Love, Worship and Death Part 2

If to die n.o.bly be the meed that lures the n.o.blest mind, Then unto us of all men in this was fortune kind.

For Greece we marched, that freedom's arm should ever round her fold; We died, but gained for guerdon renown that grows not old.

PLATO

429-347 B.C.

I

 

A GRAVE IN PERSIA

Far from our own aegean sh.o.r.e And the surges booming deep, Here where Ecbatana's great plain Lies broad, we exiles sleep.

Farewell, Eretria the renowned, Where once we used to dwell; Farewell, our neighbour Athens; Beloved sea, farewell!

Note 5

II

STARWORs.h.i.+P

Thou gazest starward, star of mine, whose heaven I fain would be, That all my myriad starry eyes might only gaze on thee.

III

THE UNSET STAR

Star that didst on the living at dawn thy l.u.s.tre shed, Now as the star of evening thou s.h.i.+nest with the dead!

IV

LAIS

I that through the land of h.e.l.las Laughed in triumph and disdain, Lais, of whose open porches All the love-struck youth were fain, Bring the mirror once I gazed in, Cyprian, at thy shrine to vow, Since I see not there what once was, And I would not what is now.

PERSES

4TH CENTURY B.C.

A RUSTIC SHRINE

I am the G.o.d of the little things, In whom you will surely find, If you call upon me in season, A little G.o.d who is kind.

You must not ask of me great things, But what is in my control, I, Tychon, G.o.d of the humble, May grant to a simple soul.

Note 6

ANYTE OF TEGEA

4TH CENTURY B.C.

I

A SHRINE BY THE SEA

This is the Cyprian's holy ground, Who ever loves to stand Where she can watch the s.h.i.+ning seas Beyond the utmost land; That sailors on their voyages May prosper by her aid, Whose radiant effigy the deep Beholding is afraid.

II

THE G.o.d OF THE CROSS-ROADS

I, Hermes, by the grey sea-sh.o.r.e, Set where the three roads meet, Outside the wind-swept garden, Give rest to weary feet; The waters of my fountain Are clear, and cool, and sweet.

ADDAEUS

4TH CENTURY B.C.