My numerous woes, in silence let them dwell.

But Heaven, and all the Greeks, have heard my wrongs;

To Heaven, and all the Greeks, redress belongs;

Yet this I ask (nor be it ask’d in vain),

A bark to waft me o’er the rolling main,

The realms of Pyle and Sparta to explore,

And seek my royal sire from shore to shore;

If, or to fame his doubtful fate be known,

Or to be learn’d from oracles alone,

If yet he lives, with patience I forbear,

Till the fleet hours restore the circling year;

But if already wandering in the train

Of empty shades, I measure back the main,

Plant the fair column o’er the mighty dead,

And yield his consort to the nuptial bed.”


He ceased; and while abash’d the peers attend,

Mentor arose, Ulysses’ faithful friend:

(When fierce in arms he sought the scenes of war,

“My friend (he cried), my palace be thy care;

Years roll’d on years my godlike sire decay,

Guard thou his age, and his behests obey.”)

Stern as he rose, he cast his eyes around,

That flash’d with rage; and as spoke, he frown’d,


“O never, never more let king be just,

Be mild in power, or faithful to his trust!

Let tyrants govern with an iron rod,

Oppress, destroy, and be the scourge of God;

Since he who like a father held his reign,

So soon forgot, was just and mild in vain!

True, while my friend is grieved, his griefs I share;

Yet now the rivals are my smallest care:

They for the mighty mischiefs they devise,

Ere long shall pay—their forfeit lives the price.

But against you, ye Greeks! ye coward train!

Gods! how my soul is moved with just disdain!

Dumb ye all stand, and not one tongue affords

His injured prince the little aid of words.”


While yet he spoke, Leocritus rejoined:

“O pride of words, and arrogance of mind!

Would’st thou to rise in arms the Greeks advise?

Join all your powers? in arms, ye Greeks, arise!

Yet would your powers in vain our strength oppose.

The valiant few o’ermatch a host of foes.