As oaks they seemed, or as pines upsoaring in stately grace,

Which side by side all still mid the mountains rooted stand

When winds are hushed; but by breath of the breeze when at last they are fanned,

Stir they with multitudinous murmur and sigh—so they {970}

By love’s breath stirred were to pour out all in their hearts that lay.

Then Aison’s son beheld how the maiden’s soul was adread

With wilderment heaven-sent, and kindly-courteous he said:

‘Wherefore, O maiden, dost fear me so sorely, alone as I am?

Never was I as the loud-tongued blusterers, void of shame,

No, not when aforetime I dwelt in my fatherland oversea: