LV.

Such were thy sons--their life a battle-day! Their youth one lesson how for thee to die! Closed is that task, and they have passed away Like softer beings train’d to aims less high. Yet bright on earth _their_ fame who proudly fell, True to their shields, the champions of thy cause, Whose funeral column bade the stranger tell How died the brave, obedient to thy laws![36] O lofty mother of heroic worth, How couldst thou live to bring a meaner offspring forth?