Part 2 (1/2)

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.