Swinburne's "Erectheus."

A poem based on a superstitious idea. It is perfectly worthless.
Thou hast hallowed thy child for a blameless blood
Offering, and ransomed thy race by thy deed.
Ill thoughts breed fear, and fear ill words; but these
The gods turn from us that have kept their law.
And a cry goes up from the ghost of an ill deed done,
And a curse for a virgin slain.

That Athens—or any city could be ransomed from guilt and des- page 12 truction by blood is a superstitious notion. Swinburne is a madman.