the death of leonidas.
85
"O! can I count my life-blood dear,
When shed for thee, my native land?
True to the land where calmly sleep
The ashes of our warrior sires;
True to the Gods who watch to keep
Still glowing Freedom's sacred fires;—
When shed for thee, my native land?
True to the land where calmly sleep
The ashes of our warrior sires;
True to the Gods who watch to keep
Still glowing Freedom's sacred fires;—
Fearless within the battle's strife,
To front the Persian's ranks I go.
I freely offer hand and life,
Nor fear to meet our haughty foe.
Shall Sparta's children ever flee,
Though ranks of foemen cross their path?
My mother! I have learned from thee,
Nobly to face their direst wrath.
To front the Persian's ranks I go.
I freely offer hand and life,
Nor fear to meet our haughty foe.
Shall Sparta's children ever flee,
Though ranks of foemen cross their path?
My mother! I have learned from thee,
Nobly to face their direst wrath.
Have ye forgot the words she spoke,
Who taught ¢ to conquer or to die?"
Who first proud freedom's impulse woke,
And nerved the soul to daring high?
"Bring back thy shield, or, as a bier,
Let it unsullied bear thee home:
Thou may'st not shed the coward tear,
Nor she who here alone shall roam.
Who taught ¢ to conquer or to die?"
Who first proud freedom's impulse woke,
And nerved the soul to daring high?
"Bring back thy shield, or, as a bier,
Let it unsullied bear thee home:
Thou may'st not shed the coward tear,
Nor she who here alone shall roam.
"One wall alone the foe may scale,—
The dead of Sparta, nobly slain.
Though millions may that pass assail,
No fear shall e'er our spirits stain.
Then, brethren, follow to the field;
Conquer, or nobly, proudly die.
In death alone your birthright yield,
In glory breathe your parting sigh."
The dead of Sparta, nobly slain.
Though millions may that pass assail,
No fear shall e'er our spirits stain.
Then, brethren, follow to the field;
Conquer, or nobly, proudly die.
In death alone your birthright yield,
In glory breathe your parting sigh."
