WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.160 --> 00:00:05.879 Book one two, The Battle of Marathon by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. 2 00:00:06.639 --> 00:00:11.439 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in 3 00:00:11.480 --> 00:00:15.320 the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please 4 00:00:15.400 --> 00:00:21.160 visit LibriVox dot org. Recorded by Nathan at Antibidian writer 5 00:00:21.320 --> 00:00:26.920 dot WordPress dot com. The Battle of Marathon by Elizabeth 6 00:00:27.120 --> 00:00:33.719 Barrett Browning, Book one, The War of Greece with Irsia's 7 00:00:33.960 --> 00:00:40.240 haughty thing, no vulgar strain, eternal Goddess sing, What dreary 8 00:00:40.280 --> 00:00:46.560 ghosts to glutted Pluto fled? What nations suffered? And what 9 00:00:46.880 --> 00:00:53.759 heroes fled? Sing? Asia's powerful prince, who envious saw the 10 00:00:53.759 --> 00:00:59.399 fame of Athens and her might in war, and scorns 11 00:00:59.520 --> 00:01:06.599 her power at Setheria's call her ruin plans and meditates 12 00:01:06.840 --> 00:01:13.359 her fall our Athens, blinded to the approaching chains by 13 00:01:13.519 --> 00:01:20.640 Vulcan's art for spouse, unmoved, remains deceived by Venus. Thus, 14 00:01:21.000 --> 00:01:26.760 unconquered Greece forgot her glories in the lap of Es, 15 00:01:27.640 --> 00:01:33.959 while Asia's realms and Asia's lord prepared to ensnare her 16 00:01:34.000 --> 00:01:40.159 freedom by the wiles of war. Paulst exot upon the 17 00:01:40.239 --> 00:01:46.680 Athenian throne, where once as a Stratus is father shone 18 00:01:47.200 --> 00:01:52.680 for yet her son Aeneas wrongs in part revenge and 19 00:01:52.920 --> 00:01:59.879 grief to Scythia's art, and still from smoking troys once 20 00:02:00.239 --> 00:02:08.000 sacred wall does Priam's reeking shade for vengeance. Call Minerva saw, 21 00:02:08.479 --> 00:02:14.400 and Athia's queen defied a boon. She begged nor jove 22 00:02:14.800 --> 00:02:21.560 the boon denied that Greece should rise triumphant or her foe, 23 00:02:22.159 --> 00:02:29.240 disarm the invaders and their power overthrow. Her prayer obtained, 24 00:02:29.520 --> 00:02:34.759 The blue eyed goddess flies as the fierce eagle through 25 00:02:35.000 --> 00:02:42.039 the radiant skies to Aristides. Then she stood, confessed, shows 26 00:02:42.159 --> 00:02:49.560 Persia's arts and fires his warlike breast, then pours celestial 27 00:02:49.919 --> 00:02:55.120 ardor over his frame and points the way to glory 28 00:02:55.719 --> 00:03:01.159 and to fame. Or struck the chief and swells his 29 00:03:01.400 --> 00:03:08.319 troubled soul. In pride and wonder Thought's progressive role, he 30 00:03:08.479 --> 00:03:14.280 inly groaned and spoke his laboring breast at once by 31 00:03:14.479 --> 00:03:21.680 Paulus and by care, oppressed, Inspired, he moved earth, echoed, 32 00:03:21.960 --> 00:03:26.879 where he trod all full of heaven or burning with 33 00:03:27.319 --> 00:03:32.560 the god. The Athenians viewed with all the mighty man 34 00:03:33.280 --> 00:03:39.840 to whom the chief impassioned thus began here all year, 35 00:03:39.919 --> 00:03:45.280 sons of Greece, friends, fathers. Here the gods command it, 36 00:03:45.840 --> 00:03:51.039 and the gods revere no madness mine for mark, Oh 37 00:03:51.120 --> 00:03:57.800 favored Greeks, that by my mouth the martial Goddess speaks this, 38 00:03:58.080 --> 00:04:04.400 No Athenians, that proud Persia now prepares to twine thy 39 00:04:04.520 --> 00:04:10.479 laurels on her brow. Behold the princely chiefs, their weapons 40 00:04:10.599 --> 00:04:16.399 wield by venus, fired and shake the brazen shield. I 41 00:04:16.600 --> 00:04:21.000 hear their shouts that echo to the skies. I see 42 00:04:21.040 --> 00:04:25.399 their lancers blaze, their banners rise. I hear the clash 43 00:04:25.560 --> 00:04:30.439 of arms, the battles roar, and all the din and 44 00:04:30.800 --> 00:04:36.000 thunder of the wall. I know that Greeks shall purchase 45 00:04:36.279 --> 00:04:43.120 just renown and fame impartial. Shall Athena crown. Then, Greeks, 46 00:04:43.480 --> 00:04:49.639 prepare your arms, award the yoke. Thus Jove commands sublime 47 00:04:49.920 --> 00:04:55.319 the hero spoke. The Greeks assent with shouts, and rend 48 00:04:55.519 --> 00:05:03.240 the skies with martial clamor and tumultuous cries. So struggling winds, 49 00:05:03.519 --> 00:05:10.879 with rage, indignant sweep the azure waters of the silent deep. 50 00:05:11.879 --> 00:05:18.639 Sudden the seas, rebellowing, rightful, rise