Is bright and cold,

And through the bronze

Of shining bark and wood

Run the fine threads of gold.

[12]

Here in our wicker-trays,

We bring the first faint blossoming

Of fragrant bays:

Lady, their blushes shine

As faint in hue

As when through petals

Of a laurel-rose

The sun shines through,

And throws a purple shadow

On a marble vase.

(Ah, love,

So her fair breasts will shine

With the faint shadow above.)

The harp chords become again more regular in simple definite rhythm. The music is not so intense as the bride-chorus; and quieter, more sedate, than the notes preceding the entrance of the last group.

Five or six slightly older serene young women enter in processional form; each holding before her, with precise bending of arms, coverlets and linen, carefully folded, as if for the bride couch. The garments are purple, scarlet and 

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