Page:History of the Literature of Ancient Greece (Müller) 2ed.djvu/187

165 LITERATURE OF ANCIENT GREECE. 165 lyric poetry were also often combined by annexing - to two strophes corresponding with one another, a third and different one called an epoch. The origin of this, according to the ancients, is, that the chorus, having performed one movement during the strophe, return to their former position during the antistrophe ; and they then remain motion- less for a time, during which the epode is sung. The short strophes of the iEolic lyric poetry, on the other hand, follow each other in ecpial measure, and without being interrupted by epodes. The rhythmical structure of the choral strophes of the Doric lyric poetry is likewise capable of much variety, assuming sometimes a more elevated, some- times a more cheerful character ; whilst in the iEolic, light and lively metres, peculiarly adapted to express the passionate emotion of an ex- citable mind, are frequently repeated. Choral poetry required an object of public and general interest, as the choruses were combined with religious festivals ; and if they were celebrated in private, they always needed a solemn occasion and cele- bration. Thoughts and feelings peculiar to an individual could not, with propriety, be sung by a numerous chorus. Hence the choral lyric poetry was closely connected with the interests of the Greek states, either by celebrating their gods and heroes, and imparting a charm and dignity to the festal recreations of the people, or by extolling citizens who had acquired high renown in the eyes of their countrymen. It was also sometimes used at marriages or funerals ; — occasions in which the events of private life are brought into public notice. On the other hand, the iEolic lyric poetry frequently expresses thoughts and feelings in which only one mind can sympathize, and expresses them with such tenderness as to display the inmost workings of the heart. How would such impressions be destroyed by the singing of a chorus of many voices ! Even when political events and other matters of public interest were touched upon in the JEoWc lyric poetry, they were not mentioned in such a manner as to invite general sympathy. Instead of seeking, by wise admonitions, to settle the disorders of the state, the poet gives expression to his own party feelings. Nevertheless, it is pro- bable that the iEolic poets sometimes composed poems for choral ex- hibition, for choruses were undoubtedly performed in Lesbos, as well as in other parts of Greece ; and although some ancient festival songs might have existed, yet there would naturally be a wish to obtain new poetry, for which purpose the labour of the poets in the island would be put in requisition. Several of the Lesbian lyric poems, of which we have fragments and accounts, appear to have been composed for choral recitation *. But the characteristic excellence of this lyric poetry imitated; it was recited by choruses of ounif men and women; see below § 'J. Choral dances had been usual, in connexion with the hyinennuis, from tbe earliest times ; see above ch. 2, 5 Bi So likewise the fragment of Sappho, Kfitraai w vof ub', &c, No. 83, ed. BlomhVld, No. 4(>, ed. None, alludes to some imitation of a Cretan
 * Especially the hymenseus of Sappho, from which the poem of Catullus, C>2, is