THE THORNY ROAD OF HONOUR. 507

that the laughing Athenians may well appreciate the likeness
between himself and the caricature on the stage: there he stands
before them, towering high above them all,

 

The King of Poets.

Thou juicy, green, poisonous hemlock, throw thy shadow over
Athens—not thou, olive tree of fame!

Seven cities contended for the honour of giving birth to Homer
—that is to stay, they contended after his death! Let us look
at him as he was in his life-time. He wanders on foot through
the cities, and recites his verses for a livelihood; the thought for
the morrow turns his hair grey! He, the great seer, is blind,
and painfully pursues his way—the sharp thorn tears the mantle