Wednesday, 16 January 2008

Things Of War






The great house glitters with bronze. War has patterned

the roof with shining helmets,

their horsehair plumes waving in the wind, headdress

of fighting men. And pegs

are concealed under bright greaves of brass which

block the iron-tipped arrows. Many

fresh-linen corselets are hanging and hollow shields

are heaped about the floor,

and standing in rows are swords of Chalcidian steel,

belt-knives and warriors' kilts.

We cannot forget our arms and armor when soon

our dreadful duties begin.


Alcaeus of Mytilene.

c 575 B.C.

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