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150 No mother's smile of joyful praise

Could their desponding spirits raise;

But as their steps in coward flight

Shunn'd the proud adversaries' sight,

Harass'd by shame and grief they trod the darkest ways.

But he who has obtain'd the meed

That crowns each fair and noble deed,

With hope and joy transported glows.

Him swift-wing'd valour gives to rise,

And a superior good supplies

To all the bliss that wealth bestows.

Full often with increasing light

Glitters each mortal pleasure bright,

And shortly dash'd upon the ground

By some unhappy stroke 'tis found.

Man, the frail being of a day,

Uncertain shadow of a dream,

Illumined by the heavenly beam,

Flutters his easy life away.

Ægina! guardian of the land

Peopled by freedom's generous band,

Preserve this city with a mother's love.

Thee may King Æacus behold,

Peleus and Telamon the bold,

With bless'd Achilles and immortal Jove.