He then became as in a dream until Hellen’s voice was heard in greeting, when he looked up to perceive himself and Electra leaning over the galley’s side. Notwithstanding the woe about them, the two were finding it hard to restrain their joy. Near them were a few nobles, and their attendants; farther back, stood the captain and sailors;—and all statues of grief.
Deucalion ascended; and was clasped in Hellen’s arms. Sensel went up, still as in a dream; as in a vision beholding Æole in repose upon the couch where he had left her. But he was recalled by the grasp of Electra’s hand, her words of welcome.
“Electra, the sight of thee doth gladden. Almost can I forget the horrors we have passed through.”
“Sensel, we thought never to see thyself or Sir Deucalion more on earth. Drear was our way over the waters. And we reached this to learn there had been a dire rocking of the land for days.”
“I wonder that an island is left. But tell me, Electra, how is it with Æole?”
“She sleepeth as doth the babe in the arms of its mother.”
The color flashed over his face, the light into his eyes. He was so transfigured that Electra stared at him. “Sensel, art thou not wearied after thy watching?”
“Wearied! I feel as though I had come out of a long, sweet sleep.”
And now, Hellen was seizing his hand. The two embraced as Deucalion and Electra spoke together.
“Electra, Æole doth still sleep?”