Thebes is bright with thee, and my heart it leapeth; yet is it cold,

And my spirit faints as I pray.

I-ê! I-ê!

What task, O Affrighter of Evil, what task shall thy people essay?

One new as our new-come affliction,

Or an old toil returned with the years?

Unveil thee, thou dread benediction,

Hope's daughter and Fear's.

[They pray to Athena, Artemis, and Apollo.

Athena

Artemis

Apollo.

Zeus-Child that knowest not death, to thee I pray,

O Pallas; next to thy Sister, who calleth Thebes her own,

Artemis, named of Fair Voices, who sitteth her orbèd throne

In the throng of the market way:

vv. 162-189  [Pg 12]

And I-ê! I-ê!

Apollo, the Pure, the Far-smiter; O Three that keep evil away,

If of old for our city's desire,

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