Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Greece and Turkey in Europe: Vol. XIX. 1876–79. | | | | Greece: Athens | | Altered Condition of Athens | | Eupolis (c. 446–411 B.C.) |
| | (From The People)
Translated by W. Peter
IT grieves me to behold the commonwealth. | |
| Things were not thus administered of old; | |
| Then men of sense and virtue, men whose merits | |
| Gave them consideration in the state, | |
| Held the first offices: to such we bowed | 5 |
| As to the gods,—and gods indeed they were,— | |
| For under their wise counsels we enjoyed | |
| Security and peace. But now, alas! | |
| We have no other guide in our elections | |
| Save chance, blind chance, and on whatever head | 10 |
| It falls, though worst and meanest of mankind, | |
| Up starts he a great man, and is at once | |
| Installed prime Rogue and Minister of State. | | | | |
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