Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE TEN THOUSAND, by JAMES THOMSON (1834-1882)


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THE TEN THOUSAND, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Hence through the continent ten thousand greeks
Last Line: "to cries resounding loud ""the sea! The sea!"
Alternate Author Name(s): B. V.; Bysshe Vanolis
Subject(s): Courage; War; Valor; Bravery


Hence through the continent Ten Thousand Greeks
Urged a retreat whose glory not the prime
Of victories can reach. Deserts in vain
Opposed their course and hostile lands unknown,
And deep rapacious floods dire-bank'd with death;
And mountains in whose jaws Destruction grinned;
Hunger and toil, Armenian snows and storms,
And circling myriads still of barbarous foes.
Greece in their view, and glory yet untouched,
Their steady column pierced the scattering herds
Which a whole empire poured, and held its way
Triumphant, by the sage-exalted chief
Fired and sustained. O light and force of mind,
Almost almighty in severe extremes!
The sea at last from Colchian mountains seen,
Kind-hearted transport round their captains threw
The soldiers' fond embrace; o'erflowed their eyes
With tender floods, and loosed the general voice
To cries resounding loud "The sea! The sea!"





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