[A SONG OF APOLLO.]
A LEGEND OF ANCIENT GREECE.
BY LILLIE E. BARR.
After the burning of Troy, to Argos there came
A soldier aged and weary:
Naught had he gained in the contest, treasure nor fame,
So now he lifted his lyre, and day after day
Stood in the streets or the market, and strove to play.
No one gave him a lepton, no one waited to hear
A song so ancient and simple;
Hungry and hopeless, he ceased: then a youth drew near—
A youth with a beautiful face—and he said, "Old man,
Now strike on thy lyre and sing, for I know thou can."
"O Greek," said old Akeratos, "I have lost the power,
With handling of swords and lances."
"Then here's a didrachmon—lend me thy lyre an hour;
Thou hold out the cap in thine hand, and I will play:
Surely these men that are deaf shall listen to-day."
Then, with a mighty hand sweeping the trembling strings,
Over the tumult and chatting,
Like the call of a clear sweet trumpet, the young voice rings;
For he sings of the taking of Troy, and the chords
Sound like the tramping of hoofs, and clashing of swords.
There, in the market of Argos, is Hector slain,
There, in their midst, is Achilles.
Breathless, they listen again and again,
Fill up the cap with coins, and shout in the crowded street,
"Strike up thy lyre once more, O Singer strange and sweet!"
Ah! then came magical notes, soft melodies low;
The air grew purple and amber,
Scented with honey, and spices, and roses a-blow:
And there in the glory sat Love—Mother and Queen—
And eyes grew misty with tears for days that had been.
Eyes grew misty, hearts grew tender, tender and free:
Every one gave to the soldier
Bracelets, and ring, and perfumes from over the sea.
Then said the Singer, "Now, soldier, gather thy store,
The hands that have fought for Greece need never beg more.
"Greeks, dwelling in Argos, this is a shameful sight—
A soldier wounded and begging."
The Singer grew splendid and godlike, and rose in unbearable light:
Then they knew it was Phœbus Apollo, and said,
"Never again in Argos shall the brave beg bread."
ACCIDENT ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD, INDIA.