ANTISTROPHE IV.
In vain with prayers, in vain she beats dull ears
With a father’s name; the war-delighting chiefs
Heed not her virgin years.
The father stood; and when the priests had prayed,
Take her, he said; in her loose robes enfolden,
Where prone and spent she lies,[n25] so lift the maid;
Even as a kid is laid,
So lay her on the altar; with dumb force
Her beauteous[f13] mouth gag, lest it breathe a voice