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. |