Juno lifting his afflicted eyes,
Thus suppliant spake: O Goddess! let my hopes
Be not defeated, whether to obtain
A victory so glorious, or expire
Without dishonour to Herculean blood.
244
Amidst the pray'r Tegēan Chileus, free
From stern controul of Lacedæmon's laws,
No longer waits inactive; but his band
Leads forth, and firmly checks th' insulting foe.
The sacrifice is prosp'rous, and the word
For gen'ral onset by Pausanias giv'n.
Then, as a lion, from his native range
Confin'd a captive long, if once his chain
He breaks, with mane erect and eyes of fire
Asserts his freedom, rushing in his strength
Resistless forth; so Sparta's phalanx turns
A face tremendous on recoiling swarms
Of squadron'd Persians, who to Ceres' fane
Are driv'n. But there Mardonius, like the god
Of thunders ranging o'er th' ethereal vault
Thick clouds on clouds impregnated with storms,
His chosen troops embattles. Bows and darts
Rejecting, gallantly to combat close
They urge undaunted efforts, and to death
Their ground maintain, in courage, or in might
Not to the Greeks inferior, but in arms,
In discipline and conduct. Parties small,
Or single warriors, here with vigour wield
The battle-ax and sabre; others rush
Among the spears, to wrench away, or break
By strength of hands, the weapons of their foes.
From stern controul of Lacedæmon's laws,
No longer waits inactive; but his band
Leads forth, and firmly checks th' insulting foe.
The sacrifice is prosp'rous, and the word
For gen'ral onset by Pausanias giv'n.
Then, as a lion, from his native range
Confin'd a captive long, if once his chain
He breaks, with mane erect and eyes of fire
Asserts his freedom, rushing in his strength
Resistless forth; so Sparta's phalanx turns
A face tremendous on recoiling swarms
Of squadron'd Persians, who to Ceres' fane
Are driv'n. But there Mardonius, like the god
Of thunders ranging o'er th' ethereal vault
Thick clouds on clouds impregnated with storms,
His chosen troops embattles. Bows and darts
Rejecting, gallantly to combat close
They urge undaunted efforts, and to death
245
Not to the Greeks inferior, but in arms,
In discipline and conduct. Parties small,
Or single warriors, here with vigour wield
The battle-ax and sabre; others rush
Among the spears, to wrench away, or break
By strength of hands, the weapons of their foes.
But fiercest was the contest, where sublime
The son of Gobryas from a snow-white steed
Shot terror. There selected warriors charg'd,
A thousand vet'rans, by their fathers train'd,
Who shar'd renown with Cyrus. On the right,
Close to his gen'ral's side, Briareus grasp'd
A studded mace, Pangæus on the left,
Nam'd from a Thracian hill. The bristly front
Of Sparta's phalanx, with intrepid looks
Mardonius fac'd, and thunder'd out these words:
Come, twice-defy'd Pausanias, if thou hear'st;
Thy Spartan prowess on Mardonius try.
The son of Gobryas from a snow-white steed
Shot terror. There selected warriors charg'd,
A thousand vet'rans, by their fathers train'd,
Who shar'd renown with Cyrus. On the right,
Close to his gen'ral's side, Briareus grasp'd
A studded mace, Pangæus on the left,
Nam'd from a Thracian hill. The bristly front
Of Sparta's phalanx, with intrepid looks
Mardonius fac'd, and thunder'd out these words:
246
Thy Spartan prowess on Mardonius try.
Pausanias heard; but shunn'd retorting words,
In saturnine disdain laconic thus
His men addressing: Yours the soldler's part,
The gen'rals mine; advance not, but receive
These loose Barbarians on your steady points.
In saturnine disdain laconic thus
His men addressing: Yours the soldler's part,
The gen'rals mine; advance not, but receive
These loose Barbarians on your steady points.
Not one of Persia's breed, though early train'd,
So strong a javelin as Mardonius lanc'd,
Or in its aim so true. Three brothers grac'd
The formost line of Sparta, natives all
Of sweet Amyclæ, all in age and arms
Mature, their splendid lineage from the stock
Of Tyndarus deriving. Them on earth
Three javelins, whirl'd successive, laid supine,
An effort of Mardonius. Three in rank
Behind partake the same resistless doom,
Three bold companions in the hardy chace
Of boars on green Taÿgetus. Supply'd
With weapons new, the phalanx still to gore
He perseveres unweary'd, not unlike
Some irritated porcupine, of size
Portentous, darting his envenom'd quills
Through each assailant. In Laconia's front
So many warriors and their weapons fall'n,
Leave in her triple tire of pointed steel
A void for swift impression of her foes.
In rush Briareus and Pangæus huge,
Whose maces send fresh numbers to the shades.
The op'ning widens. On his vaulting steed
Mardonius follows, like ensanguin'd Mars
By his auxiliars grim, dismay and rage,
Preceded. Rivalling the lightning's beams,
The hero's sabre bright and rapid wheels
Alost in air. A comet thus inflames
The cheek of night; pale mortals view in dread
Th' unwonted lustre, transient tho' it be,
Among the lights of heav'n. Pausanias rous'd,
Advancing, at Briareus points his lance.
Meantime six Spartans of the younger class
Assail Mardonius. One his bridle grasp'd;
The Persian sabre at the shoulder close
Lopp'd off th' audacious arm. Another stoop'd
To seize the chieftain's foot, and drag him down;
Pois'd on his stirrup, he in sunder smote
The Spartan's waist. Another yet approach'd,
Who at a blow was cloven to the chin.
Two more the gen'rous horse, uprearing, dash'd
Maim'd and disabled to the ground; the last
His teeth dissigur'd, and his weight oppress'd.
As some tall-masted ship, on ev'ry side
Assail'd by pinnaces and skiffs whose strength
Is number, drives her well-directed prow
Through all their feeble clusters; while her chief
Elate contemplates from her lofty deck
The hostile keels upturn'd, and floating dead,
Where'er she steers victorious: so the steed
Nisæan tramples on Laconian slain,
Triumphant so Mardonius from his seat
Looks down. But fate amidst his triumph shews
Briareus yielding to a forceful blow
Of stern Pausanias, and Pangæus pierc'd
By Amompharetus. Their giant bulks,
Thrown prostrate, crash three long-protended rows
Of Spartan spears. Wide-branching thus huge oaks,
By age decay'd, or twisted-from the roots
By rending whirlwinds, in their pond'rous fall
Lay desolate the under shrubs, and trees
Of young, unstable growth. More awful still,
Another object strikes the satrap's eye;
With nodding plumes, and formidable stride,
Lo! Aemnestus. Asia's gen'ral feels
Emotions now, which trouble, not degrade
His gen'rous spirit. Not, as Priam's son
On sight of dire Achilles, thoughts of flight
Possess Mardonius, but to wait the foe,
And if to die, with honour die, if live
Enjoy a life of fame. His giant guard
Around him close; one levels at the casque
Of Aemnestus; but the weighty mace
Slides o'er the Spartan's slanting shield, and spends
Its rage in dust. The stooping giant leaves
His flank unguarded, and admits a stroke,
Which penetrates the entrails. Down he sinks,
Another tow'r of Asia's battle strewn
In hideous ruin. Soon a second bleeds,
A third, a fourth. The fifth in posture stands
To crush the victor with a blow well-aim'd;
Him Menalippus at the brawny pit
Of his uplifted arm transpiercing deep
Disables. Aemnestus struggles long
To grapple with his victim, and invokes
Leonidas aloud. The active son
Of Gobryas plants throughout the Spartan shield
A wood of Javelins. His Nisæan horse,
Careering, vaulting, with his fangs and hoofs
Protects his lord. The guards, who still surviv'd,
With faithful zeal their whole united strength
Exert unwearied for a lib'ral chief.
Some paces backward Aemnestus forc'd,
Impels his heel against a loos'ning stone,
Broad, craggy, scarce inferior to the weight
Discharg'd by Hector on the massy bars
Of Agamemnon's camp. The Spartan quick
From his left arm removes the heavy shield,
With javelins thick transfix'd. From earth he lifts
The casual weapon, and with caution marks
The fatal time and distance. O'er the heads
Of thy surrounding guard the fragment hurl'd
Descends, Mardonius, on thy manly chest,
And lays thee o'er thy courser's back supine
Without sensation. O, illustrious man,
Whose dazzling virtues through thy frailties beam'd!
Magnanimous, heroic, gen'rous, pure
In friendship, warm in gratitude! This doom
At once dissolves all interval of pain
To mind, or body. Not a moment more
Hast thou, ingenuous satrap, to repine,
Or grieve. Go, hero, thy Masistius greet,
Where no ambition agitates the breast,
No gloomy veil of superstition blinds,
No friend can die, no battle can be lost!
