In a wreath of myrtle I'll wear my glaive,
Like Harmodius and Aristogeiton brave, 10
When the twain on Athena's day
Did the tyrant Hipparchus slay.
For aye shall your fame in the land be told,
Harmodius and Aristogeiton bold,
Who, striking the tyrant down, 15
Made Athens a freeman's town.
A SCOLION OF HYBRIAS THE CRETAN
My wealth 's a burly spear and brand,
And a right good shield of hides untanned,
Which on my arm I buckle:
With these I plough, I reap, I sow,
With these I make the sweet vintage flow, 5
And all around me truckle.
But your wights that take no pride to wield
A massy spear and well-made shield,
Nor joy to draw the sword:
O, I bring those heartless, hapless drones, 10
Down in a trice on their marrow-bones.
To call me king and lord.
THE SWALLOW SONG
In ancient times as well as modern, the swallow was regarded as the harbinger of spring. Every year boys went from house to house in Rhodes, announcing the welcome arrival of this bird, and begging gifts in return for their good news. This is the song that they sang.
