Classic Poem

Farewell forever, classic land
Of tyrants and of slaves!
My homeward path lies far away
Over the dark-blue waves;

Whither I go, no marble fanes
From myrtle steeps arise,
Nor shineth there such fervid suns
From such unclouded skies.

But yet, the earth of that dear land
Is holier earth to me
Than thine, immortal Marathon!
Or thine, Thermopylae!

For there my fathers' ashes rest,
And living hearts there be —
Warm, living hearts, and loving ones —
That still remember me.

And O! the land that welcometh
To one such bosom-shrine,
Though all beside were ruined, lost,
That land would still be mine.

Ay, mine! albeit the breath of life
Not there I breathed first;
Ay, mine! albeit with barrenness
And polar darkness cursed.

The bird that wanders all day long,
At sunset seeks her nest:
I've wandered long; my native land!
Now take me to thy rest.