So strong a javelin as Mardonius lanc'd,
Or in its aim so true. Three brothers grac'd
The formost line of Sparta, natives all
Of sweet Amyclæ, all in age and arms
Mature, their splendid lineage from the stock
Of Tyndarus deriving. Them on earth
Three javelins, whirl'd successive, laid supine,
An effort of Mardonius. Three in rank
Behind partake the same resistless doom,
247
Of boars on green Taÿgetus. Supply'd
With weapons new, the phalanx still to gore
He perseveres unweary'd, not unlike
Some irritated porcupine, of size
Portentous, darting his envenom'd quills
Through each assailant. In Laconia's front
So many warriors and their weapons fall'n,
Leave in her triple tire of pointed steel
A void for swift impression of her foes.
In rush Briareus and Pangæus huge,
Whose maces send fresh numbers to the shades.
The op'ning widens. On his vaulting steed
Mardonius follows, like ensanguin'd Mars
By his auxiliars grim, dismay and rage,
Preceded. Rivalling the lightning's beams,
The hero's sabre bright and rapid wheels
Alost in air. A comet thus inflames
The cheek of night; pale mortals view in dread
248
Among the lights of heav'n. Pausanias rous'd,
Advancing, at Briareus points his lance.
Meantime six Spartans of the younger class
Assail Mardonius. One his bridle grasp'd;
The Persian sabre at the shoulder close
Lopp'd off th' audacious arm. Another stoop'd
To seize the chieftain's foot, and drag him down;
Pois'd on his stirrup, he in sunder smote
The Spartan's waist. Another yet approach'd,
Who at a blow was cloven to the chin.
Two more the gen'rous horse, uprearing, dash'd
Maim'd and disabled to the ground; the last
His teeth dissigur'd, and his weight oppress'd.
As some tall-masted ship, on ev'ry side
Assail'd by pinnaces and skiffs whose strength
Is number, drives her well-directed prow
Through all their feeble clusters; while her chief
Elate contemplates from her lofty deck
249
Where'er she steers victorious: so the steed
Nisæan tramples on Laconian slain,
Triumphant so Mardonius from his seat
Looks down. But fate amidst his triumph shews
Briareus yielding to a forceful blow
Of stern Pausanias, and Pangæus pierc'd
By Amompharetus. Their giant bulks,
Thrown prostrate, crash three long-protended rows
Of Spartan spears. Wide-branching thus huge oaks,
By age decay'd, or twisted-from the roots
By rending whirlwinds, in their pond'rous fall
Lay desolate the under shrubs, and trees
Of young, unstable growth. More awful still,
Another object strikes the satrap's eye;
With nodding plumes, and formidable stride,
Lo! Aemnestus. Asia's gen'ral feels
Emotions now, which trouble, not degrade
250
On sight of dire Achilles, thoughts of flight
Possess Mardonius, but to wait the foe,
And if to die, with honour die, if live
Enjoy a life of fame. His giant guard
Around him close; one levels at the casque
Of Aemnestus; but the weighty mace
Slides o'er the Spartan's slanting shield, and spends
Its rage in dust. The stooping giant leaves
His flank unguarded, and admits a stroke,
Which penetrates the entrails. Down he sinks,
Another tow'r of Asia's battle strewn
In hideous ruin. Soon a second bleeds,
A third, a fourth. The fifth in posture stands
To crush the victor with a blow well-aim'd;
Him Menalippus at the brawny pit
Of his uplifted arm transpiercing deep
Disables. Aemnestus struggles long
To grapple with his victim, and invokes
251
Of Gobryas plants throughout the Spartan shield
A wood of Javelins. His Nisæan horse,
Careering, vaulting, with his fangs and hoofs
Protects his lord. The guards, who still surviv'd,
With faithful zeal their whole united strength
Exert unwearied for a lib'ral chief.
Some paces backward Aemnestus forc'd,
Impels his heel against a loos'ning stone,
Broad, craggy, scarce inferior to the weight
Discharg'd by Hector on the massy bars
Of Agamemnon's camp. The Spartan quick
From his left arm removes the heavy shield,
With javelins thick transfix'd. From earth he lifts
The casual weapon, and with caution marks
The fatal time and distance. O'er the heads
Of thy surrounding guard the fragment hurl'd
Descends, Mardonius, on thy manly chest,
And lays thee o'er thy courser's back supine
252
Whose dazzling virtues through thy frailties beam'd!
Magnanimous, heroic, gen'rous, pure
In friendship, warm in gratitude! This doom
At once dissolves all interval of pain
To mind, or body. Not a moment more
Hast thou, ingenuous satrap, to repine,
Or grieve. Go, hero, thy Masistius greet,
Where no ambition agitates the breast,
No gloomy veil of superstition blinds,
No friend can die, no battle can be lost!
This fall, to Greece decisive as to heav'n
Enceladus o'erthrown, when, thunder-piere'd,
He under Ætna's torrid mass was chain'd,
Discomsits Asia's hopes. In fresh array
Meantime the phalanx, by Pausanias form'd,
Proceeds entire. Facility of skill
Directs their weapons; pace by pace they move
True to the cadence of accustom'd notes
From gentle flutes, which trill the Doric lays
Of Alcman and Terpander. Slow they gain
The ground, which Persia quits, till Chileus bold
With his Tegæans gores the hostile flanks;
Confusion then, and gen'ral rout prevail.
Enceladus o'erthrown, when, thunder-piere'd,
He under Ætna's torrid mass was chain'd,
Discomsits Asia's hopes. In fresh array
Meantime the phalanx, by Pausanias form'd,
Proceeds entire. Facility of skill
Directs their weapons; pace by pace they move
253
From gentle flutes, which trill the Doric lays
Of Alcman and Terpander. Slow they gain
The ground, which Persia quits, till Chileus bold
With his Tegæans gores the hostile flanks;
Confusion then, and gen'ral rout prevail.
The fugitives proclaim Mardonius slain;
The whole Barbarian multitude disperse
In blind dismay; cool Mindarus in vain
Attempts to check their flight; all seek the camp;
And now the Spartan flutes, combin'd with shouts
Of loud Tegæans stimulate his speed
Across the ford. His trenches he regains,
There to Midias, Tiridates brave,
And chosen satraps, gath'ring at his call,
Thus spake: The flow'r of Asia in the dust
Reclines his glories. Feel your loss like me,
Not overcome by sorrow, or surprise
At changes natural to man, the sport
Of his own passions, and uncertain chance.
Vicissitudes of fortune I have prov'd,
One day been foil'd, a conqueror the next.
In arduous actions though experienc'd minds
Have much to fear, not less of hope remains
To animate the brave. Amid this storm
The throne of Cyrus, your exalted sires,
Your own nobility, recall; deserve
The rank, you hold; occasion now presents
For such a trial. To uphold my king,
My country's name, and piously revenge
My kindred blood new-spilt, my sword, my arm,
My life, I destine. Multitude is left,
Surpassing twenty myriads; ev'n despair
Befriends us; famine threat'ning, and the dread
Of merciless resentment in our foes,
May force these rally'd numbers to obtain
From their own swords relief. Behold your camp,
Strong-fenc'd and bulwark'd by Masistian care,
A present refuge. See th' auxiliar Greeks
Entire, advancing on th' inferior bands
Of Athens. Still may Xerxes o'er the West
Extend his empire, and regret no part
Of this disaster, but Mardonius slain.
Assume your posts, for stern defence provide.
The whole Barbarian multitude disperse
In blind dismay; cool Mindarus in vain
Attempts to check their flight; all seek the camp;
And now the Spartan flutes, combin'd with shouts
Of loud Tegæans stimulate his speed
Across the ford. His trenches he regains,
There to Midias, Tiridates brave,
And chosen satraps, gath'ring at his call,
Thus spake: The flow'r of Asia in the dust
Reclines his glories. Feel your loss like me,
Not overcome by sorrow, or surprise
254
Of his own passions, and uncertain chance.
Vicissitudes of fortune I have prov'd,
One day been foil'd, a conqueror the next.
In arduous actions though experienc'd minds
Have much to fear, not less of hope remains
To animate the brave. Amid this storm
The throne of Cyrus, your exalted sires,
Your own nobility, recall; deserve
The rank, you hold; occasion now presents
For such a trial. To uphold my king,
My country's name, and piously revenge
My kindred blood new-spilt, my sword, my arm,
My life, I destine. Multitude is left,
Surpassing twenty myriads; ev'n despair
Befriends us; famine threat'ning, and the dread
Of merciless resentment in our foes,
May force these rally'd numbers to obtain
From their own swords relief. Behold your camp,
255
A present refuge. See th' auxiliar Greeks
Entire, advancing on th' inferior bands
Of Athens. Still may Xerxes o'er the West
Extend his empire, and regret no part
Of this disaster, but Mardonius slain.
Assume your posts, for stern defence provide.
End of the Twenty-ninth Book.
256
BOOK the Thirtieth.
O God of light and wisdom! thee the Muse
Once more addresses. Thou didst late behold
The Salaminian brine with Asian blood
Discolour'd. Climbing now the steep ascent
To thy meridian, for a stage of war
More horrible and vast, thy beaming eye
Prepare. Thou over wide Platæa's field,
Chang'd to a crimson lake, shall drive thy car,
Nor see a pause to havoc, till the West
In his dark chamb rs shuts thy radiant face.
