Slaves of no man, subjects of none;

A wonder enthroned on the hills and sea,

A maiden crowned with a fourfold glory

That none from the pride of her head may rend,

Violet and olive-leaf purple and hoary,

Song-wreath and story the fairest of fame,

[Pg 8]

Flowers that the winter can blast not or bend;

A light upon earth as the sun's own flame,

A name as his name,

150

Athens, a praise without end.

[Str. 1.

A noise is arisen against us of waters,

A sound as of battle come up from the sea.

Strange hunters are hard on us, hearts without pity;

They have staked their nets round the fair young city,

That the sons of her strength and her virgin daughters

Should find not whither alive to flee.

[Ant. 1.

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