Page:Suppliant Maidens (Morshead) 1883.djvu/50

36 Their dark limbs gleam from out their snow-white garb;

Plain too the other barks, a fleet that comes

All swift to aid the purpose of the first,

That now, with furled sail and with pulse of oars

Which smite the wave together, shoots aland.

But ye, be calm, and, schooled not scared by fear,

Confront this chance, be mindful of your trust

In these protecting gods. And I will hence,

And champions who shall plead your cause aright

Will bring unto your side. There come perchance

Heralds or envoys, eager to lay hand

And drag you captive hence; yet fear them not;

Foiled shall they be. Yet well it were for you,

(If, ere with aid I come, I tarry long),

Not by one step this sanctuary to leave.

Farewell, fear nought: soon shall the hour be born

When he that scorns the gods shall rue his scorn.

Ah but I shudder, father!—ah, even now,

Even as I speak, the swift-winged ships draw nigh!

I shudder, I shiver, I perish with fear:

Overseas though I fled,

Yet nought it avails; my pursuers are near!

Children, take heart; they who decreed to aid

Thy cause will arm for battle, well I ween.