Once more addresses. Thou didst late behold
The Salaminian brine with Asian blood
Discolour'd. Climbing now the steep ascent
To thy meridian, for a stage of war
More horrible and vast, thy beaming eye
Prepare. Thou over wide Platæa's field,
Chang'd to a crimson lake, shall drive thy car,
Nor see a pause to havoc, till the West
In his dark chamb rs shuts thy radiant face.
257
Now had the herald, to Cecropia's chief
Sent by Pausanias, in his name requir'd
Immediate aid. No doubt suspends the haste
Of Aristides; who arrays his ranks
With cordial purpose to sustain that strength
Of Greece, Laconia's phalanx. Lo! in sight
New clouds of battle hov'ring. He discerns
Th' array of Leontiades, with wings
Of Macedonic, and Thessalian horse;
Then calls Sicinus: Friend, he said, observe;
Robust and bold, to perfidy inur'd,
Not less than arms, yon Thebans cross our march.
I trust the justice of our cause will foil
Them, thrice our number; but events like this
Are not in man's disposal. If I fall,
Not rashly, good Sicinus, rest assur'd,
Themistocles survives. The gate of Greece
He guards, Eubœa and Thessalia holds,
Those granaries of plenty. Eastern shores
With all his force, perhaps victorious now,
Xanthippus will relinquish, and maintain
The sea auxiliar to thy prudent lord;
Thus all be well, though Aristides bleeds:
This to Themistocles report. But go,
Fly to Cleander; him and all the Greeks
Rouse from the fane of Juno to the field;
Both Spartans and Athenians want their aid.
Thy tribe, undaunted Cimon, place behind
Olympiodorus; if his active bands
Repel Thessalia's horse, avoid pursuit;
Wheel on the flank of Thebes. Here Delphi's priest:
Sent by Pausanias, in his name requir'd
Immediate aid. No doubt suspends the haste
Of Aristides; who arrays his ranks
With cordial purpose to sustain that strength
Of Greece, Laconia's phalanx. Lo! in sight
New clouds of battle hov'ring. He discerns
Th' array of Leontiades, with wings
Of Macedonic, and Thessalian horse;
Then calls Sicinus: Friend, he said, observe;
Robust and bold, to perfidy inur'd,
Not less than arms, yon Thebans cross our march.
I trust the justice of our cause will foil
Them, thrice our number; but events like this
Are not in man's disposal. If I fall,
Not rashly, good Sicinus, rest assur'd,
Themistocles survives. The gate of Greece
He guards, Eubœa and Thessalia holds,
Those granaries of plenty. Eastern shores
258
Xanthippus will relinquish, and maintain
The sea auxiliar to thy prudent lord;
Thus all be well, though Aristides bleeds:
This to Themistocles report. But go,
Fly to Cleander; him and all the Greeks
Rouse from the fane of Juno to the field;
Both Spartans and Athenians want their aid.
Thy tribe, undaunted Cimon, place behind
Olympiodorus; if his active bands
Repel Thessalia's horse, avoid pursuit;
Wheel on the flank of Thebes. Here Delphi's priest:
Behold Emathia's standards front thy right;
With Haliartus, and Oïleus' son,
Let me be station'd there. I trust, the spouse
Of Amarantha, at her father's sight,
Will sheath a sword involuntary drawn,
Nor ties of hospitality and blood
Prosane to serve Barbarians. I accept
The gen'rous offer, sage and gallant seer,
Spakc Aristides. In that wing thy friend,
The learn'd and manly Æschylus presides.
But, to thy god appealing, I enjoin
Thy rev'rend head to cover in retreat
Its unpolluted hairs, should fire of youth,
Or yet more strong necessity, impel
Thy son to battle. Here th' enraptur'd priest:
With Haliartus, and Oïleus' son,
Let me be station'd there. I trust, the spouse
Of Amarantha, at her father's sight,
Will sheath a sword involuntary drawn,
Nor ties of hospitality and blood
259
The gen'rous offer, sage and gallant seer,
Spakc Aristides. In that wing thy friend,
The learn'd and manly Æschylus presides.
But, to thy god appealing, I enjoin
Thy rev'rend head to cover in retreat
Its unpolluted hairs, should fire of youth,
Or yet more strong necessity, impel
Thy son to battle. Here th' enraptur'd priest:
The inspiration of my god I feel;
A glorious day to Athens I presage,
I see her laurels fresh. Apollo joins
His sister Pallas to preserve a race,
Which all the Muses love. His awful power
Will chain the monster parricide, and rouse
The Grecian worth in Alexander's heart.
A glorious day to Athens I presage,
I see her laurels fresh. Apollo joins
His sister Pallas to preserve a race,
Which all the Muses love. His awful power
Will chain the monster parricide, and rouse
The Grecian worth in Alexander's heart.
These animated accents fire the line.
Within the measure of an arrow's flight
Each army now rank'd opposite. A thought
Of piety and prudence from his place
Mov'd Aristides. Single he advanc'd
Between the hosts; offensive arms he left
Behind him; ev'n his plumed helm resign'd
Gave to his placid looks their lib'ral flow.
Before him hung his ample shield alone,
Timothea's gift, whose sculptur'd face display'd
Truth, equity, and wisdom hand in hand,
As in his breast. Exalting high in tone
His gracious voice, he thus adjur'd his foes:
Within the measure of an arrow's flight
260
Of piety and prudence from his place
Mov'd Aristides. Single he advanc'd
Between the hosts; offensive arms he left
Behind him; ev'n his plumed helm resign'd
Gave to his placid looks their lib'ral flow.
Before him hung his ample shield alone,
Timothea's gift, whose sculptur'd face display'd
Truth, equity, and wisdom hand in hand,
As in his breast. Exalting high in tone
His gracious voice, he thus adjur'd his foes:
Ye men deriv'd from Cadmus, who in Greece
Establish'd letters, fruitful mother since
Of arts and knowledge, to Barbarian spoil
This hour expos'd; ye sons of Locris, hear,
Thessalians, Phocians, Dorians, all compell'd
By savage force to arm against your friends,
Of language, rites and manners with your own
Congenial: Aristides, in the name
Of all the Grecian deities, invokes
Your own sensations to disarm your hands
Of impious weapons, which retard the help
We bear to those now struggling in defence
Of Grecian freedom, sepulchres and fanes.
Establish'd letters, fruitful mother since
Of arts and knowledge, to Barbarian spoil
This hour expos'd; ye sons of Locris, hear,
Thessalians, Phocians, Dorians, all compell'd
By savage force to arm against your friends,
Of language, rites and manners with your own
261
Of all the Grecian deities, invokes
Your own sensations to disarm your hands
Of impious weapons, which retard the help
We bear to those now struggling in defence
Of Grecian freedom, sepulchres and fanes.
He said; was heard like Enoch, like the man
Who walk'd with God, when eminently good
Among th' obscene, the violent, and false,
Of justice and religion, truth and peace
He spake exploded, and from menac'd death
To God withdrew. The fell Bœotians rend
The sky with threat'ning clamour, and their spears
Shake in defiance; while the word to charge
Perfidious Leontiades conveys.
Retreating backward, Aristides cloaths
His face in terror. So Messiah chang'd
His countenance serene, when full of wrath
Bent on Satanic enemies, who shook
Heav'n's peaceful champaign with rebellious arms,
He grasp'd ten thousand thunders, and infix'd
Plagues in their souls; while darts of piercing fire
Through their immortal substances, by sin
Susceptible of pain, his glaring wheels
Shot forth pernicious. Aristides leads
His phalanx on. Now Greeks to Greeks oppose
Their steely structures of tremendous war.
With equal spears and shields their torrent fronts
They clash together; as the justling rocks,
Symplegades Cyanean, at the mouth
Of Thracia's foaming Bosphorus, were feign'd,
Infrangible opponents, to sustain
A mutual shock which tempested the frith,
Dividing Europe from the Orient world.
Who walk'd with God, when eminently good
Among th' obscene, the violent, and false,
Of justice and religion, truth and peace
He spake exploded, and from menac'd death
To God withdrew. The fell Bœotians rend
The sky with threat'ning clamour, and their spears
Shake in defiance; while the word to charge
Perfidious Leontiades conveys.
Retreating backward, Aristides cloaths
His face in terror. So Messiah chang'd
His countenance serene, when full of wrath
262
Heav'n's peaceful champaign with rebellious arms,
He grasp'd ten thousand thunders, and infix'd
Plagues in their souls; while darts of piercing fire
Through their immortal substances, by sin
Susceptible of pain, his glaring wheels
Shot forth pernicious. Aristides leads
His phalanx on. Now Greeks to Greeks oppose
Their steely structures of tremendous war.
With equal spears and shields their torrent fronts
They clash together; as the justling rocks,
Symplegades Cyanean, at the mouth
Of Thracia's foaming Bosphorus, were feign'd,
Infrangible opponents, to sustain
A mutual shock which tempested the frith,
Dividing Europe from the Orient world.
Meanwhile Phœbean Timon's glowing zeal,
Replete with patriot and religious warmth,
Thus in the wing which Æschylus had form'd,
Bespake the encircling chieftains: O'er the space
Between Asopus, and the main array
Of Thebes, I see the Macedonian horse
But half advanc'd: Their tardy pace denotes
Reluctance. Lo! I meditate an act.
