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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TOWARD THE PIRAEUS: INTRODUCTION by HILDA DOOLITTLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: SLAY WITH YOUR EYES, GREEK
Last Line: ONE BLOW FOR YOU, PASSIONATE GREEK.
Subject(s): BIBLE;
Slay with your eyes, Greek,
men over the face of the earth,
slay with your eyes, the host,
puny, passionless, weak.

Break as the ranks of steel
broke when the Persian lost:
craven, we hated them then:
now we would count them Gods
beside these, spawn of the earth.

Grant us your mantle, Greek!
grant us but one
to fright (as your eyes) with a sword,
men, craven and weak,
grant us but one to strike
one blow for you, passionate Greek.



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