Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, EUCLES ANNOUNCING THE VICTORY OF MARATHON, by LETITIA ELIZABETH LANDON


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

EUCLES ANNOUNCING THE VICTORY OF MARATHON, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: He cometh from the purple hills
Last Line: Sets in tears and blood o'er marathon.
Alternate Author Name(s): L. E. L.; Maclean, Letitia
Subject(s): Marathon, Greece


HE cometh from the purple hills,
Where the fight has been to-day;
He bears the standard on his hand, --
Shout round the victor's way.
The sunset of a battle won
Is round his steps from Marathon.

Gather the myrtles near,
And fling them on his path;
Take from her braided hair
The flowers the maiden hath,
A welcome to the welcome one
Who hastens now from Marathon.

They crowd around his steps,
Rejoicing young and old;
The laurel branch he bears,
His glorious tale hath told,
The Persian's hour of pride is done,
Victory is on Marathon.

She cometh with brightened cheek;
She who all day hath wept
The wife and mother's tears
Where her youngest infant slept;
The heart is in her eyes alone,
What careth she for Marathon!

But down on his threshold, down!
Sinks the warrior's failing breath,
The tale of that mighty field
Is left to be told by Death.
'T is a common tale, -- the victor's sun
Sets in tears and blood o'er Marathon.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net