To prove my zeal for universal Greece,
Her violated altars, and the tombs
Robb'd of their precious dust. My slender band,
So long companions in adventures high
With your choice Locrians, Haliartus, join
To Medon's banner. Æschylus, observe
My progress; if my piety succeeds,
Thou, as a soldier, take advantage full.
Replete with patriot and religious warmth,
263
Bespake the encircling chieftains: O'er the space
Between Asopus, and the main array
Of Thebes, I see the Macedonian horse
But half advanc'd: Their tardy pace denotes
Reluctance. Lo! I meditate an act.
To prove my zeal for universal Greece,
Her violated altars, and the tombs
Robb'd of their precious dust. My slender band,
So long companions in adventures high
With your choice Locrians, Haliartus, join
To Medon's banner. Æschylus, observe
My progress; if my piety succeeds,
Thou, as a soldier, take advantage full.
So saying, o'er the plain in solemn pace
His rev'rend form he moves, by snowy bands
Pontifical around his plumed helm
Distinguish'd. Thus from Salem's holy gate
Melchisedek, the priest of him Most High,
Went forth to meet, and benedictions pour
On Terah's son in Shaveh's royal vale.
His rev'rend form he moves, by snowy bands
Pontifical around his plumed helm
Distinguish'd. Thus from Salem's holy gate
264
Went forth to meet, and benedictions pour
On Terah's son in Shaveh's royal vale.
The Macedonian squadrons at the sight
Fall back in rev'rence; their dismounting prince
So wills. The father and the son embrace.
Fall back in rev'rence; their dismounting prince
So wills. The father and the son embrace.
Oh! Amarantha's husband! joyful sighs
The parent. Oh! my Amarantha's sire!
In equal joy the husband. Timon then:
The parent. Oh! my Amarantha's sire!
In equal joy the husband. Timon then:
A Greek in blood, to Delphi's priest ally'd,
The god of Delphi's blessing now secure;
Abandon these Barbarians to the fate,
Which in the name of Phœbus I denounce
For his insulted temple, and the rape
Of Amarantha from Minerva's shrine.
Yet to unsheath an unsuspected sword
Against them, neither I, nor heav'n require,
Less thy own honour; but repass the stream,
Amid this blind uproar unnotic'd seek
Thermopylæ again; and reach thy realm.
O'er all that clime Themistocles prevails,
My friend; his present amity obtain,
Cecropia's future love, nor hazard more
Thy fame and welfare. Aristides knows
My truth, replies the monarch; now to thee
Obedience prompt a second proof shall yield.
Ascend a steed; to Amarantha's arms
I will conduct thee first; th' auspicious flight
Of both, a father shall assist and bless.
The god of Delphi's blessing now secure;
Abandon these Barbarians to the fate,
Which in the name of Phœbus I denounce
For his insulted temple, and the rape
Of Amarantha from Minerva's shrine.
Yet to unsheath an unsuspected sword
265
Less thy own honour; but repass the stream,
Amid this blind uproar unnotic'd seek
Thermopylæ again; and reach thy realm.
O'er all that clime Themistocles prevails,
My friend; his present amity obtain,
Cecropia's future love, nor hazard more
Thy fame and welfare. Aristides knows
My truth, replies the monarch; now to thee
Obedience prompt a second proof shall yield.
Ascend a steed; to Amarantha's arms
I will conduct thee first; th' auspicious flight
Of both, a father shall assist and bless.
They speed away, in extasy the sire
To clasp his darling child in Dirce's grove.
To clasp his darling child in Dirce's grove.
This pass'd in Medon's eye, who watchful stood
With Haliartus, and a troop advanc'd,
In care for Timon. When apparent now
The Macedonian squadrons quit the field
Of strife, the heavy-cuirass'd of his wing
With serry'd shields by Æschylus is led,
In evolution wheeling on the flanks
Of that strong mass'd battalia, which compos'd
The hostile center. First in phalanx stood
Unwilling Locrians. Medon lifts his voice,
And to each eye abash'd his awful shape,
Like some reproving deity, presents;
They hear, they see Oïleus in his son,
As ris'n a mourning witness of their shame
From his sepulchral bed. The banners drop
Before him; down their spears and bucklers fall;
They break, disperse, and fly with childrens' fear,
When by authority's firm look surpris'd
In some attempt forbidden, or unmeet.
Bœotian files are next. With sudden wheel
They form a front, and dauntless wait the assault.
With Haliartus, and a troop advanc'd,
266
The Macedonian squadrons quit the field
Of strife, the heavy-cuirass'd of his wing
With serry'd shields by Æschylus is led,
In evolution wheeling on the flanks
Of that strong mass'd battalia, which compos'd
The hostile center. First in phalanx stood
Unwilling Locrians. Medon lifts his voice,
And to each eye abash'd his awful shape,
Like some reproving deity, presents;
They hear, they see Oïleus in his son,
As ris'n a mourning witness of their shame
From his sepulchral bed. The banners drop
Before him; down their spears and bucklers fall;
They break, disperse, and fly with childrens' fear,
When by authority's firm look surpris'd
In some attempt forbidden, or unmeet.
Bœotian files are next. With sudden wheel
They form a front, and dauntless wait the assault.
267
Still in the van robust and martial Thebes
Unbroken stems th' agility and skill
Of her opponent Athens. Long unspent
The tide of well-conducted battle flows
Without decision strong. At length by fate
Is Leontiades impell'd to meet
Cecropia's chief, where Thebes began to feel
His mighty pressure. Whether justice strung
His nerves with force beyond a guilty hand,
Or of his manly limbs the vigour match'd
His fortitude of mind; his falchion clove
Down to the neck that faithless Greek, of Greece
The most malignant foe. The treacherous deed,
Which laid fair Thespia, with Platæan tow'rs
In dust, he thus aton'd. A bolt from heav'n
Thus rives an oak, whose top divided hangs
On either side obliquely from the trunk.
Murichides the Hellespontin bleeds,
Too zealous friend of Asia, in whose cause
This day he arm'd. By great Mardonius charg'd
Late messenger of friendship, he in peace
On Salaminian shores had touch'd the hand,
Which now amid the tumult pierc'd his heart,
Not willingly, if known. Then Lynceus fell,
From Œdipēan Polynices sprung,
The last remains of that ill-fated house.
Mironides and Clinias near the side
Of Aristides fought, his strong support.
Yet undismay'd and firm three hundred chiefs,
Or sons of proudest families in Thebes,
Dispute the victory till death. Meantime
Olympiodorus from the left had gall'd
Thessalia's squadrons, like a sleety storm
Checking their speed. Athenian horse, though few,
Mix'd with their bowmen, well maintain'd their ground.
His own true-levell'd shaft transfix'd the throat
Of Larissean Thorax; who in dust
Buries at length his Aleuadian pride.
Unbroken stems th' agility and skill
Of her opponent Athens. Long unspent
The tide of well-conducted battle flows
Without decision strong. At length by fate
Is Leontiades impell'd to meet
Cecropia's chief, where Thebes began to feel
His mighty pressure. Whether justice strung
His nerves with force beyond a guilty hand,
Or of his manly limbs the vigour match'd
His fortitude of mind; his falchion clove
Down to the neck that faithless Greek, of Greece
The most malignant foe. The treacherous deed,
Which laid fair Thespia, with Platæan tow'rs
In dust, he thus aton'd. A bolt from heav'n
Thus rives an oak, whose top divided hangs
On either side obliquely from the trunk.
Murichides the Hellespontin bleeds,
Too zealous friend of Asia, in whose cause
268
Late messenger of friendship, he in peace
On Salaminian shores had touch'd the hand,
Which now amid the tumult pierc'd his heart,
Not willingly, if known. Then Lynceus fell,
From Œdipēan Polynices sprung,
The last remains of that ill-fated house.
Mironides and Clinias near the side
Of Aristides fought, his strong support.
Yet undismay'd and firm three hundred chiefs,
Or sons of proudest families in Thebes,
Dispute the victory till death. Meantime
Olympiodorus from the left had gall'd
Thessalia's squadrons, like a sleety storm
Checking their speed. Athenian horse, though few,
Mix'd with their bowmen, well maintain'd their ground.
His own true-levell'd shaft transfix'd the throat
Of Larissean Thorax; who in dust
Buries at length his Aleuadian pride.
269
Rememb'ring all his charge bold Cimon rears
His mighty spear. Impetuous through a band
Of yielding Phocians he on Theban ranks
Falls like a rapid falcon, when his weight
Precipitates to strike the helpless prey.
Him slaughter follows; slaughter from the right
On Æschylus attends, and mightier waits
On Aristides. Justice in his breast
Awhile was blind to mercy undeserv'd,
Ev'n unimplor'd, by persevering foes
Invet'rate. Now on this empurpled stage
Of vengeance due to perfidy and crimes,
Twice their own number had the Athenians heap'd
Of massacred Bœotians; but as heav'n,
Not to destruction punishing, restrains
Its anger just, and oft the harden'd spares,
That time may soften, or that suff'rings past,
Not measur'd full, may turn the dread of more
To reformation; Aristides thus
Relenting bade retreat be sounded loud,
Then, by th' obedient host surrounded, spake
Serene: Enough of Grecian blood is spilt,
Ye men of Athens; low in dust are laid
The heads of those who plann'd the fall of Greece.
