IN thus connecting together a series of Songs by a thread of poetical narrative, my chief object has been to combine Recitation with Music, so as to enable a greater number of persons to join in the performance, by enlisting, as readers, those who may not feel willing or competent to take a part, as singers. The Island of Zea, where the scene is laid, was called by the ancients Ceos, and was the birth-place of Simonides, Bacchylides, and other eminent persons. An account of its present state may be found in the Travels of Dr. Clarke, who says, that "it appeared to him to be the best cultivated of any of the Grecian Isles."Vol. vi. p. 174. T. M. EVENINGS IN GREECE. FIRST EVENING. "THE sky is bright — the breeze is fair, "Our farewell word is woman's pray'r, "To Greece we give our shining blades, "And our hearts to you, young Zean Maids! "The moon is in the heavens above, "And the wind is on the foaming sea "Thus shines the star of woman's love "On the glorious strife of Liberty! "Farewell, farewell. "To Greece we give our shining blades, "And our hearts to you, young Zean Maids!" Thus sung they from the bark, that now Turn'd to the sea its gallant prow, Bearing within it hearts as brave, Where still the farewell beacons burn, Virgin of Heaven! speed their way - Of Zea's youth, the hope and stay Of parents in their wintry hour, Which now, alas, no more is seen Though every eye still turns to mark The moonlight spot where it had been. Vainly you look. ye maidens, sires, And mothers, your beloved are gone! |