And his chanting voice shall lead you as in triumph-march, and speed you 1130
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.
(Ant. 2)
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, 1140
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 1150
My cheek with its flicker of shade!
Enter Thoas with attendants.
Thoas.
Where is this temple's warder, Hellas' daughter?