When the Assault Was Intended to the City

    Whose chance on these defenceless doors may seize

    If deed of honour did thee ever please

    Guard them and him within protect from harms.

    He can requite² thee； for he knows the charms

    That call fame on such gentle acts as these

    And he can spread thy name o'er lands and seas

    Whatever clime the sun's bright circle warms.

    Lift not thy spear against the Muses³' bower⁴：

    The great Emathian conqueror⁵ bid spare

    The house of Pindarus when temple and tower

    Went to the ground； and the repeated air

    Of sad Electra's poet had the power

    To save the Athenian walls from ruin bare.