The populace obtuse, resembling you,
Enlighten'd people, as the sluggish beast
A gen'rous courser, let your pity save
In gratitude to Jove, creating yours
Unlike Bœotia's breed—Now form again.
His mighty spear. Impetuous through a band
Of yielding Phocians he on Theban ranks
Falls like a rapid falcon, when his weight
Precipitates to strike the helpless prey.
Him slaughter follows; slaughter from the right
On Æschylus attends, and mightier waits
On Aristides. Justice in his breast
Awhile was blind to mercy undeserv'd,
Ev'n unimplor'd, by persevering foes
Invet'rate. Now on this empurpled stage
Of vengeance due to perfidy and crimes,
Twice their own number had the Athenians heap'd
Of massacred Bœotians; but as heav'n,
Not to destruction punishing, restrains
Its anger just, and oft the harden'd spares,
That time may soften, or that suff'rings past,
Not measur'd full, may turn the dread of more
To reformation; Aristides thus
270
Then, by th' obedient host surrounded, spake
Serene: Enough of Grecian blood is spilt,
Ye men of Athens; low in dust are laid
The heads of those who plann'd the fall of Greece.
The populace obtuse, resembling you,
Enlighten'd people, as the sluggish beast
A gen'rous courser, let your pity save
In gratitude to Jove, creating yours
Unlike Bœotia's breed—Now form again.
Thus equity and mercy he combin'd,
Like that archangel, authoris'd by heav'n
Chief o'er celestial armies, when the fall'n
From purity and faith in Eden's bow'rs
Not to perdition nor despair he left
Abandon'd. Aristides still proceeds:
Like that archangel, authoris'd by heav'n
Chief o'er celestial armies, when the fall'n
From purity and faith in Eden's bow'rs
Not to perdition nor despair he left
Abandon'd. Aristides still proceeds:
New victories invite you; Sparta long
Hath wanted succour; Men of Athens, march.
Lo! Menalippus greets in rapid haste
This more than hero. I am come, he said,
To bring thee tidings of Mardonius slain
In open fight. Pausanias still demands
Thy instant presence. In pursuit he reach'd
The stream. “Not now that passage is forbid,”
Tisamenus exclaim'd. The gen'ral pass'd
In vain to force the well-defended camp;
Repuls'd in ev'ry part he dubious stands
With disappointment sore; on Attic skill
To mount entrenchments and a rampart storm
Laconians and Tegæans both depend
To crown the day. Th' Athenian heard, and cool
In four divisions separates the host.
Four thousand warriors, light and heavy-arm'd,
Each part compose; whose ensigns o'er the flood
In order just are carry'd. He attains
Th' adjacent field, and joins Pausanias there;
Whose ravell'd brow, and countenance of gloom
Present a lion's grimness, who, some fold,
Or stall attempting, thence by vollied stones
Of trooping shepherds, and of herdsmen, chas'd,
Hath sullenly retreated, though oppress'd
By famine dire. To Aristides spake
With haughtiness redoubled Sparta's chief:
Hath wanted succour; Men of Athens, march.
271
This more than hero. I am come, he said,
To bring thee tidings of Mardonius slain
In open fight. Pausanias still demands
Thy instant presence. In pursuit he reach'd
The stream. “Not now that passage is forbid,”
Tisamenus exclaim'd. The gen'ral pass'd
In vain to force the well-defended camp;
Repuls'd in ev'ry part he dubious stands
With disappointment sore; on Attic skill
To mount entrenchments and a rampart storm
Laconians and Tegæans both depend
To crown the day. Th' Athenian heard, and cool
In four divisions separates the host.
Four thousand warriors, light and heavy-arm'd,
Each part compose; whose ensigns o'er the flood
In order just are carry'd. He attains
Th' adjacent field, and joins Pausanias there;
Whose ravell'd brow, and countenance of gloom
272
Or stall attempting, thence by vollied stones
Of trooping shepherds, and of herdsmen, chas'd,
Hath sullenly retreated, though oppress'd
By famine dire. To Aristides spake
With haughtiness redoubled Sparta's chief:
Didst thou forget, Athenian, who commands
The Grecian armies? Thou hast loiter'd long
Since my two mandates. With majestic warmth
The righteous man: Pausanias, now receive
From Aristides language new, but just.
Thine is the pride of satraps, not the light
Ingenuous vanity of Greeks, from sense
Of freedom, sense of cultivated minds,
Above the rest of mortals. No; a black,
Barbaric humour festers at thy heart,
Portending usurpation. Know, proud man,
Thou hast been weigh'd, and long deficient found
By Aristides, thy superior far,
Then most superior, when for public good
Compliant most. Thou soon, O! Spartan born,
Yet in thy country's decency untaught,
Will like a Persian cast a loathing eye
On freedom, on Lycurgus and his laws,
Which gall a mind despotic. I presage
Thee dangerous, Pausanias. Where the seeds
Of dark ambition I suspect, my eye
Becomes a jealous centinel; beware,
Nor force my active vigilance to proof
Now or in future, when united Greece,
No more defensive, may retaliate war,
Successful war, which prompts aspiring thoughts.
Rest now a safe spectator. From defeat
Of real warriors, of our fellow Greeks,
Not Persians lightly arm'd in loose array,
The loiterers of Athens shall with ease
Surmount that fence impregnable to thee.
The Grecian armies? Thou hast loiter'd long
Since my two mandates. With majestic warmth
The righteous man: Pausanias, now receive
From Aristides language new, but just.
Thine is the pride of satraps, not the light
Ingenuous vanity of Greeks, from sense
Of freedom, sense of cultivated minds,
Above the rest of mortals. No; a black,
Barbaric humour festers at thy heart,
Portending usurpation. Know, proud man,
Thou hast been weigh'd, and long deficient found
273
Then most superior, when for public good
Compliant most. Thou soon, O! Spartan born,
Yet in thy country's decency untaught,
Will like a Persian cast a loathing eye
On freedom, on Lycurgus and his laws,
Which gall a mind despotic. I presage
Thee dangerous, Pausanias. Where the seeds
Of dark ambition I suspect, my eye
Becomes a jealous centinel; beware,
Nor force my active vigilance to proof
Now or in future, when united Greece,
No more defensive, may retaliate war,
Successful war, which prompts aspiring thoughts.
Rest now a safe spectator. From defeat
Of real warriors, of our fellow Greeks,
Not Persians lightly arm'd in loose array,
The loiterers of Athens shall with ease
Surmount that fence impregnable to thee.
274
To wait an answer he disdain'd, but march'd;
While arrogance in secret gnash'd the teeth
Of this dark-minded Spartan, doom'd to prove
The boding words of Aristides true.
While arrogance in secret gnash'd the teeth
Of this dark-minded Spartan, doom'd to prove
The boding words of Aristides true.
The sun, no longer vertical, began
His slant Hesperian progress. At the head
Of his own host Cecropia's chief began.
Enthusiastic flame, without whose aid
The soldier, patriot, and the bard is faint,
At this great crisis thus inspires the man
Of human race the most correct in mind:
His slant Hesperian progress. At the head
Of his own host Cecropia's chief began.
Enthusiastic flame, without whose aid
The soldier, patriot, and the bard is faint,
At this great crisis thus inspires the man
Of human race the most correct in mind:
Ye shades of all, who tyrants have expell'd,
Ye, who repose at Marathon entomb'd,
Ye glorious victims, who exalt the name
Of Salamis, and Manes of the brave
Leonidas, arise! Our banners fan
With your Elysian breath! Thou god supreme,
Jove elutherian, send thy child belov'd,
With her Gorgonian ægis, to defend
A people struggling not for spoil, or pow'r,
Not to extend dominion, but maintain
The right of nature, thy peculiar gift
To dignify mankind. I lift this prayer,
My citizens, in rev'rence, not in doubt
Of your success. Ye vanquishers of Greeks,
Beneath your spears yon servile herd will fall,
As corn before the sickle. With a look
Of circumspection he remark'd a swell
Of ground not fifty paces from the camp;
Olympiodorus and his bowmen there
He posted first. Now, Æschylus, he said,
Construct of solid shields a brazen roof;
In contact close to yonder fence of wood
Form like the tortoise in his massy shell.
Ye, who repose at Marathon entomb'd,
Ye glorious victims, who exalt the name
Of Salamis, and Manes of the brave
Leonidas, arise! Our banners fan
With your Elysian breath! Thou god supreme,
275
With her Gorgonian ægis, to defend
A people struggling not for spoil, or pow'r,
Not to extend dominion, but maintain
The right of nature, thy peculiar gift
To dignify mankind. I lift this prayer,
My citizens, in rev'rence, not in doubt
Of your success. Ye vanquishers of Greeks,
Beneath your spears yon servile herd will fall,
As corn before the sickle. With a look
Of circumspection he remark'd a swell
Of ground not fifty paces from the camp;
Olympiodorus and his bowmen there
He posted first. Now, Æschylus, he said,
Construct of solid shields a brazen roof;
In contact close to yonder fence of wood
Form like the tortoise in his massy shell.
