The Helots
Eternally dwell?
If the kernel is crushed and made shapeless shall any take heed for the shell?
If the kernel is crushed and made shapeless shall any take heed for the shell?
Of dust the gods made us
And mocked us with life;
In flesh they arrayed us,
And filled us with strife:
For a guerdon they gave us the fetter—for pleasure the lash and the knife,
And mocked us with life;
In flesh they arrayed us,
And filled us with strife:
For a guerdon they gave us the fetter—for pleasure the lash and the knife,
For freedom we pine not,
We claim no release;
But we pray that the fine knot
That binds us may crease
Each sinew, each nerve of our masters with pain that can fail not nor cease.
We claim no release;
But we pray that the fine knot
That binds us may crease
Each sinew, each nerve of our masters with pain that can fail not nor cease.
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