Therefore it happed when but a month had gone Since he had left King Schœneus' city old, In hunting-gear again, again alone220 The forest-bordered meads did he behold, Where still mid thoughts of August's quivering gold Folk hoed the wheat, and clipped the vine in trust Of faint October's purple-foaming must.[301]
And once again he passed the peaceful gate,225 While to his beating heart his lips did lie, That, owning not victorious love and fate, Said, half aloud, "And here too must I try, To win of alien men the mastery, And gather for my head fresh meed of fame,230 And cast new glory on my father's name."
In spite of that, how beat his heart, when first Folk said to him, "And art thou come to see That which still makes our city's name accurst Among all mothers for its cruelty?235 Then know indeed that fate is good to thee Because to-morrow a new luckless one Against the whitefoot maid is pledged to run."
So on the morrow with no curious eyes As once he did, that piteous sight he saw,240 Nor did that wonder in his heart arise As toward the goal the conquering maid 'gan draw, Nor did he gaze upon her eyes with awe, Too full the pain of longing filled his heart For fear or wonder there to have a part.245
But O, how long the night was ere it went! How long it was before the dawn begun Showed to the wakening birds the sun's intent That not in darkness should the world be done! And then, and then, how long before the sun250 Bade silently the toilers of the earth Get forth to fruitless cares or empty mirth!
And long it seemed that in the market-place He stood and saw the chaffering folk go by, Ere from the ivory throne King Schœneus' face255 Looked down upon the murmur royally, But then came trembling that the time was nigh When he midst pitying looks his love must claim, And jeering voices must salute his name.
But as the throng he pierced to gain the throne,260 His alien face distraught and anxious told What hopeless errand he was bound upon, And, each to each, folk whispered to behold His godlike limbs; nay, and one woman old As he went by must pluck him by the sleeve265 And pray him yet that wretched love to leave.
For sidling up she said, "Canst thou live twice, Fair son? canst thou have joyful youth again, That thus goest to the sacrifice, Thyself the victim? nay then, all in vain,270 Thy mother bore her longing and her pain, And one more maiden on the earth must dwell Hopeless of joy, nor fearing death and hell.
"O fool, thou knowest not the compact then That with the three-formed goddess she has made275 To keep her from the loving lips of men, And in no saffron gown to be arrayed, And therewithal with glory to be paid, And love of her the moonlit river sees White 'gainst the shadow of the formless trees.280
"Come back, and I myself will pray for thee Unto the sea-born framer of delights, To give thee her who on the earth may be The fairest stirrer-up to death and fights, To quench with hopeful days and joyous nights285 The flame that doth thy youthful heart consume: Come back, nor give thy beauty to the tomb."