42 
THE TALE OF ARCHAIS 
There sounded :  “ Boldest mortal, have thy will ! 
I do reverse the doom of Archais 
And lay it on thyself ;  nor ever this 
Shall lift its curse from off thee, this I swear.” 
And Cypris looked upon him and was ware 
His form did change, and, writhing from her clasp, 
Fled hissing outward, a more hateful asp 
Than India breeds to-day, so terrible 
Was his despair, so venomous as hell 
The sudden hate that filled him.  So away 
Knowing not whither, did he flee, till day 
Dropped her blue pinions, and the night drew on, 
And sable clouds banked out the weary sun.