For all this people freedom, and for earth

From the unborn city born out of my blood

To light the face of all men evermore

930

Glory; but lay thou this to thy great heart

Whereunder in the dark of birth conceived

Mine unlit life lay girdled with the zone

That bound thy bridal bosom; set this thought

Against all edge of evil as a sword

To beat back sorrow, that for all the world

Thou brought'st me forth a saviour, who shall save

Athens; for none but I from none but thee

Shall take this death for garland; and the men

[Pg 55]

Mine unknown children of unsounded years,

940

My sons unrisen shall rise up at thine hand,

Sown of thy seed to bring forth seed to thee,

And call thee most of all most fruitful found

Blessed; but me too for my barren womb

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