When riseth Lacedemon's Hardihood,

When Thebes Epaminondas rears again,

When Athens' children are with hearts endued,[fu]

When Grecian mothers shall give birth to men,

Then may'st thou be restored; but not till then.

A thousand years scarce serve to form a state;

An hour may lay it in the dust: and when

Can Man its shattered splendour renovate,

Recall its virtues back, and vanquish Time and Fate?