The tyrant of the Chersonese

Was freedom's best and bravest friend;

XIV

Trust not for freedom to the Franks
They have a king who buys and sells:
In native swords and native ranks,

The only hope of courage dwells;
But Turkish force and Latin fraud
Would break your shield, however broad.

80

XV

Fill high the bowl with Samian wine!
Our virgins dance beneath the shade
I see their glorious black eyes shine;

But, gazing on each glowing maid,
My own the burning tear-drop laves,
To think such breasts must suckle slaves.

XVI

Place me on Sunium's marbled steep,
Where nothing, save the waves and I,
May hear our mutual murmurs sweep:
There, swan-like, let me sing and die!
A land of slaves shall ne'er be mine
Dash down yon cup of Samian wine!

95

ON THIS DAY I COMPLETE MY THIRTY-SIXTH

YEAR

I

MISSOLONGHI, Jan. 22, 1824.

'Tis time this heart should be unmoved,

Since others it hath ceased to move:

Yet, though I cannot be beloved,

Still let me love!

II

My days are in the yellow leaf;

The flowers and fruits of love are gone; The worm, the canker, and the grief

Are mine alone!

III

The fire that on my bosom preys

Is lone as some volcanic isle; No torch is kindled at its blaze A funeral pile.

IV

The hope, the fear, the jealous care,
The exalted portion of the pain
And power of love, I cannot share,
But wear the chain.

V

But 'tis not thus - and 'tis not here

Such thoughts should shake my soul, nor now, Where glory decks the hero's bier,

Awake, my spirit! Think through whom

Thy life-blood tracks its parent lake,

And then strike home!

5

ΤΟ

15

20

25

Seek out

X

less often sought than found

A soldier's grave, for thee the best;

Then look around, and choose thy ground,

And take thy rest.

35

40