Page:Atalanta in Calydon - a tragedy (IA atalantaincalydo00swinrich).pdf/42

With laughter and swift limbs and prosperous looks;
That this great hunt with heroes for the hounds
May leave thee memorable and us well sped.

ALTHÆA.

Son, first I praise thy prayer, then bid thee speed;

But the gods hear men’s hands before their lips,
And heed beyond all crying and sacrifice
Light of things done and noise of labouring men.
But thou, being armed and perfect for the deed,
Abide; for like rain-flakes in a wind they grow,
The men thy fellows, and the choice of the world,
Bound to root out the tuskèd plague, and leave
Thanks and safe days and peace in Calydon.

MELEAGER.

For the whole city and all the low-lying land

Flames, and the soft air sounds with them that come;
The gods give all these fruit of all their works.

ALTHÆA.

Set thine eye thither and fix thy spirit and say

Whom there thou knowest; for sharp mixed shadow and wind
Blown up between the morning and the mist,
With steam of steeds and flash of bridle or wheel,