Page:The poetical works of Matthew Arnold, 1897.djvu/390

352 ÆPYTUS.

With this Messenian tyrant—that I know.

MEROPE.

And entertain'st thou, child, such dangerous friends?

ÆPYTUS.

This commerce for my best behoof he plies.

MEROPE.

That thou mayst read thine enemy's counsel plain?

ÆPYTUS.

Too dear his secret wiles have cost our house.

MEROPE.

And of his unsure agent what demands he?

ÆPYTUS.

News of my business, pastime, temper, friends.

MEROPE.

His messages, then, point not to thy murder?

ÆPYTUS.

Not yet, though such, no doubt, his final aim.

MEROPE.

And what Arcadian helpers bring'st thou here?