Their force opposed with Sparta’s glorious train;
Tall Oeta saw the tyrant’s conquered bands
In gasping millions bleed on hostile lands:
Thus vanquished, haughty Asia heard thy name,
And Thebes, and Athens, sickened at thy fame;
Thy state, supported by Lycurgus’ laws,
Gained, like thine arms, superlative applause;
E’en great Epaminondas strove in vain
To curb thy spirit with a Theban chain:
But ah! how low that free-born spirit now!