and dash their foaming 51 00:05:18.800 --> 00:05:24.319 surges to the skies, burst the firm sand and boil 52 00:05:24.680 --> 00:05:30.240 with dreadful roar, lift bare black waves, and combat with 53 00:05:30.680 --> 00:05:36.480 the shore. So each brave Greek in thought aspires to fame, 54 00:05:37.279 --> 00:05:43.240 Stung by his words and dread of future shame, Glory's 55 00:05:43.360 --> 00:05:50.079 own fires within their bosom, rise and shouts tumultuous thunder 56 00:05:50.519 --> 00:05:57.279 to the skies. But loves celestial queen resentful sore the Greeks, 57 00:05:57.639 --> 00:06:03.680 by Paulus warned, prepare for or the indignant goddess of 58 00:06:03.720 --> 00:06:10.800 the Pathian our deceives the mostercles with heavenly hour. The 59 00:06:10.920 --> 00:06:17.560 hero rising, spoke, oh, rashly blind, what sudden fury us 60 00:06:17.959 --> 00:06:23.839 has seized thy mind? Boy, as thou art such empty dreams, 61 00:06:24.000 --> 00:06:30.000 Beware shall we for griefs and wars unsought? Prepare the 62 00:06:30.079 --> 00:06:35.959 will of mighty Jove, whatever it be, obey and own 63 00:06:36.279 --> 00:06:42.040 the inipotent decree. If our disgrace and fall the fates 64 00:06:42.120 --> 00:06:48.480 employ why did we triumph over perfidious Troy? Why say 65 00:06:48.600 --> 00:06:53.879 o chief? In that event? For our did Brecian heroes 66 00:06:54.199 --> 00:07:01.160 crush Dardanian power? Him eyeing sternly. Thus the Greek replies, 67 00:07:01.800 --> 00:07:08.120 renowned the truth, and as Minerva wise o Son of Greece. 68 00:07:08.639 --> 00:07:14.560 No heedless boy, am I despised in battles, toils, nor 69 00:07:14.680 --> 00:07:19.720 first to fly, nor dreams or frenzy call my words 70 00:07:19.959 --> 00:07:26.720 astray the heaven sent mandate, pious I obey. If allus 71 00:07:26.879 --> 00:07:32.040 did not all my words inspire, may Heaven pursue me 72 00:07:32.600 --> 00:07:38.759 with unceasing ire. But if Oh grant my prayer, Almighty Jove, 73 00:07:39.439 --> 00:07:44.319 I bear a mandate from the courts above, Then through 74 00:07:44.439 --> 00:07:49.399 Yon Heaven, let awful thunder roar till Greeks believe my 75 00:07:49.600 --> 00:07:55.519 mission and adore he ceased. And through the host one 76 00:07:55.759 --> 00:08:01.800 murmur ran with eyes transfixed upon the god like man. 77 00:08:02.199 --> 00:08:08.920 But hark over Earth expands the solemn sound, It lengthening, grows. 78 00:08:09.399 --> 00:08:15.560 Heaven's azure vaults resound, while peals of thunder beat the 79 00:08:15.759 --> 00:08:23.600 echoing ground. Prostrate convinced divine, the Mostercles embraced the hero's 80 00:08:23.759 --> 00:08:29.600 hands and clasp'd his knees. Behold me here, the awe 81 00:08:29.720 --> 00:08:35.519 struck chieftain cries, while tears repentant glisten in his eyes. 82 00:08:35.960 --> 00:08:41.879 Behold me here, Thy friendship, too entreat The Mostercles are 83 00:08:41.960 --> 00:08:48.159 suppliant at thy feet before no haughty despots, Royal throne. 84 00:08:48.600 --> 00:08:53.039 This knee has bent. It bends to thee alone thy 85 00:08:53.159 --> 00:08:58.240 mission to adore thy truth to own. Behold me jove 86 00:08:58.679 --> 00:09:03.480 and witness. I swear by all on earth, I love 87 00:09:03.879 --> 00:09:08.360 by all in heaven. I fear some thinged inspired my 88 00:09:08.519 --> 00:09:13.960 words of dark design. Some fiend concealed beneath a robe 89 00:09:14.120 --> 00:09:18.399 divine then aid me in my prayer. Yet God's above 90 00:09:18.840 --> 00:09:24.679 bid aristides, give me back this love. He spake and 91 00:09:24.879 --> 00:09:31.200 wept benign. The god like man felt tears, descend and paused. 92 00:09:31.600 --> 00:09:36.759 Then thus began thrice worthy Greek. For this shall we contend, 93 00:09:37.200 --> 00:09:42.000 ah No, I feel thy worth, Thou more than friend, 94 00:09:42.080 --> 00:09:48.080 pardon sincere the moster cles receive. The heart declares tis 95 00:09:48.159 --> 00:09:54.840 easy to forgive. He spake, divine, his eye with allus burns. 