They shall fasten her lips as with bit and with bridle, and darken the light of her face,

That the soul of the slayer may not falter, his heart be not molten, his hand give not grace.

[Str. 7.

If she weep then, yet may none that hear take pity;

If she cry not, none should hearken though she cried.

Shall a virgin shield thine head for love, O city,

With a virgin's blood anointed as for pride?

[Ant. 7.

Yet we held thee dear and hallowed of her favour,

Dear of all men held thy people to her heart;

[Pg 48]

Nought she loves the breath of blood, the sanguine savour,

Who hath built with us her throne and chosen her part.

[Epode.

830

Bloodless are her works, and sweet

All the ways that feel her feet;

From the empire of her eyes

Light takes life and darkness flies;

From the harvest of her hands

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