TYRTÆUS.

’ Twas when the land was struggling to break free

From Slavery’ s fetter and provincial ban,

Whilst a great people dreaded liberty,—

That the dire conflict of thine age began.

Thy voice rang clear o’ er selfish sect and clan;

Nor politician’ s, priest’ s, nor tradesman’ s plea

Did aught avail to quench, but more to fan

The flame that must consume all slavery,—

The serf then franchised and proclaimed a man.

Long wast thou heard amid the scoff and scorn

Of voices potent in thy city dear;

Steadfast didst face the storm, with heart of cheer,

And prove thyself the freeman nobly born,

Preacher of righteousness, of saints the peer.