The Athena Relief

Why leanest thou on idle spear? Why is thy dreadful helmet bent Heavy upon thy breast, O virgin? What sorrow is so great, O thought,

As to touch thee? Are there no more Of thunder-bearing enemies To yield thee trophies new? No pomp Athenian to guide thy ship

On to the sacred Rock? I see Some pain holds Pallas fixed upon A gravestone. Some great blow moves her:

Is it thy sacred city's loss, Or seest thou all Greece--alas-- Of now and yesterday entombed?

1896.