Leaden clouds over heaven lowering masses fling.

“Farewell!” the sisters cry—for he must go with speed.

She who is eldest born leads out his splendid steed.

And then the second-born armour brings out to him:

Youngest of all entreats—asks with her eyes tear-dim:

“When, O my brother dear, comest thou back to us?”

“Ah, sister! Of the sand take thou a handful thus....

“Sow on a rock. Each dawn water it with thy tears.

That day the sand springs up—thy brother lost appears!”

THE CAPTIVES