Page:Acharnians and two other plays (1909).djvu/166

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And call my nightingale. She'll summon them.

And when they hear her voice, I promise you

You'll see them all come running here pell-mell. Peis. My dearest, best of Birds! don't lose a moment,

I beg, but go directly into the thicket;

Nay, don't stand here, go call your nightingale. [Exit Hoopoe. [Song from behind the scene, supposed to be sung by the Hoopoe.

Awake! awake!

Sleep no more, my gentle mate!

With your tiny tawny bill,

Wake the tuneful echo shrill,

On vale or hill;

Or in her airy, rocky seat,

Let her listen and repeat

The tender ditty that you tell,

The sad lament,

The dire event,

To luckless Itys that befell

Thence the strain

Shall rise again,

And soar amain,

Up to the lofty palace gate;

Where mighty Apollo sits in state;

In Jove's abode, with his ivory lyre,

Hymning aloud to the heavenly quire.

While all the gods shall join with thee

In a celestial symphony. [A solo on the flute, supposed to be the nightingale's call. Peis. Ο Jupiter! the dear, delicious bird!

With what a lovely tone she swells and falls,

Sweetening the wilderness with delicate air. Eu. Hist! Peis. What? Eu. Be quiet, can't ye? Peis. What's the matter? Eu. The Hoopoe is just preparing for a song.