96 00:09:55.399 --> 00:09:59.919 He spoke and side and side, and wept by turn 97 00:10:00.000 --> 00:10:06.519 thans the mostocles beheld. The chief oppressed or struck. He paused, 98 00:10:06.919 --> 00:10:13.840 then rushed upon his breast, whom sage nultiades with joy addressed, 99 00:10:14.600 --> 00:10:20.159 Hero of Greece, worthy, a hero's name adored by Athen's 100 00:10:20.559 --> 00:10:26.720 favorite child of fame. Laurie's own spirit does with truth 101 00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:31.960 combine to form a soul. So God like so, Divine, 102 00:10:32.639 --> 00:10:37.879 O aristides, rise our chief to save the fame the 103 00:10:38.039 --> 00:10:43.240 might of Athens from the grave. Nor then refuse thy 104 00:10:43.399 --> 00:10:48.519 noble arm to lend to guard Athena and the state 105 00:10:48.960 --> 00:10:55.080 defend first, I obedient, customed homage, pay to own a 106 00:10:55.159 --> 00:10:59.759 hero's and a leader's sway, he said, and would have 107 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:04.879 helped the man. Divine perceived his will and stayed the 108 00:11:05.039 --> 00:11:10.559 sire's design. Not mine, o sage, to lead this gallant band, 109 00:11:11.000 --> 00:11:16.559 he generous said, and grasped his aided and proud as 110 00:11:16.639 --> 00:11:21.639 I am in Glory's arms, to rise Athenian Greeks to 111 00:11:21.720 --> 00:11:26.679 shield your liberties. Yet tis not mine to lead your 112 00:11:26.799 --> 00:11:31.639 powerful state. Enough it is to tempt you to be great. 113 00:11:32.279 --> 00:11:38.279 Be it for Miltiades, experienced sage, to curb your ardor 114 00:11:38.679 --> 00:11:44.399 and restrain your rage, your souls to temper by his skill, 115 00:11:44.559 --> 00:11:50.240 prepare to succor Athens and conduct the war. More fits 116 00:11:50.399 --> 00:11:55.320 my early youth to purchase fame by deeds in arms, 117 00:11:55.840 --> 00:12:02.679 to immortalize my name. Firmly spake his words the Greek inspire, 118 00:12:03.320 --> 00:12:08.720 and all were hushed to listen and admire the sage, 119 00:12:08.840 --> 00:12:13.279 thus most allied to God's the fame, the pride the 120 00:12:13.320 --> 00:12:18.000 glory of the Grecian name, even by thee chief I 121 00:12:18.039 --> 00:12:22.480 swear to whom is given the sacred mandate of yon 122 00:12:22.720 --> 00:12:28.240 marble heaven to lead, not undeserving of thy love, to 123 00:12:28.320 --> 00:12:33.960 avert the yoke, if so determines Jove, amidst the host, 124 00:12:34.200 --> 00:12:40.519 imagination rose and paints the combat, but disdains the woes, 125 00:12:41.159 --> 00:12:47.200 And heaven born fancy with disheveled air points to the 126 00:12:47.360 --> 00:12:53.519 ensanguined field and victory there. But soon, too soon, these 127 00:12:53.679 --> 00:12:59.000 empty dreams are driven forth from their breasts. But soothing 128 00:12:59.080 --> 00:13:03.799 hope is given, and hope sprung from Jove. Man's soul 129 00:13:04.159 --> 00:13:09.000 and envied heaven. Then all his glory are as didies 130 00:13:09.320 --> 00:13:14.559 felt and begged the Chieftain's blessing. As he knelt nil 131 00:13:14.679 --> 00:13:20.039 tired is his pious arms out spread, called Jove's high 132 00:13:20.120 --> 00:13:25.200 spirit on the hero's head, nor called unheard sublime. In 133 00:13:25.360 --> 00:13:29.480 upper air, the bird of Jove appeared to bless his prayer. 134 00:13:30.080 --> 00:13:35.519 Lightning he breathed, not harsh, not fiercely bright, but one 135 00:13:35.679 --> 00:13:42.120 pure stream of heaven collected light. Jove's sacred smile lulls 136 00:13:42.200 --> 00:13:47.639 every care to rest, calms every woe, and gladdens every breast. 137 00:13:48.240 --> 00:13:52.720 But what shrill blast thus bursts upon the ear? What 138 00:13:53.039 --> 00:13:58.000 banners rise, what herald's forms appear? That aught he mean? 139 00:13:58.480 --> 00:14:04.480 And that commanding face bespeak them Persians and of noble race, 140 00:14:05.080 --> 00:14:10.480 one on whose hand Darius Signet beamed superior to the rest, 141 00:14:10.799 --> 00:14:16.120 A leader seemed with brow contracted and with flashing eye, 142 00:14:16.320 --> 00:14:22.279 thus threatening spoke in scornful majesty. No Greeks, that I 143 00:14:22.559 --> 00:14:27.720 a sacred herald, bring the awful mandate of the Persian 144 00:14:27.840 --> 00:14:32.559 king to force allegiance from the sons of Greece. Then 145 00:14:32.759 --> 00:14:36.960 earth and water give nor scorn his peace, or if 146 00:14:37.120 --> 00:14:41.519 for homage back reproof I bear to meet his wrath 147 00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:47.279 is vengeful wrath, prepare for not in vain is scorn 148 00:14:47.480 --> 00:14:53.000 his dread command. When Asias might comes thundering in his 149 00:14:53.279 --> 00:15:00.399 heart to whom miltiades with kindling eye, we scorn Varus 150 00:15:00.919 --> 00:15:06.320 and his threats defy, and now, proud herald, shall we 151 00:15:06.440 --> 00:15:11.960 stoop to shame? Shall Athens tremble at a tyrant's name? 152 