Page:The poetical works of Matthew Arnold, 1897.djvu/359

Rh MEROPE.

Discovery of a visit made by stealth.

THE CHORUS.

With arms then they should send him, not by stealth.

MEROPE.

With arms they dare not, and by stealth they fear.

THE CHORUS.

I doubt their caution little suits their ward.

MEROPE.

The heart of youth I know; that most I fear.

THE CHORUS.

I augur thou wilt hear some bold resolve.

MEROPE.

I dare not wish it; but, at least, to hear

That my son still survives, in health, in bloom;

To hear that still he loves, still longs for, me,

Yet, with a light uncareworn spirit, turns

Quick from distressful thought, and floats in joy—

Thus much from Arcas, my old servant true,

Who saved him from these murderous halls a babe,

And since has fondly watch'd him night and day

Save for this annual charge, I hope to hear.

If this be all, I know not; but I know,

These many years I live for this alone.