Page:The poetical works of Matthew Arnold, 1897.djvu/356

318 Go as it will! But if this

Clash with justice, the Gods

Forgive my folly, and work

Vengeance on sinner and sin—

Only to me give my child!

THE CHORUS.

Hear us and help us, Shade of our King!

MEROPE.

A return, O Father! give to thy boy!

THE CHORUS.

Send an avenger, Gods of the dead!

MEROPE.

An avenger I ask not—send me my son!

THE CHORUS.

O Queen, for an avenger to appear,

Thinking that so I pray'd aright, I pray'd;

If I pray'd wrongly, I revoke the prayer.

MEROPE.

Forgive me, maidens, if I seem too slack

In calling vengeance on a murderer's head.

Impious I deem the alliance which he asks,

Requite him words severe for seeming kind,

And righteous, if he falls, I count his fall.

With this, to those unbribed inquisitors

Who in man's inmost bosom sit and judge,

The true avengers these, I leave his deed,