The archers, each like Phœbus skill'd, remove
With show'rs of death the thick defendants soon
Clear from the rampart, which in height surpass'd
Two cubits. Æschylus not slow performs
His task. A rank of sixty warriors plac'd
Erect, with cov'ring bucklers o'er their heads,
A brazen platform to the wall unites.
The next in order stoop behind; the last
Kneel firm on earth. O'er implicated shields
A stable passage thus when Cimon sees,
He mounts, and fearless eyes the Asian camp.
Between the rampart's basis and the foe
An empty space observing, on the ground
His spear he fixes, and amidst a storm
Of clatt'ring javelins, arrows, darts and stones,
Swings down. So, shooting from the sulph'rous lap
Of some dark-vested cloud, a globe of fire
Through winds and rain precipitates a blaze
Terrific down the raven pall of night.
His whole division follows; with his band
Myronides, and Æschylus, releas'd
From his first care. Successively they range.
The very fence, by Persian toil uprais'd,
Now from the Persian multitude secures
Th' Athenian near. No obstacle remains
To Aristides, who compleats his plan.
Olympiodorus and his active train
With axes keen, and cleaving spades approach;
Hewn down, uptorn in that surmounted part,
The fall'n defences, and the levell'd ground,
Soon leave an op'ning wide. His strong reserve,
Eight thousand light, two thousand heavy-arm'd,
With Haliartus, and Oïleus' son,
Cecropia's chief leads forward to sustain
His first bold warriors. Chileus enters next
With his Tegæans, Aemnestus brave,
Pausanias, Amompharetus, the youth
Of Menalippus, all the Spartan host.
Seven Grecian myriads through the breach invade
A ground, with swarms of tents and men oppress'd.
Dire thus th' irruption of Germanic seas
Through strong Batavian mounds; th' inflated brine
Stupendous piles of long-resisting weight
Bears down, and, baffling strength and art combin'd,
Foams o'er a country in its seat profound
Below the surface of th' endang'ring main;
A country, where frugality and toil
No spot leave waste, no meadow, but in herds
Redundant; where the num'rous dwellings shew
Simplicity but plenty, now immers'd
With all their throng'd inhabitants beneath
Th' unsparing deluge. Aristides swift,
As if by gen'ral choice the chief supreme,
Commandment issues, that to either side
The host extend, that, skirted by the fence,
With wheeling flanks in front the line assume
A crescent's figure. Thus the fisher skill'd
With his capacious seines, slow-dragg'd and press'd
Close on each bank, a river's whole expanse
With all his natives glossy-finn'd involves.
With show'rs of death the thick defendants soon
276
Two cubits. Æschylus not slow performs
His task. A rank of sixty warriors plac'd
Erect, with cov'ring bucklers o'er their heads,
A brazen platform to the wall unites.
The next in order stoop behind; the last
Kneel firm on earth. O'er implicated shields
A stable passage thus when Cimon sees,
He mounts, and fearless eyes the Asian camp.
Between the rampart's basis and the foe
An empty space observing, on the ground
His spear he fixes, and amidst a storm
Of clatt'ring javelins, arrows, darts and stones,
Swings down. So, shooting from the sulph'rous lap
Of some dark-vested cloud, a globe of fire
Through winds and rain precipitates a blaze
Terrific down the raven pall of night.
His whole division follows; with his band
Myronides, and Æschylus, releas'd
277
The very fence, by Persian toil uprais'd,
Now from the Persian multitude secures
Th' Athenian near. No obstacle remains
To Aristides, who compleats his plan.
Olympiodorus and his active train
With axes keen, and cleaving spades approach;
Hewn down, uptorn in that surmounted part,
The fall'n defences, and the levell'd ground,
Soon leave an op'ning wide. His strong reserve,
Eight thousand light, two thousand heavy-arm'd,
With Haliartus, and Oïleus' son,
Cecropia's chief leads forward to sustain
His first bold warriors. Chileus enters next
With his Tegæans, Aemnestus brave,
Pausanias, Amompharetus, the youth
Of Menalippus, all the Spartan host.
Seven Grecian myriads through the breach invade
A ground, with swarms of tents and men oppress'd.
278
Through strong Batavian mounds; th' inflated brine
Stupendous piles of long-resisting weight
Bears down, and, baffling strength and art combin'd,
Foams o'er a country in its seat profound
Below the surface of th' endang'ring main;
A country, where frugality and toil
No spot leave waste, no meadow, but in herds
Redundant; where the num'rous dwellings shew
Simplicity but plenty, now immers'd
With all their throng'd inhabitants beneath
Th' unsparing deluge. Aristides swift,
As if by gen'ral choice the chief supreme,
Commandment issues, that to either side
The host extend, that, skirted by the fence,
With wheeling flanks in front the line assume
A crescent's figure. Thus the fisher skill'd
With his capacious seines, slow-dragg'd and press'd
279
With all his natives glossy-finn'd involves.
Yet Mindarus, with Mede and Persian ranks,
A large remainder from the morning fight,
Resists, which soon are slaughter'd; he retreats
Among the tents, whose multitude impedes
The Grecians. Aristides straight commands,
That from the heavy line's disjointed length
A hundred bands expatiate in the chace
Of foes benumb'd by fear, who neither fight,
Nor fly, of means depriv'd. The carnage grows
In every quarter. Fountains seem unclos'd,
Whence rivulets of blood o'erflow the ground.
O'er satraps, potentates, and princes fall'n,
Strode Aristides first of men, of heav'n
The imitator in his civil deeds,
Now some faint semblance, far as mortal may
Of that Almighty victor on the field
Ethereal, when o'er helms, and helmed heads
Of prostrate seraphim, and powers o'erthrown,
He rode. Still Mindarus, by courage wing'd,
From nation flies to nation, still persists
Exhorting; though in hopeless thought he sees
Great Hyperanthes from the shades ascend,
And seems to hear the godlike phantom sigh
In mournful words like these: Ah! fruitless toil!
As once was mine, to rescue from despair
The panic fears of Asia! Dead in mind,
Her host already soon dead clay must lie,
Like me on Oeta's rock. Yet Midias brave,
With Tiridates rous'd, their efforts join.
Against them warlike Medon, and the seed
Of Lygdamis, chance brings. They side by side,
As heretofore Thermopylæ beheld
Young Dithyrambus and Diomedon,
Had all the day their unresisted wedge
Of Locrian shields and Delphian led to deeds,
Accumulating trophies. Midias falls
By Haliartus. From the slain his lance
Recov'ring, tow'rds his patron dear he turns;
Him conqu'ror too of Tiridates views
In joy; joy soon to sorrow chang'd! Fate guides
A casual weapon from a distant hand;
Such as at Ramoth from the Syrian bow,
Drawn at a venture, smote between the joints
Of harness strong the Israelitish king,
Who from the fight bade wheel his chariot, stain'd
With his own crimson. Ponderous and broad
The hostile lance inflicts a mortal wound
In Medon's gen'rous bosom. Not a sigh
He breathes, in look still placid and sedate,
While death's cold moisture stagnates on his limbs,
By all their pow'rs forsaken. Bear, he said
To Haliartus, bear me from the camp,
Nor yet extract the weapon; life, I feel,
Would follow swift, and Medon hath a charge
Yet to deliver. Some pathetic Muse,
In tend'rest measures give these numbers flow!
Let thine, who plaintive on the pontic verge
In servitude Sarmatian, through her page
Of sorrows weeps thy banishment from Rome;
Or thine, Euripides, whose moral strains
Melt sympathy in tears at human woes,
Thy vary'd tragic themes, or both unite
Your inspiration to describe a heart,
Where gratitude o'er all affections dear
Predominantly sway'd; the faithful heart
Of Haliartus at this sudden stroke
Of direful chance. To death is Medon snatch'd,
From glory snatch'd amid victorious friends.
The Carian's bosom instant feels combin'd
Achilles' anguish at Patroclus dead,
The pang of Priam at the fall of Troy,
Ev'n woman's grief, Andromache's distress
For her slain Hector, and his mother's pain
To see his mangled and dishonour'd corse.
Great Artemisia's name, th' illustrious blood
From Lygdamis deriv'd, his own exploits
Of recent fame, are all eras'd from thought
In Haliartus now; who sinks again
To Melibœus. On the wounded chief,
As on his lord, his patron, still he looks
With all th' affection of a menial, bred
In the same home, and cherish'd in that home
With lib'ral kindness to his humbler state.
He clasps the fainting hero, on the shields
Of weeping friends deposits, and conveys
Swift through a portal, from its hinges forc'd.
