Page:Suppliant Maidens (Morshead) 1883.djvu/42

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But terror never can become a king.

Thus speak, thus act, and reassure my mind.

Not long thy sire shall leave thee desolate.

But I will call the country's indwellers,

And with soft words th' assembly will persuade,

And warn your sire what pleadings will avail.

Therefore abide ye, and with prayer entreat

The country's gods to compass your desire;

The while I go, this matter to provide,

Persuasion and fair fortune at my side.

[Exit the.

O King of Kings, among the blest

Thou highest and thou happiest,

Listen and grant our prayer,

And, deeply loathing, thrust

Away from us the young men's lust,

And deeply drown

In azure waters, down and ever down,

Benches and rowers dark,

The fatal and perfidious bark!

Unto the maidens turn thy gracious care;

Think yet again upon the tale of fame,