Women of Courage

These great and glorious warrior women of ancient times,
Admired and revered, have come from the varying from
The aristocracy to the dredges of society, yet they share a bond.
Mothers, sisters, wives, and women, Greek and Roman; all
Have overcome injustice by living with courage and spirit.

The Oracle revealed the downfall of Corinth by the son
Of Labda. Soldiers pursued, but Labda heard their plans and hid
Her babe. He survived to overthrow the Bacchiadae and became
The tyrant King. As the invading army approached, Axiothea saved
Her precious children, then, in the face of the savage barbarians, took
Her own life, saving all from a life of slavery. Cloelia became the savior
Of Roman hostages, the victims of the fury of their enemy. She rescued
The innocent children and is honored with a statue standing on the Via Sacra.

While visiting her imprisoned husband, Chilonis took his clothes
And locked herself in his place in the stronghold fortress
Of the Arcadians. After being captured and tortured by a rival
Clan, Leaena refused, unto her death, to betray her
Beloved; a bronze lioness stands at the Acropolis in tribute to her
Bravery. Telesilla provided hope for her besieged city Argos. She led
The women into battle against the Spartans. A renowned poet,
Telesilla is honored for her dedication to the muses and military victory.

Few of these women are remembered and honored today;
Most are forgotten in this modern world of anxiety and violence.
Their tales will be lost to the emptiness of the universe.
But if their songs are sung once again as in the days of old,
The lessons will not be lost to the dark void of ignorance.