Poems (Hornblower)/Lines (In ancient times, one spot)

by Jane Elizabeth Roscoe Hornblower

For works with similar titles, see Lines.

LINES.

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Of Zeno we have an illustrious testimony from a solemn decree of the Athenians:—"Whereas Zeno, the son of Mnseas, the Cittican, having many years professed philosophy in this city, and, as well in all other things, hath demeaned himself like a good man, as particularly exhorting the young men who went to be instructed by him, hath provoked them to virtue and sobriety, withal exhibiting his own life a pattern of the best things, answerable to the discourses he used to make, it is therefore decreed by the people, that Zeno, the son of Mnaseas, be solemnly praised, and crowned (according to the usage) with a golden crown, and that a monument be erected for him at the public charge in the Ceramicum."—From Barrow's Sermons, vol. 1, p. 342.

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In ancient times, one spot
 Was sacred to the brave;
The laurel waved for him
 Who died his land to save.

And heroes who had bled,
 Returning in their pride,
Stood with their crowned brows
 That holy dust beside.

The matron's foot grew slow
 As she approached that shrine;
There did she lead her child,
 And say, "Such fate be thine!"

Warriors, with reverent awe
 And glowing faces, gazed
Upon the trophies bright,
 There unto valour raised—

With flashing eye they came,
 Their triumph to receive;
Fame's fan- immortal crown,
 All that their land could give!

At last a meek form came,
 A pure and gentle brow,
And the bright wreath was his,
 But it was no warrior now.

Zeno! thy virtues gained
 A triumph loftier far
Than ever hero bore,
 Returning from the war!

Thy blameless life—thy truth,
 Thy noble deeds and words,
Thy passions chained and kept,
 By stronger power than swords.

Thy patient trust in grief,
 Thy humble heart in joy,
Thy life exposed to save,
 Whom power would fain destroy.

These, from thy citizens,
 A wondering tribute claimed,
And at the shrine, thy worth
 A thousand tongues proclaimed!

Where valour once had trod,
 Now holier virtue smiled,
A nobler conqueror there,
 Thy country hailed her child.