This appeal was answered by a rapturous shout, and several youths started in pursuit, returning shortly, dragging Persephone with them.
“Bacchus shows good taste,” cried one. “She is surely a rival of the maiden whom Theseus deserted on these very shores!”
“Up with her,” cried another, “she must occupy the throne with him. She shall be his queen.”
“That she shall!” cried Ephialtes, his courage returning as he beheld the beautiful frightened face of the girl whom he loved.
He stooped from the throne and lifted in his arms the form of the now unconscious girl. Across her marble-white forehead strands of loosened hair streamed. The soft blue light from the circlet of sapphires which lay on her cold brow, contrasted strangely with the ruddy brilliance of a ruby clasp which adorned the hair of Ephialtes above his passion-flushed countenance. He received a goblet of wine which had been proffered to him and put it to the lips of the fainting maiden. The draught brought her back to consciousness, and she gazed dazedly about, then suddenly the horror of her situation came upon her. With an agonized cry she rose to flee but was seized roughly by Ephialtes who, impassioned, leaned over her, covering her face and throat with burning kisses.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Dionysus and Ariadne.
“... Far in the east
The Aegean twinkles, and its thousand isles
Hover in mist, and round the dun horizon
Are many floating visions, clouds, or peaks,