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MODERN GREECE.
47



XCII.

Mark—on the storied frieze the graceful train,
The holy festival's triumphal throng,
In fair procession, to Minerva's fane,
With many a sacred symbol move along.
There every shade of bright existence trace,
The fire of youth, the dignity of age;
The matron's calm austerity of grace,
The ardent warrior, the benignant sage;
The nymph's light symmetry, the chief's proud mien,

Each ray of beauty caught and mingled in the scene.


XCIII.

Art unobtrusive there ennobles form,39[1]
Each pure chaste outline exquisitely flows;
There e'en the steed, with bold expression warm,40[2]
Is clothed with majesty, with being glows.
One mighty mind hath harmonized the whole;
Those varied groups the same bright impress bear;
One beam and essence of exalting soul
Lives in the grand, the delicate, the fair;
And well that pageant of the glorious dead

Blends us with nobler days, and loftier spirits fled.
  1. ↑
  2. ↑
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