The Cruise of the Branwen

THE PARTHENON I too, who sing hereof, I too, in strenuous sport, with sons of Hellas strove. " All hail I" we cry, "All hail!" Fair mother of the Arts! 0 violet-crowned, Home of Athena! Glory's sacred ground! Onward, in love of thee, we spread our eager sail! Up, comrades ! let your voices raise The flower of song, the blossom of her praise– And, as we fleet across a halcyon sea, May the god gently waft our song to thee! Love-smitten for the Maid, the loveliest birth That Heaven e'er gave to earth, We come, her grace to gain- Ploughing with pinnace fair the bright auspicious main! O mother Athens ! ever from old time The homeless wanderer found a home with thee– Bear witness Agamemnon's son, thy guest, Whom awful Furies drove o'er land and sea In stern requital of his glorious crime, Till Athens gave him rest ! Now unto us, 0 Land of fame divine, Stretch forth thy hand in welcome ! from afar Let glory of the strife that is not war Commend us to thy shrine ! Lo, from the wide world manifold we come– From England's hearths and homes draw hither some, Children of sires who, in the days gone by, Warred for thy liberty, 57