00:15:12.480 --> 00:15:18.039 Persian away such idle dreams forbear, and shun our anger 153 00:15:18.240 --> 00:15:23.039 and our vengeance. Fear, Oh vain thy words, the herald 154 00:15:23.240 --> 00:15:28.360 Fearce began thrice, vain, thy dotaged words, Oh powerless man, 155 00:15:28.960 --> 00:15:33.039 sons of a desert, hoping to withstand all the joint 156 00:15:33.159 --> 00:15:38.919 forces of Darius's hand, fools, fools, the king of millions, 157 00:15:38.960 --> 00:15:43.639 to defy for Freedom's empty name, to ask to die, 158 00:15:44.080 --> 00:15:49.759 Yet stay till Persia's powers their banners rear. Then shall 159 00:15:49.879 --> 00:15:55.000 ye learn our forces to revere, And ye, oh impotent, 160 00:15:55.440 --> 00:16:01.159 shall dine to fear to whom great aristides rising ire 161 00:16:01.919 --> 00:16:06.039 boiled in his breast and set his soul on fire, 162 00:16:06.679 --> 00:16:11.200 O wretch accursed, the hero cried to seek to insult 163 00:16:11.480 --> 00:16:17.320 experienced age, to insult a Greek inglorious slave, whom truth 164 00:16:17.679 --> 00:16:22.480 and Heaven deny. Unfit to live, yet more unfit to die, 165 00:16:22.559 --> 00:16:26.879 but trained to pass the goblet at the board, and 166 00:16:27.200 --> 00:16:32.480 servile kiss the footsteps of thy lord, whose wretched life 167 00:16:32.679 --> 00:16:36.960 no glorious deeds beguile, who lives upon the semblance of 168 00:16:37.120 --> 00:16:41.639 a smile, die thy base shade to gloomy regions fled 169 00:16:42.159 --> 00:16:46.639 join there the shivering phantoms of the dead base slave 170 00:16:47.000 --> 00:16:52.039 return to dust. His victim. Then, in fearful accents, cried, 171 00:16:52.440 --> 00:16:57.519 O best of men, most loved, of God's most merciful, 172 00:16:57.799 --> 00:17:02.399 most just behold me, humbled groveling in the dust. Not 173 00:17:02.720 --> 00:17:07.839 mine the offense the mandate stern I bring from Great Darius, 174 00:17:08.240 --> 00:17:13.720 Asia's tyrant king, Oh, strike not chief, not mine the guilt, 175 00:17:13.799 --> 00:17:19.519 not mine, Ah over those brows, severe, Let mercy shine 176 00:17:19.920 --> 00:17:24.640 so dear to heaven of origin, divine tributes, Land's gold, 177 00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:29.519 shall wealthy Persia give all and yet more, But bid 178 00:17:29.640 --> 00:17:35.240 me wretched live. He trembling, thus persuades with fond entreat 179 00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:40.519 and nearer breast and clasped the hero's feet. Forth from 180 00:17:40.599 --> 00:17:45.160 the Grecian's breast, all rage is driven. He lifts his arms, 181 00:17:45.279 --> 00:17:50.119 his eyes, his soul to heaven. Here Jove, omnipotent or 182 00:17:50.240 --> 00:17:54.480 wise or great, to whom all fate is known. Whose 183 00:17:54.519 --> 00:17:58.880 will is fate? Here thou all seeing one, Here, Sire, Divine, 184 00:17:59.400 --> 00:18:03.680 teach me I will, and be thy wisdom mine. Behold 185 00:18:04.079 --> 00:18:08.480 this suppliant life or death. Decree be thine the judgment, 186 00:18:08.920 --> 00:18:13.319 For I bend to thee. And thus the sigh of 187 00:18:13.480 --> 00:18:18.720 gods and men replies, While pealing thunder shakes the groaning skies. 188 00:18:19.119 --> 00:18:24.039 The awful voice through spheres unknown was driven resounding through 189 00:18:24.079 --> 00:18:28.519 the darkening realms of heaven, aloft in air sublime, the 190 00:18:28.599 --> 00:18:32.839 echo road and earth resounds, the glory of the god, 191 00:18:34.119 --> 00:18:38.680 son of Athena. Let the coward die and his pale 192 00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:44.160 ghost to Pluto's empire. Fly, Son of Athena, our command, obey, 193 00:18:44.839 --> 00:18:49.440 know thou our might, and then adore our sway, You 194 00:18:49.480 --> 00:18:54.720 almighty spake the Heaven's convulsive start from the black clouds, 195 00:18:54.759 --> 00:18:59.319 the whizzing lightning start, and dreadful dance along the troubled sky. 196 00:19:00.000 --> 00:19:05.200 Struggling with fate in awful mystery, the hero heard, and Jove, 197 00:19:05.359 --> 00:19:10.319 his breast inspired, nor now by pity touched, but anger fired, 198 00:19:10.960 --> 00:19:14.559 while his big heart within his bosom burns off from 199 00:19:14.559 --> 00:19:19.400 his speet. The clinging slave he spurns. Vain were his cries, 200 00:19:19.519 --> 00:19:23.680 his prayers against fate above Jove wills his fall. And 201 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:28.440 who