A large remainder from the morning fight,
Resists, which soon are slaughter'd; he retreats
Among the tents, whose multitude impedes
The Grecians. Aristides straight commands,
That from the heavy line's disjointed length
A hundred bands expatiate in the chace
Of foes benumb'd by fear, who neither fight,
Nor fly, of means depriv'd. The carnage grows
In every quarter. Fountains seem unclos'd,
Whence rivulets of blood o'erflow the ground.
O'er satraps, potentates, and princes fall'n,
Strode Aristides first of men, of heav'n
The imitator in his civil deeds,
Now some faint semblance, far as mortal may
Of that Almighty victor on the field
280
Of prostrate seraphim, and powers o'erthrown,
He rode. Still Mindarus, by courage wing'd,
From nation flies to nation, still persists
Exhorting; though in hopeless thought he sees
Great Hyperanthes from the shades ascend,
And seems to hear the godlike phantom sigh
In mournful words like these: Ah! fruitless toil!
As once was mine, to rescue from despair
The panic fears of Asia! Dead in mind,
Her host already soon dead clay must lie,
Like me on Oeta's rock. Yet Midias brave,
With Tiridates rous'd, their efforts join.
Against them warlike Medon, and the seed
Of Lygdamis, chance brings. They side by side,
As heretofore Thermopylæ beheld
Young Dithyrambus and Diomedon,
Had all the day their unresisted wedge
Of Locrian shields and Delphian led to deeds,
281
By Haliartus. From the slain his lance
Recov'ring, tow'rds his patron dear he turns;
Him conqu'ror too of Tiridates views
In joy; joy soon to sorrow chang'd! Fate guides
A casual weapon from a distant hand;
Such as at Ramoth from the Syrian bow,
Drawn at a venture, smote between the joints
Of harness strong the Israelitish king,
Who from the fight bade wheel his chariot, stain'd
With his own crimson. Ponderous and broad
The hostile lance inflicts a mortal wound
In Medon's gen'rous bosom. Not a sigh
He breathes, in look still placid and sedate,
While death's cold moisture stagnates on his limbs,
By all their pow'rs forsaken. Bear, he said
To Haliartus, bear me from the camp,
Nor yet extract the weapon; life, I feel,
Would follow swift, and Medon hath a charge
282
In tend'rest measures give these numbers flow!
Let thine, who plaintive on the pontic verge
In servitude Sarmatian, through her page
Of sorrows weeps thy banishment from Rome;
Or thine, Euripides, whose moral strains
Melt sympathy in tears at human woes,
Thy vary'd tragic themes, or both unite
Your inspiration to describe a heart,
Where gratitude o'er all affections dear
Predominantly sway'd; the faithful heart
Of Haliartus at this sudden stroke
Of direful chance. To death is Medon snatch'd,
From glory snatch'd amid victorious friends.
The Carian's bosom instant feels combin'd
Achilles' anguish at Patroclus dead,
The pang of Priam at the fall of Troy,
Ev'n woman's grief, Andromache's distress
For her slain Hector, and his mother's pain
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Great Artemisia's name, th' illustrious blood
From Lygdamis deriv'd, his own exploits
Of recent fame, are all eras'd from thought
In Haliartus now; who sinks again
To Melibœus. On the wounded chief,
As on his lord, his patron, still he looks
With all th' affection of a menial, bred
In the same home, and cherish'd in that home
With lib'ral kindness to his humbler state.
He clasps the fainting hero, on the shields
Of weeping friends deposits, and conveys
Swift through a portal, from its hinges forc'd.
Three hours remain'd to Phœbus in his course.
Close by the entrenchment, under beachen shade
Of ancient growth, a fountain bursts in rills
Transparent; thither on the down of moss
Was Medon borne and laid. Unloose, he said,
My helm, and fill from that refreshing stream.
Obey'd, he drank a part; then pouring down
The remnant, spake: By this libation clear
Be testified my thanks to all the gods,
That I have liv'd to see my country sav'd
On this victorious day. My fate requires
No lamentation, Haliartus dear,
Oh! more, than kindred, dear. Commend me first
To Aristides; Medon's parting breath
Him victor hails. To Delphi's virtuous priest,
To my Leonteus, to the glorious son
Of Neocles, my salutation bear,
To kind Cleander, my Trœzenian host,
To Hyacinthus of Eubœa's race,
The flower of all her chieftains: They have prov'd
In me some zeal their island to redeem.
Transport my ashes to Melissa's care,
Them near the reliques of Laconia's king
Repose; be mine the neighbour of his urn.
Close by the entrenchment, under beachen shade
Of ancient growth, a fountain bursts in rills
Transparent; thither on the down of moss
Was Medon borne and laid. Unloose, he said,
284
Obey'd, he drank a part; then pouring down
The remnant, spake: By this libation clear
Be testified my thanks to all the gods,
That I have liv'd to see my country sav'd
On this victorious day. My fate requires
No lamentation, Haliartus dear,
Oh! more, than kindred, dear. Commend me first
To Aristides; Medon's parting breath
Him victor hails. To Delphi's virtuous priest,
To my Leonteus, to the glorious son
Of Neocles, my salutation bear,
To kind Cleander, my Trœzenian host,
To Hyacinthus of Eubœa's race,
The flower of all her chieftains: They have prov'd
In me some zeal their island to redeem.
Transport my ashes to Melissa's care,
Them near the reliques of Laconia's king
Repose; be mine the neighbour of his urn.
285
Here with an utmost effort of his voice,
With arms extended, and Elysian look:
With arms extended, and Elysian look:
Leonidas, the life thy friendship sav'd,
An off'ring to thy manes, now I close
Mature in age, to glory not unknown,
Above the wish, as destitute of hope
To find a fairer time, or better cause,
Than sends me now a messenger to greet
Thee with glad tidings of this land preserv'd.
An off'ring to thy manes, now I close
Mature in age, to glory not unknown,
Above the wish, as destitute of hope
To find a fairer time, or better cause,
Than sends me now a messenger to greet
Thee with glad tidings of this land preserv'd.
With his own hand the javelin from his breast
He draws serene; life issues through the wound.
He draws serene; life issues through the wound.
New shouts, new trumpets, waken from a trance
Of grief the son of Lygdamis. He sees
Cleander; who th' Asopian banks had pass'd,
Call'd by Sicinus from Saturnia's dome.
Lo! Epidaurian Clitophon, the ranks
Of Phlius with Menander, Sicyon's chief
Automedon, the Hermionean spears
With Lycus follow, Cephallene's sons,
The Acarnanian, all th' Epirot bands,
Leprēan Conon, with Mycenæ's youth
Polydamas, by Arimnestus led
The brave Platæans, with his Thespian files
Alcimedon, Nearcus with his force
Of Chalcis, Potidæan Tydeus next,
Eretrian Cleon, Lampon, and the troop
Of little Styra, Corinth's banners last,
By Adimantus and Alcmæon rang'd.
Of grief the son of Lygdamis. He sees
Cleander; who th' Asopian banks had pass'd,
Call'd by Sicinus from Saturnia's dome.
Lo! Epidaurian Clitophon, the ranks
286
Automedon, the Hermionean spears
With Lycus follow, Cephallene's sons,
The Acarnanian, all th' Epirot bands,
Leprēan Conon, with Mycenæ's youth
Polydamas, by Arimnestus led
The brave Platæans, with his Thespian files
Alcimedon, Nearcus with his force
Of Chalcis, Potidæan Tydeus next,
Eretrian Cleon, Lampon, and the troop
Of little Styra, Corinth's banners last,
By Adimantus and Alcmæon rang'd.
Too late you come for glory, them bespake
The Carian sad: Lo! half the foes destroy'd
By Aristides, fugitives the rest;
Lo! there the only loss, which Greece sustains.
The Carian sad: Lo! half the foes destroy'd
By Aristides, fugitives the rest;
Lo! there the only loss, which Greece sustains.
To him Cleander, with devout regret
O'er Medon, honour'd paranymph and guest,
His head inclining: Not too late we come
For sacrifice of Persians to the ghost
Of this dead hero. Ah! what floods of tears
Will fall in Trœzen—But let grief prevail
Hereafter. Son of Lygdamis, renounce
Despondency; Acanthè still survives
To fire thy breast as Ariphilia mine;
I hear her prompting my vindictive arm.
From thy experience of this glorious day
Lead thy Trœzenian host, where best to point
His strenuous efforts. Let thy guiding zeal
For me, long cursing my inactive post,
Yet find one track to fame. These gallant words
Of cordial frankness from dejection lift
The Carian brave, not less than Phœbus cheer'd
The languid son of Priam on the bank
Of Xanthus; when a stony mass, of weight
To stay a keel on Hellespontine sands,
By Ajax hurl'd, benumb'd the Trojan's frame.
O'er Medon, honour'd paranymph and guest,
287
For sacrifice of Persians to the ghost
Of this dead hero. Ah! what floods of tears
Will fall in Trœzen—But let grief prevail
Hereafter. Son of Lygdamis, renounce
Despondency; Acanthè still survives
To fire thy breast as Ariphilia mine;
I hear her prompting my vindictive arm.
