Page:Rape of Prosperine - Claudian (1854).djvu/63

 Your converse grave when dared she to molest— Or mar your pleasures—an unbidden guest? Hid in Trinacria's isle, and far away, On none intruding, harming none, she lay: Seclusion vain—and life of useless ease— That might not envy's bitter spite appease!"
 * She spake: they, mindful of their Sire's behest,

Their thoughts by weeping—not by words—express'd; Or knowledge of the fatal chance denied: She, much perplex'd, abating of her pride, Her warmth repress'd, and—"O, forgive me," cried, "If, urged too far, a mother's fond desire Her speech inflamed with unbecoming fire. A suppliant at your knees I lay me low; O give the wretched but her doom to know: The worst, when known, admits of some relief; To Fate, not malice, let me owe my grief. Indulge a parent in one only look: I redemand not aught the robber took: His act I sanction, whosoe'er he be: His spoil be his, without a fear of me. But if, by compact bound, my suit you spurn, Of thee, Latona, I the truth may learn,