I - Ode III
THE VOLCANOES
Dawning
rays of the Sun
why do you appear?
Does the eye of heavenly beings
really like to see
the deeds of the assassins?
Oh Greeks. oh souls divine
Who in the greatest dangers
show a tireless energy
and a sublime nature!
Why. why do you not try
to save the crown
of your unhappy country
from the impious hands
of such assassins?
Their number is legion
and fearful to see
but a single Greek.
a heroic man
can scatter them.
II
- Ode IV
TO SAMOS
Whosoever feels the heavy
bronze hand of fear
let them support the yoke of slavery.
Freedom demands virtue
She herself (and the myth conceals
a sense of the truth) gave wings
to Icaros; even though the winged
boy fell and drowned
submerged in the sea.
But he fell from the heights
and he died free.
If you become a dishonoured victim
of a tyrant, expect
a horrible death.
III - Ode VI
THE VOWS
It
were better for
the tumultuous waves of the sea
to drown my country
like a hopeless
abandoned rowboat.
It
were better for
me to see a flame
on the continent and islands
rushing everywhere
devouring the cities, forests
peoples and hopes.
It
were better, much better
for the Greeks so scattered
to roam the world
with hands outstretched
begging for bread.
Grasp
firmly the sword, ye Greeks -
lift up your eyes -
lo - in the heavens
is God, your only protector.
And
if God and our arms
fail us, it were better
for the wild mares of the Turks
to whinny again on
Mt. Kithairon.
Rather
than... oh yes, the more
blind and harsh
tyranny is
the sooner open
the redeeming gates.
Arcadia I | Arcadia
II | Arcadia III | Arcadia
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