72 
THE TALE OF ARCHAIS 
Through the noon’s haze the world was vast and 
dim ; 
The streams and trees and air were shimmering 
With summer heat and earth’s cool vapouring, 
When, round his limbs entwined, a fiery snake 
Hissed in his frightened ear the call “ Awake.” 
And Zeus arisen strives vainly to release 
His valiant body from the coils, nor cease 
His angry struggles in their cruel hold. 
But all implacable, unyielding, cold, 
Their sinuous pressure on his breast and thighs, 
The white teeth sharp and ready otherwise 
In one fierce snap to slay.  There hissed “ Be-
ware ! 
Fear Charicles avenging, and despair ! ” 
 
And Zeus beheld the springe his foot was in, 
And, once more wise, being out of love, would win 
His freedom on good terms.  His liberty 
For Charicles’ he bartered.  Willingly 
The boy accepts, yet in his eye remains 
A tender woman-feeling, and his pains, 
And even Archais’ woes he did forget 
In the sweep Lethe, that his lip had set 
To their ripe brim, that he had drained.  But now,