Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1898) v3.djvu/279

Rh And his chanting voice shall lead you as in triumph-march, and speed you

Unto Athens, to the sunny-gleaming land.

And I shall be left here lone, but thou

Shalt be racing with plash of the pine,

While the broad sail swells o'er the plunging prow

Outcurving the forestay-line,

While the halliards shiver, the mainsheets quiver,

As the cutwater leaps thro' the brine.

And it's O that I could soar down the splendour-litten floor

Where the sun drives the chariot-steeds of light,

And it's O that I were come o'er the chambers of my home,

And were folding the swift pinions of my flight;

And that, where at royal wedding the bridemaidens' feet are treading

Through the measure, I were gliding in the dance,

Through its maze of circles sweeping with mine olden playmates, keeping

Truest time with waving arms and feet that glance!

And it's O for the loving rivalry,

For the sweet forms costly-arrayed,

For the raiment of cunningest broidery,

For the challenge of maid to maid,

For the veil light-tossing, the loose curl crossing

My cheek with its flicker of shade!

Enter Thoas with attendants.

Where is this temple's warder, Hellas' daughter?