Tale of Archais

46 THE TALE OF ARCHAIS So stood she there, with eyes of victory Fixed on the sun, about to sink his rays Beneath the ocean, that the pallid bays Fringed with white foam. But, as in pity, yet The sun forgot his chariot, nor would set, Since as he sank the maiden thought to leap Within the bosom of the vaulted deep From that high pedestal. And seeing this, That yet an hour was left her, Archais Lift up her voice and prayed with zeal divine To Aphrodite, who from her far shrine Heard and flew fast to aid over the night-clad brine. PRAYER OF ARCHAIS O Mother of Love, By whom the earth and all its fountains move In harmony, Hear thou the bitter overwhelming cry Of me, who love, who am about to die Because of love. O Queenliest Shrine, Keeper of keys of heaven, most divine Yet Queen of Pain,