The long plaits up; but before her beheld she the twain, and she stayed
Her hand, and she rose from her throne, and she bade them within her hall,
And on couches she caused them to sit; thereafter herself withal
Sat down, and her uncombed tresses coiled she about her head; {50}
And smiling innocent-arch to the Goddesses twain she said:
‘Dear sisters, what purpose or need hath brought you hither at last
Who have tarried so long afar? Why come ye? In days overpast
Not oft hath your presence been here—too great for such as I!’
Then unto her did Hêrê with stately speech reply:
‘Thou mockest, the while our heart with calamity’s shadow is dark,