Williams, Hugh W.: Select views in Greece (Band 1) (London, 1829)

CAKDAMOIJLA,

THE ANCIENT CARDAMYLE* IN PELOPONNESUS, GULF OF CORON,

SITUATED AT THE FOOT OF THE RANGE OF

MOUNT TAYGETUS.

" Behind the town is a small rocky eminence, on whose summit are
a few vestiges of the ancient Acropolis of Cardamyle. Just enough
remains to point out the situation; the rock itself is split by a deep
chasm, ascribed by tradition to an earthquake. Below the Acropolis
are several caves, and the remains of ancient sepulchres.''

" Taygetique phalanx, et oliviferi Eurotse

Dura manus. Deus ipse viros in pulvere crudo
Areas alit: nudseque modos virtutis, et iras
Ingenerat: vigor inde animis, et mortis honorse
Dulce sacrum; gaudent natorum in fata parentes,
Hortanturque mori; defletjamque omnis ephebum
Turba, coronato contenta est funere matere."

Stat. Theb.

" Next of Taygetus the warrior ranks

Advance from olive-crowned Eurotas' banks;

Where nursed to valour by the Arcadian god,

A hardy people have their proud abode :

And daily draw, from use of martial arts,

Strength to their arms, and courage to their hearts.

Sires lead their children to the battle plain,

And bid them earn the honours of the slain;

They, at the word, to arms exulting fly,

As 'twere a sweet and sacred thing to die.

And even the mother, while the youthful dead

Is wept by thousands, proudly lifts her head;

And, for he lies upon a laurelled bier,

Beholds his gory corse without tear."

J. Jr.

* A city as ancient as the days of Homer. It was taken by Augustus from the Messe-
nians, and annexed to the dominions of Sparta.