From thy experience of this glorious day
Lead thy Trœzenian host, where best to point
His strenuous efforts. Let thy guiding zeal
For me, long cursing my inactive post,
Yet find one track to fame. These gallant words
Of cordial frankness from dejection lift
The Carian brave, not less than Phœbus cheer'd
The languid son of Priam on the bank
Of Xanthus; when a stony mass, of weight
To stay a keel on Hellespontine sands,
By Ajax hurl'd, benumb'd the Trojan's frame.
288
Thus Haliartus: Through that open gate,
New forc'd, the shortest, safest passage lies;
But, to acquire some lustre, I can shew
Another track for prowess yet to shine.
New forc'd, the shortest, safest passage lies;
But, to acquire some lustre, I can shew
Another track for prowess yet to shine.
He leads, all follow, save Corinthian bands
With Adimantus, hast'ning through the gate,
Soon as to him th' intelligence is brought;
Who ent'ring, sees a carnage which confounds
A timid spirit. By Alcmæon urg'd,
Close by the fence he marches; none he meets
But fly before him. Adimantus lifts
His spear, and satiates cowardice with blood
Of unresisting men. By cheap success
Betray'd, a distant quarter he attains,
Where Mindarus confronts him. From his steed
Th' unyielding satrap whirls a rapid lance,
Which nails the base Corinthian to the ground.
Alcmæon next is wounded; more had bled,
But Aristides o'er that part, devoid
Of tents, his dreadful crescent in array
Is forming new. The Persian starts; he flies
To one last angle of the spacious camp,
Sole spot unforc'd. Half circled now in front,
The Attic, Spartan, and Tegæan ranks,
In motion slow, yet moving on, augment
Progressively their terrors, like a range
Of clouds, which thicken on the brow of night,
A final wreck portending to a fleet,
Already shatter'd by the morning storm.
Round Mindarus the remnant of his host
Collected still is numerous. Them he sees
Oft look behind, a sight that ill accords
With warriors; but, as now in columns deep
Its glitt'ring horns that direful crescent shews
Within the limits of a javelin's cast,
All turn intent on flight at large; they break
Their own inclosure down, whose late defence
Is present bane, and intercepts escape.
Lo! Haliartus; all whose grief is chang'd
To fire, heroic flame. Three myriads fresh
He pours; that crouded angle he invests,
Preventing flight. Cleander looks around
Like some tornado menacing a bark,
Which soon unseam'd and parted sinks ingulph'd;
He finds a breach and with him enters death.
The long-enduring satrap, whose mild soul
Calamity hath worn, resembles now
The poor desponding sailor, who is left
Last of the found'ring vessel on a plank
Alone. No coast appears; the greedy swell
He sees around, expecting ev'ry wave
Will terminate his being, and forgoes
All hope of succour. His afflicted soul
Thus with an effort equal to his rank
The prince explores: What, Mindarus, remains
For thee deserted! In another's home
Cleora dwells; Masistius is no more;
Slain is Mardonius, Asia's glory fall'n;
Thou hast too long been fugitive this day;
Like Teribazus close a term of woe;
Like him in death be honour'd. He dismount,
He grasps a spear. Such dignity of shame
To Ilian Hector, from his flight recall'd,
Great Homer's Muse imparted. While the prince
Is meditating thus, a man sublime
Tow'rs from th' Athenians, who suspend their march;
Unlike the son of Peleus in his ire
Implacable, he represents a god
In aspect, god of mercy, not of arms.
With Adimantus, hast'ning through the gate,
Soon as to him th' intelligence is brought;
Who ent'ring, sees a carnage which confounds
A timid spirit. By Alcmæon urg'd,
Close by the fence he marches; none he meets
But fly before him. Adimantus lifts
His spear, and satiates cowardice with blood
Of unresisting men. By cheap success
Betray'd, a distant quarter he attains,
Where Mindarus confronts him. From his steed
Th' unyielding satrap whirls a rapid lance,
Which nails the base Corinthian to the ground.
Alcmæon next is wounded; more had bled,
289
Of tents, his dreadful crescent in array
Is forming new. The Persian starts; he flies
To one last angle of the spacious camp,
Sole spot unforc'd. Half circled now in front,
The Attic, Spartan, and Tegæan ranks,
In motion slow, yet moving on, augment
Progressively their terrors, like a range
Of clouds, which thicken on the brow of night,
A final wreck portending to a fleet,
Already shatter'd by the morning storm.
Round Mindarus the remnant of his host
Collected still is numerous. Them he sees
Oft look behind, a sight that ill accords
With warriors; but, as now in columns deep
Its glitt'ring horns that direful crescent shews
Within the limits of a javelin's cast,
All turn intent on flight at large; they break
290
Is present bane, and intercepts escape.
Lo! Haliartus; all whose grief is chang'd
To fire, heroic flame. Three myriads fresh
He pours; that crouded angle he invests,
Preventing flight. Cleander looks around
Like some tornado menacing a bark,
Which soon unseam'd and parted sinks ingulph'd;
He finds a breach and with him enters death.
The long-enduring satrap, whose mild soul
Calamity hath worn, resembles now
The poor desponding sailor, who is left
Last of the found'ring vessel on a plank
Alone. No coast appears; the greedy swell
He sees around, expecting ev'ry wave
Will terminate his being, and forgoes
All hope of succour. His afflicted soul
Thus with an effort equal to his rank
291
For thee deserted! In another's home
Cleora dwells; Masistius is no more;
Slain is Mardonius, Asia's glory fall'n;
Thou hast too long been fugitive this day;
Like Teribazus close a term of woe;
Like him in death be honour'd. He dismount,
He grasps a spear. Such dignity of shame
To Ilian Hector, from his flight recall'd,
Great Homer's Muse imparted. While the prince
Is meditating thus, a man sublime
Tow'rs from th' Athenians, who suspend their march;
Unlike the son of Peleus in his ire
Implacable, he represents a god
In aspect, god of mercy, not of arms.
Know, chieftain, he began, to me the Greeks
One Persian life have granted; it is thine.
In this day's trial I have noted well
Thy constancy and manhood; I, who prize
The gems of virtue, in whatever clime,
O Persian! whether in a friend or foe
Their never-changing lustre they display;
I, Aristides, my protecting arm
Extend. Time presses; yield thee, ere too late;
Captivity no burden shalt thou find,
Till safe, without a ransom, thou regain
Thy native seat. The Persian melts like snow
In all its rigour at the noon-ride sun.
This unforeseen, humane demeanour calms
His mind, and hushes ev'ry desp'rate thought.
He thus replies: On all my actions past
Hath fortune frown'd; perhaps a captive state
With Aristides, whom Masistius lov'd,
Mardonius prais'd, and all mankind reveres,
Forebodes a change of fortune to my gain!
Thy condescending wisdom, O supreme
In justice, knowledge, and benignant deeds,
May lift a man of sorrows from despair!
One Persian life have granted; it is thine.
292
Thy constancy and manhood; I, who prize
The gems of virtue, in whatever clime,
O Persian! whether in a friend or foe
Their never-changing lustre they display;
I, Aristides, my protecting arm
Extend. Time presses; yield thee, ere too late;
Captivity no burden shalt thou find,
Till safe, without a ransom, thou regain
Thy native seat. The Persian melts like snow
In all its rigour at the noon-ride sun.
This unforeseen, humane demeanour calms
His mind, and hushes ev'ry desp'rate thought.
He thus replies: On all my actions past
Hath fortune frown'd; perhaps a captive state
With Aristides, whom Masistius lov'd,
Mardonius prais'd, and all mankind reveres,
Forebodes a change of fortune to my gain!
293
In justice, knowledge, and benignant deeds,
May lift a man of sorrows from despair!
He yields. Th' Athenian leads him through the press
Secure; himself a spectacle avoids,
Which others covet. Lo! on ev'ry side
Keen swords of massacre are wav'd. To maids
Deflow'r'd, dishonour'd wives, and gods prophan'd,
To Athens, Thespia, and Platæa burnt,
The Greeks compleat their sacrifice. The sun,
Wont on those fields of glist'ning green to smile,
And trace Asopus through his crystal maze,
Now setting, glances over lakes of blood;
While fate with Persian carnage chafes the stream
No longer smooth and limpid, but o'erswoln,
And foaming purple, with encreasing heaps
Of carcases and arms. Night drops her shade
On thirty myriads slaughter'd. Thus thy death,
Leonidas of Sparta, was aveng'd,
Greece thus by Attic virtue was preserv'd.
Secure; himself a spectacle avoids,
Which others covet. Lo! on ev'ry side
Keen swords of massacre are wav'd. To maids
Deflow'r'd, dishonour'd wives, and gods prophan'd,
To Athens, Thespia, and Platæa burnt,
The Greeks compleat their sacrifice. The sun,
Wont on those fields of glist'ning green to smile,
And trace Asopus through his crystal maze,
Now setting, glances over lakes of blood;
While fate with Persian carnage chafes the stream
No longer smooth and limpid, but o'erswoln,
And foaming purple, with encreasing heaps
294
On thirty myriads slaughter'd. Thus thy death,
Leonidas of Sparta, was aveng'd,
Greece thus by Attic virtue was preserv'd.
FINIS.
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