can strive with Jove to whom the hero Hence 202 00:19:28.480 --> 00:19:32.720 to Pluto's sway, to realms of night never lit by 203 00:19:32.799 --> 00:19:37.079 Cynthia's ray. Hence from yon golf, the earth and water 204 00:19:37.240 --> 00:19:41.799 brim and crown with victory, your mighty king, he said, 205 00:19:42.680 --> 00:19:46.559 And where the golf of death appeared, where raging waves 206 00:19:46.799 --> 00:19:51.279 with rocks sublimely reared. He hurled the wretch at once 207 00:19:51.400 --> 00:19:56.119 of hope, bereaved, struggling, he fell, the roaring flood received 208 00:19:56.480 --> 00:20:00.400 even now for life. His shrieks, his groans implore, And 209 00:20:00.640 --> 00:20:05.720 now death's latent agony is or he struggling sinks and 210 00:20:06.000 --> 00:20:10.480 sinks to rise no more. The train, amazed, behold their 211 00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:15.440 herald die and grease in arms. They tremble, and they 212 00:20:15.440 --> 00:20:20.839 fly so some they're herd upon the verdant need see 213 00:20:20.839 --> 00:20:25.240 by the lions jaws their foremost bleed. Fearful they fly 214 00:20:25.720 --> 00:20:31.759 lest what revolving fate had doomed their leader should themselves await. 215 00:20:32.319 --> 00:20:37.400 Then shouts of glorious war and fame resound. Athena's brazen 216 00:20:37.480 --> 00:20:42.759 gates receive the lofty sound. But she whom Pathia's radiant 217 00:20:42.960 --> 00:20:47.400 climbs adore from her own bower the work of Paulus 218 00:20:47.480 --> 00:20:52.720 saw tumultuous thoughts within her bosom rise. She calls her car, 219 00:20:53.200 --> 00:20:57.079 and at her will it flies, The eternal car with 220 00:20:57.240 --> 00:21:02.400 gold celestial burns its poly wish will on brazen Axel 221 00:21:02.640 --> 00:21:07.720 terms this to his spouse. By Vulcan's self was given 222 00:21:08.759 --> 00:21:13.279 an offering worthy of the forge of heaven. The goddess 223 00:21:13.319 --> 00:21:17.720 mounts the seat and seized the reins. The doves celestial 224 00:21:17.880 --> 00:21:22.640 cut the ethereal planes before the sacred birds, and car 225 00:21:22.720 --> 00:21:27.599 of gold self moved. The radiant gates of Heaven unfold. 226 00:21:28.160 --> 00:21:32.480 She then dismounts. And thus the Mighty Jove begins, the 227 00:21:32.519 --> 00:21:38.880 Mother and the Queen of Love. And is it thus, 228 00:21:38.960 --> 00:21:43.559 o sire, that fraud should spring from the pure breast 229 00:21:43.880 --> 00:21:49.160 of Heaven's eternal king? Was it for this? Saturnius? Word 230 00:21:49.480 --> 00:21:55.119 was given that Greece should fall among nations cursed of heaven? 231 00:21:55.599 --> 00:22:00.440 Thou swore by Hell's black flood and Heaven above? Is this, 232 00:22:00.680 --> 00:22:05.000 O say? Is this the faith of Jove? Behold stern 233 00:22:05.079 --> 00:22:11.839 Paulus athens Son's alarms. Darius herald crushed the Greece in arms. 234 00:22:12.599 --> 00:22:18.599 Even now behold her crested streamers fly each Greek resolved 235 00:22:18.799 --> 00:22:23.200 to triumph or to die? Are the unhappy? When shall 236 00:22:23.359 --> 00:22:27.799 sorrow cease? To well? I know the fatal might of Greece? 237 00:22:28.480 --> 00:22:33.319 Was it not enough? Imperial troy should fall? That argive 238 00:22:33.680 --> 00:22:38.720 hands should raise the god built wall? Was it not enough? 239 00:22:38.880 --> 00:22:43.240 And Kes's son should roam far from his native shore 240 00:22:43.359 --> 00:22:47.319 and much loved home? Or this, unconscious of thy fraud, 241 00:22:47.559 --> 00:22:51.079 I bore for thou o Siah, to allay my vengeance. 242 00:22:51.279 --> 00:22:56.400 Swore that Athens, towering in her might, should fall, and 243 00:22:56.720 --> 00:23:01.160 Rome should triumph on her prostrate wall. But oh, if 244 00:23:01.200 --> 00:23:06.079 haughty Greece should captive, bring the Great Darius, Persia's mighty king, 245 00:23:06.240 --> 00:23:10.039 What power her pride, what power her might shall move? 246 00:23:10.599 --> 00:23:15.119 Not even the thunderer, not eternal jove, even to thy 247 00:23:15.240 --> 00:23:20.440 heaven shall rise the towering fame, and prostrate nations will 248 00:23:20.480 --> 00:23:25.200 adore her name rather on me, thy instant vengeance take, 249 00:23:25.599 --> 00:23:30.240 Then all should fall for Sitheria's sake. Oh, hurl me 250 00:23:30.440 --> 00:23:34.480 flaming in the burning like transfixed me there unknown to 251 00:23:34.599 --> 00:23:39.519 Olympian calm, Launch thy red bolt, and bear thy crimson