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

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MEROPE.
321

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.

[Merope goes in.