Page:Four Plays of Aeschylus (1908) Morshead.djvu/224

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Nay—ere thou speak, hear me, bestow on me

A portion of the grace of granted prayers.

First let us learn how Io's frenzy came—

(She telling her disasters manifold)

Then of their sequel let her know from thee.

Well were it, Io, thus to do their will—

Right well! they are the sisters of thy sire.

'Tis worth the waste and effluence of time,

To tell, with tears of perfect moan, the doom

Of sorrows that have fallen, when 'tis sure

The listeners will greet the tale with tears.

I know not how I should mistrust your prayer;

Therefore the whole that ye desire of me

Ye now shall learn in one straightforward tale.

Yet, as it leaves my lips, I blush with shame

To tell that tempest of the spite of Heaven,

And all the wreck and ruin of my form,

And whence they swooped upon me, woe is me!

Long, long in visions of the night there came

Voices and forms into my maiden bower,

Alluring me with smoothly glozing words—

O maiden highly favoured of high Heaven,

Why cherish thy virginity so long?

Thine is it to win wedlock's noblest crown!

Know that Zeus' heart thro' thee is all aflame,

Pierced with desire as with a dart, and longs

To join in utmost rite of love with thee.

Therefore, O maiden, shun not with disdain