arm. 252 00:23:39.920 --> 00:23:44.119 I'd suffer all more. Bid my woes increase to hear, 253 00:23:44.240 --> 00:23:50.960 but one sad groan from haughty grease. She thus her 254 00:23:51.000 --> 00:23:56.680 grief with fruitless rage expressed, and pride and anger swelled 255 00:23:56.880 --> 00:24:01.839 within her breast. But he whose thunder or the troubled sky, 256 00:24:02.039 --> 00:24:08.039 thus mournful spake and curbed the rising sigh. And it 257 00:24:08.240 --> 00:24:14.079 is thus celestial pleasures flow even here shall sorrow reach, 258 00:24:14.400 --> 00:24:19.559 and mortal woe shall strife. The heavenly powers forever move 259 00:24:20.000 --> 00:24:25.680 and even insult the sacred ear of Jove. No O 260 00:24:25.839 --> 00:24:31.000 rebellious Greece shall rise sublime in fame the first nor 261 00:24:31.160 --> 00:24:36.000 daughter mine the crime in valor foremost, and in virtue. 262 00:24:36.039 --> 00:24:42.279 Great Lame's highest glories shall attend her state. So fate ordaines, 263 00:24:42.960 --> 00:24:47.279 nor all my boasted power can raise those virtues or 264 00:24:47.359 --> 00:24:53.119 those glories lower but rest secure. Destroying time must come, 265 00:24:53.559 --> 00:24:59.759 and Athen's self must own Imperial Rome. Then the great thunderer, 266 00:25:00.160 --> 00:25:06.319 and with visage mild shook his ambrosial curls before his child, 267 00:25:06.960 --> 00:25:12.079 and bending awful, gave the eternal nod. Heaven quaked, and 268 00:25:12.319 --> 00:25:17.799 Fate adored the parent God joy seized the Goddess of 269 00:25:17.920 --> 00:25:23.359 the smiles, and loves no longer care her heavenly bosom moves, 270 00:25:23.720 --> 00:25:28.559 Hope rose and over her soul, its powers displayed nor 271 00:25:28.640 --> 00:25:34.000 checked by sorrow, nor by grief dismayed. She Thus, o, Thou, 272 00:25:34.160 --> 00:25:40.160 whose awful thunders, roll through Heaven's ethereal vaults, and shake 273 00:25:40.400 --> 00:25:44.759 the pole eternal sire, so wonderfully great, to whom is 274 00:25:44.880 --> 00:25:49.720 known the secret age of Fate, say, shall great Persia 275 00:25:49.960 --> 00:25:54.680 next to Rome, most dear to Venus breast shall Persia 276 00:25:54.880 --> 00:26:00.400 learn to fear. Say, shall her fame and princely glories cease? 277 00:26:00.799 --> 00:26:05.160 Shall Persia servile own the sway of Greece, to whom 278 00:26:05.160 --> 00:26:09.599 the thunderer bent his brow Divine and thus in accents, 279 00:26:09.680 --> 00:26:14.799 heavenly and benign daughter not mine the secrets to relate 280 00:26:15.279 --> 00:26:19.279 the mysteries of all revolving fate. But he is thy 281 00:26:19.359 --> 00:26:24.599 breast enough for thee to know what powerful fate decrees 282 00:26:24.799 --> 00:26:30.119 will Jove bestow. He then her griefs and anxious woes beguiled, 283 00:26:30.640 --> 00:26:35.880 and in his sacred arms embraced his child. Doubt clouds 284 00:26:35.920 --> 00:26:40.440 the goddess breast. She calls her car and lightly sweeps 285 00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:44.960 the liquid fields of air. When sable night midst silent 286 00:26:45.200 --> 00:26:49.519 nature springs, and over Athena shakes her drowsy wings. The 287 00:26:49.640 --> 00:26:54.680 Pathian Goddess from Olympus flies and leaves the starry senate 288 00:26:55.039 --> 00:26:59.240 of the skies to Athens, heaven blessed towers. The Queen 289 00:26:59.359 --> 00:27:04.240 repairs to raise more sufferings and cause more cares. The 290 00:27:04.319 --> 00:27:08.759 Pillion's age she moved, so loved by fame, in face, 291 00:27:08.880 --> 00:27:13.240 in wisdom, and in voice the same twelve chiefs. In sleep, 292 00:27:13.359 --> 00:27:18.480 absorbed and grateful rest she first beheld, and them she 293 00:27:18.640 --> 00:27:25.319 thus addressed, immortal chiefs. The fraudful goddess cries, while all 294 00:27:25.400 --> 00:27:30.039 the hero kindled in her eyes for you, these aged 295 00:27:30.279 --> 00:27:34.519 arms did I employ for you. We raised the sacred 296 00:27:34.720 --> 00:27:39.160 walls of Troy, And now for you, my shivering shade 297 00:27:39.400 --> 00:27:44.880 is driven from Pluto's dreary realms by urgent heaven. Then oh, 298 00:27:45.039 --> 00:27:49.400 be wise, nor tempt the unequal fight in open fields, 299 00:27:49.720 --> 00:27:55.519 but weight superior might within immortal athens sacred wall, their strife, 300 00:27:55.640 --> 00:28:00.039 their triumph, or their fear to fall to own. The 301 00:28:00.079 --> 00:28:05.680 thunderers sway, Then Greeks