Page:Eumenides (Murray 1925).djvu/40

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Far off I heard the calling of my name,

Beside Scamander, where I took in claim

The new land which the Achaean lords and kings,

In royal spoil for many warfarings,

Gave, root and fruit for ever, as mine own

Exempted prize, to Theseus' sons alone.

Thence came I speeding, while behind me rolled

My wingless aegis, floating fold on fold.

But these strange visitants I tremble not

Beholding, yet I marvel. Who and what

Are ye? I speak to all. And who is he

Who round mine image clings so desperately?

But ye are like no earth-seed ever sown,

No goddess-shape that Heaven hath looked upon,

Nor any semblance borne of human kind

Howbeit, ye have not wronged me. I were blind

To right and custom did I speak you ill.

Virgin of God most high, have all thy will.

Still-weeping Night knows us the brood she bears;

The wronged ones in the darkness call us Prayers.

I know your lineage and the names ye hold.

Our office and our lot can soon be told.

Make clear thy word, that all be understood.