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26
CHORUS FROM THE ŒDIPUS COLONEUS.
Here the golden crocus beams;
Nor ever fail the sleepless streams
That o'er the plains in tribute glide,
Cephisus, to thy silvery tide.
Hence springs the tree, hence blooms the flower,
With early radiance drest,
While weep the heavens their purest shower
On the earth's fruitful breast.
Nor do the Muses' circling feet
Abhor this verdant plain;
Nor is it the least-favour'd seat
Of Aphroditè's reign.
Nor ever fail the sleepless streams
That o'er the plains in tribute glide,
Cephisus, to thy silvery tide.
Hence springs the tree, hence blooms the flower,
With early radiance drest,
While weep the heavens their purest shower
On the earth's fruitful breast.
Nor do the Muses' circling feet
Abhor this verdant plain;
Nor is it the least-favour'd seat
Of Aphroditè's reign.
Not in the sunny lands that smile
In Asia's realm of gold,
Not in the mighty Dorian Isle
Where Pelops reign'd of old,
Flourishes that holy plant
Which loves th' Athenian soil,
Whose fruit is Earth's own bounteous grant,
Unvex'd by human toil.
The Olive, strong mid hostile spears,
Which not the force of youthful years
Nor all the skill of hoary age
Could e'er destroy in vengeful rage.
In Asia's realm of gold,
Not in the mighty Dorian Isle
Where Pelops reign'd of old,
Flourishes that holy plant
Which loves th' Athenian soil,
Whose fruit is Earth's own bounteous grant,
Unvex'd by human toil.
The Olive, strong mid hostile spears,
Which not the force of youthful years
Nor all the skill of hoary age
Could e'er destroy in vengeful rage.