Tale of Archais

68 THE TALE OF ARCHAIS Angry and wonderful, began to range Over her cheeks ; she bitterly began : “ I will not yield to thee—a mortal man Alone shall know my love. No God shall come From his high place and far immortal home To bend my will by force. Freeborn, I live In freedom, and the love that maidens give To men I give to one, but thou, most high, (For woman’s wits through your deceptions spy And know ye for Olympians) shall know A maiden’s heart no lover may win so. Farewell, and find a fairer maid to love! Farewell ! ” But he : “ Through all the silent grove I sought thee sighing—for thy love would I Consent to be a man, consent to die, Put off my godhead.” “ If thou sayest sooth, Any thy fair words bedew the flowers of truth Nor wander in the mazy groves of lying, I will be thine—speak not to me of dying Or abdication, sith I deem so far To tempt thee were unwise—we mortals are Chary to ask too much—didst thou refuse Either my honour or thy love to lose Were a hard portion, for in sooth I Love.” “ Ah happy hour, sweet moment ! Fairest grove