A source-book of ancient history - The Search For Mecca

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—
Tyrtsus; Alcasus 143
the ills that befall a man who suffers cowardice. Horrible
it is to cleave the back of a fugitive in hostile war, pitiable'
a body lying in the dust, the back thrust through with
spear-point. With firm poise, then, with both feet fixed This passage
— - '
gi\'es interon
earth, teeth biting lip, let each man stand his ground, esting incovering
with broad shield his hips and legs beneath, his concerning
shoulders, breast and vitals. With right ^ hand let him" equipments
and manner
wield a mighty lance and toss above the head his fearful of fighting.
crest. Let the timid learn to do knightly deeds, and stand
not ofl[ with shield beyond the range of darts ; but come to .
'
close fight and with long lance or sword-thrust slay his
foeman. Pressing foot on foot, shield on shield, crest on
crest, helmet on helmet, grapple your man, with hand on
sword hilt or long spear. And ye light troops here and
there, beneath your shields crouched, pelt them with heavy
stones, hurl with polished darts, but keep you near the _
phalanx.
'X.^yi.J^^'^^
III.
Selections from Alc^us
WINTER
Zeus hails. The streams are frozen. In the sky The metre of
A mighty storm is raging high.
the original
And now the forest thick, the ocean hoar,
named after
Grow clamorous with the Thacian tempest's roar. Alc^us; that
of the translation
is
But drive away the storm, and make the fire
somewhat
Hotter and pile the logs and faggots higher;
similar
Pour out the tawny wine with lavish hand,
And bind about thy ' head a fleecy band.
•'
Greece, go;
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IVorld, 154.
It ill befits to yield the heart to pain.
What profits grief, or what will sorrow gain?
O Bacchus, bring us wine, delicious wine,
And sweet into.^ication, balm divine.