Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/188

Now nay, they fire no tent. My Maenad child
Kassandra cometh rushing hitherward.

Enter Kassandra carrying burning torches.

(Str.)
Up with the torch!—give it me—let me render
Worship to Phœbus!—lo, lo how I fling
Wide through his temple the flash of its splendour:— 310
Hymen! O Marriage-god, Hymen my king!
Happy the bridegroom who waiteth to meet me;
Happy am I for the couch that shall greet me;
Royal espousals to Argos I bring:—
Bridal-king, Hymen, thy glory I sing.

Mother, thou lingerest long at thy weeping,
Aye makest moan for my sire who hath died,
Mourn'st our dear country with sorrow unsleeping:
Therefore myself for mine own marriage-tide
Kindle the firebrands, a glory outstreaming, 320
Toss up the torches, a radiance far-gleaming:—
Hymen, to thee is their brightness upleaping;
Hekatê, flash thou thy star-glitter wide,
After thy wont when a maid is a bride.
(Ant.)
Float, flying feet of the dancers, forth-leading
Revel of bridals: ring, bacchanal strain,
Ring in thanksgiving for fortune exceeding
Happy, that fell to my father to gain.
Holy the dance is, my duty, my glory:
Lead thou it, Phœbus; midst bay-trees before thee
Aye have I ministered, there in thy fane:— 330
Marriage-king, Hymen!—sing loud the refrain.