Classic Poem

T HRACIAN parents, at his birth,
Mourn their babe with many a tear,
But with undissembled mirth
Place him breathless on his bier.

Greece and Rome, with equal scorn
" O the savages! " exclaim,
" Whether they rejoice or mourn,
Well entitled to the name! "

But the cause of this concern
And this pleasure, would they trace,
Even they might somewhat learn
From the savages of Thrace.