prepare the nign she said, and 302 00:28:06.079 --> 00:28:13.599 melted into air. End of book one. Recorded by Nathan 303 00:28:13.720 --> 00:28:24.119 at antipidean writer dot WordPress dot com. Book two of 304 00:28:24.480 --> 00:28:29.759 the Battle of Marathon by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. This librovox 305 00:28:29.839 --> 00:28:34.200 recording is in the public domain. Recorded by Nathan at 306 00:28:34.440 --> 00:28:39.480 Antipodean Writer dot WordPress dot com. The Battle of Marathon 307 00:28:39.640 --> 00:28:46.319 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Book two. When from the briny 308 00:28:46.400 --> 00:28:52.720 deep the orient Morn exalts her purple light and beams unshorn, 309 00:28:53.319 --> 00:28:58.359 And when the flaming orb of infant day glares over 310 00:28:58.519 --> 00:29:03.319 the earth and re illums the sky, the twelve deceived, 311 00:29:03.640 --> 00:29:09.079 with souls on fire, arose, while the false vision, fresh 312 00:29:09.240 --> 00:29:14.559 in memory, clowse the Senate. First they sought, whose lofty 313 00:29:14.799 --> 00:29:21.480 wall midst Athens rises and overshadows, or the pride of 314 00:29:21.559 --> 00:29:28.279 Greece it lifts its front, sublime, unbent amidst the ravages 315 00:29:28.920 --> 00:29:34.599 of time. By on their towering seats, the heroes found 316 00:29:35.039 --> 00:29:40.960 the chiefs of Athens, solemn ranged around one of the twelve, 317 00:29:41.359 --> 00:29:47.160 the great Plon Brotus, then renowned for piety and loved 318 00:29:47.279 --> 00:29:53.039 by men, assembled heroes, chiefs to Pallace, deer or great 319 00:29:53.279 --> 00:29:58.599 in battle and in virtue. Here when night, with sable 320 00:29:58.759 --> 00:30:05.559 wings extend, rose and wrapped our weary limbs in sweet repose, 321 00:30:06.240 --> 00:30:11.200 I and my friends Saidoon famed in song, fell on 322 00:30:11.480 --> 00:30:17.440 the valiant Heracles, the strong Cleon and Thermos cities in 323 00:30:17.559 --> 00:30:22.759 battle great by Paulus, loved and blessed by partial fate 324 00:30:23.759 --> 00:30:29.000 to us and other six. While they toils steep our 325 00:30:29.079 --> 00:30:35.319 eyes in happy dreams and grateful sleep. The Pillion Sage appeared, 326 00:30:35.720 --> 00:30:40.519 but not as when on Troy's last dust he stood 327 00:30:40.920 --> 00:30:45.440 the pride of men driven from the shore of Acoron 328 00:30:45.880 --> 00:30:51.000 he came from lower realms to point the path to fame. 329 00:30:51.960 --> 00:30:57.279 O glorious chiefs, the sacred hero said, for you and 330 00:30:57.359 --> 00:31:01.559 for your fame, all Troy has bled hither for you. 331 00:31:02.079 --> 00:31:07.759 My shivering shade is driven from Pluto's dreary realms by 332 00:31:08.000 --> 00:31:12.960 urgent Heaven. Then, oh, be wise, nor tempt the unequal 333 00:31:13.160 --> 00:31:19.519 fight in open field, but weight superior might within immortal 334 00:31:19.759 --> 00:31:25.359 Athen's sacred war, their strive, their triumph, nor their fear 335 00:31:25.720 --> 00:31:32.559 to fall, to own the thunderer's sway. Then Greeks prepare benomen, 336 00:31:32.640 --> 00:31:38.440 he said, and melted into air. Leave us not, Thus, 337 00:31:38.680 --> 00:31:46.599 I cried, O pilliant Sage, experienced nestor famed for reverend Age, say, first, 338 00:31:46.880 --> 00:31:51.519 great Hero, shall the trump of fame our glory publish 339 00:31:52.000 --> 00:31:58.119 or disclose our shame? Oh? What are Athen's fates? In vain? 340 00:31:58.279 --> 00:32:03.519 I said? Even as I spoke, a shadowy chief had fled. 341 00:32:04.519 --> 00:32:08.920 Then here we flew to own the visions, sway and 342 00:32:09.359 --> 00:32:15.160 Heaven's decrees, to adore and to obey. He Thus, and 343 00:32:15.440 --> 00:32:21.200 as before the blackened skies sound the horse breezes, murmuring 344 00:32:21.519 --> 00:32:26.880 as they rise. So through the assembled Greeks, one murmur rose, 345 00:32:27.680 --> 00:32:33.000 one long, dull echo lengthening as it goes. Then all 346 00:32:33.319 --> 00:32:39.319 was hushed in silence, breathless or oppressed, each tongue and 347 00:32:39.640 --> 00:32:46.079 trembling they adore. But now, up rising from the astonished chiefs, 348 00:32:46.839 --> 00:32:54.119 divine Miltiades exposed his griefs. For well, the godlike warrior 349 00:32:54.279 --> 00:32:59.680 Sage had seen the frauds deceitful of the Pathian we, 350 00:33:00.799 --> 00:33:04.960 and feared a Greece, a Greece to whom is given 351 00:33:05.680 --> 00:33:11.079 eternal fame, the