WHY should we wonder that from such small space Of Earth so much of human strength upgrew, When thus were woven bonds that tighter drew Round the Athenian heart than faith or race? Thus patriotism could each soul imbue With personal affections, face to face, And home was felt in every public place, And brotherhood was never rare or new. Thus Wisdom, from the neighbouring Parthenon, Down on the Areopagus could fix A watchful gaze: thus from the rising Pnyx The Orator's inspiring voice could reach Half o'er the City, and his solemn speech Was as a father's counsel to his son. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE HIGHWAY DEATH TOLL by KAREN SWENSON THE BALLAD WHICH ANNE ASKEW MADE AND SANG WHEN SHE WAS IN NEWGATE by ANNE ASKEWE THE SANDS OF DEE by CHARLES KINGSLEY THE VOYAGE by CAROLINE ATHERTON BRIGGS MASON ODES: BOOK 2: ODE 11. TO THE COUNTRY GENTLEMEN OF ENGLAND by MARK AKENSIDE |