Page:Suppliant Maidens (Morshead) 1883.djvu/67

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THE SUPPLIANT MAIDENS.
53

Semi-Chorus.

Soft is thy word—the doom is hard.


Semi-Chorus.

Thou know'st not what the fates provide.


Semi-Chorus.

How should I scan Zeus' mighty will,
The depth of counsel undescried?


Semi-Chorus.

Pray thou no word of omen ill.


Semi-Chorus.

What timely warning wouldst thou teach?


Semi-Chorus.

Beware, nor slight the gods in speech.


Semi-Chorus.

Zeus, hold from my body the wedlock detested, the bridegroom abhorred!
It was thou, it was thou didst release
Mine ancestress Io from sorrow: thine healing it was that restored,
The touch of thine hand gave her peace.