purest gift of heaven. And yet he 352 00:33:11.200 --> 00:33:17.720 feared the pious hero rose majestic in his sufferings, in 353 00:33:17.880 --> 00:33:23.599 his woes, grief clammed his tongue. But soon his spirit 354 00:33:23.960 --> 00:33:31.759 work words burst aloft, and all the patriot spoke, Oh, Athens, Athens, 355 00:33:32.279 --> 00:33:36.880 all the snares I view. Thus shalt thou fall and 356 00:33:37.240 --> 00:33:42.759 fall in glorious too? Are all thy boasted dignities? No 357 00:33:42.920 --> 00:33:48.599 more is all thy might and all thy glories? Or Oh, 358 00:33:48.640 --> 00:33:55.480 woe on woe, unutterable grief. Not Nestor's shade, that cursed 359 00:33:55.799 --> 00:34:01.359 phantom chief. But in that reverend air, that lofty mien, 360 00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:07.640 behold the frauds of Love's revengeful queen. Not yet her 361 00:34:07.720 --> 00:34:13.320 thoughts does vengeance cease to employ her son Aeneas wrongs 362 00:34:13.800 --> 00:34:19.320 and burning Troy, not yet forgotten lie within her breast, 363 00:34:19.960 --> 00:34:26.039 nor soothed by time, nor by despair. Depressed Greeks still 364 00:34:26.119 --> 00:34:30.920 extolled by glory and by fame. The yet o chiefs 365 00:34:31.360 --> 00:34:35.599 ye bear a Grecian name. If in these walls, these 366 00:34:35.639 --> 00:34:40.320 sacred walls, we wait the might of Persia and the 367 00:34:40.400 --> 00:34:46.280 will of fate. Before superior force will Athens fall, and 368 00:34:46.639 --> 00:34:52.639 one overwhelming ruin bury all. Then in the open plane, 369 00:34:52.840 --> 00:34:58.400 your might, essay, rush on to battle, crush Darius sway 370 00:34:59.119 --> 00:35:05.199 the frauds of Venus. Warrior Greeks, beware, disdain the Persian foes, 371 00:35:05.599 --> 00:35:12.440 nor stoop to fear. This said Plombrotus, him indignant bird, 372 00:35:12.840 --> 00:35:17.480 nor felt his wisdom nor his wrath. He feared with 373 00:35:17.760 --> 00:35:22.880 rage the chief, the god like sage beheld, and passion 374 00:35:23.320 --> 00:35:29.679 in his stubborn soul rebelled thrice impious man, the infurit 375 00:35:30.079 --> 00:35:36.000 chieftain cries, flames black and fearful, flashing from his eyes. 376 00:35:36.679 --> 00:35:41.039 Where lies your spirit, Greeks? And can ye bow to 377 00:35:41.119 --> 00:35:45.920 this proud upstart of your power? So lo, what does 378 00:35:46.079 --> 00:35:49.880 his aspect? Or ye in his eye so full of 379 00:35:50.039 --> 00:35:56.280 haughtiness and majesty. Behold the empires soul that dares defy 380 00:35:56.800 --> 00:36:00.719 the power of God's and sovereign of the sky. And 381 00:36:01.039 --> 00:36:05.320 can your hands no sacred weapon wield to crush the 382 00:36:05.400 --> 00:36:11.000 tyrant and your country shield on Greeks, your sons, your homes, 383 00:36:11.280 --> 00:36:17.320 your country, free from such usurping chiefs and tyranny, he said, 384 00:36:17.760 --> 00:36:22.480 and grasped his weapon. At his words, Beneath the horizon 385 00:36:22.599 --> 00:36:28.800 gleamed ten thousand swords, ten thousand swords, even in one instant, 386 00:36:29.199 --> 00:36:34.280 raised sublime, they danced aloft and midst the Senate blazed, 387 00:36:34.960 --> 00:36:40.360 nor wisdom checked, nor gratitude repressed. They rose and flashed 388 00:36:40.639 --> 00:36:48.920 before the Sage's breast, with pride undaunted, greatness, unsubdued against 389 00:36:49.199 --> 00:36:55.079 him in arms the impetuous Greeks he viewed, unarmed, unawed, 390 00:36:55.559 --> 00:37:01.119 before the inferior bands, nor begged for life stretched his 391 00:37:01.239 --> 00:37:08.519 suppliant hands. He stood astounded, riveted, oppressed by grief unspeakable, 392 00:37:08.880 --> 00:37:15.280 which swelled his breast, life feeling being sense forgotten, lie 393 00:37:15.840 --> 00:37:20.880 buried in one wide waste of misery? Can this be 394 00:37:20.960 --> 00:37:27.199 athens this their Senate's pride? He asked? But gratitude was 395 00:37:27.280 --> 00:37:32.519 this denied, though Europe's homage at his feet were hurled. 396 00:37:33.280 --> 00:37:39.920 Athens forsakes him. Athens was his world unutterable woe by 397 00:37:40.039 --> 00:37:45.880 anguish stung or his full soul rushed even to his tongue, 398 00:37:46.599 --> 00:37:51.400 and thoughts of power, of fame, of greatness. Or he 399 00:37:51.519 --> 00:37:57.239 cried Athenians, and he could no more awed by that 400 00:37:57.599 --> 00:38:02.800 voice of agony. That word hushed were the Greeks, and 401 00:38:03.159 --> 00:38:08.480