CLEOBIS AND BITON.
5
Cleobis tall, and Biton, my sons, my pride, my life;
Beauty and strength and valor from heroes of old had they;
Both in the Games were victors—ay, both, in godlike strife,
Had borne the crown of olive from a thousand youths away!
While heralds proclaimed their triumph, and many a maid and wife
Sighed to Hera for husband and son like them, that day.
Beauty and strength and valor from heroes of old had they;
Both in the Games were victors—ay, both, in godlike strife,
Had borne the crown of olive from a thousand youths away!
While heralds proclaimed their triumph, and many a maid and wife
Sighed to Hera for husband and son like them, that day.
Swift in the car they placed me, and on their own necks laid
The yoke of the tardy oxen, lest the Goddess should suffer wrong!—
Then cheers went up around us; the flutes melodious played;
And the glad procession faneward moved to the swelling choral song;
While the flower of the Argive women, in stain less white arrayed,
Circled the car with mazy steps and led the wondering throng.
The yoke of the tardy oxen, lest the Goddess should suffer wrong!—
Then cheers went up around us; the flutes melodious played;
And the glad procession faneward moved to the swelling choral song;
While the flower of the Argive women, in stain less white arrayed,
Circled the car with mazy steps and led the wondering throng.
Full five and forty furlongs did they draw me to the door,
And the whole assembly shouted till the firm earth seemed to reel;—
And the whole assembly shouted till the firm earth seemed to reel;—
