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