In sorrow, and for his sake the ministers
Hiding their knife, and all the assembly round
Weeping at sight of her; when this she saw,
Struck mute with terror, on her knees she sunk.
Ah! then in vain she called upon her king,
Her father, urged him by a parent’s love
To save his wretched child; while ruthless hands
Bore her all trembling to the altar’s base;
Not for her nuptials, not for holy rites
Of Hymen, tended on with dance and song;