But let the Poets strive, King HIERO's glory for to strain Beyond the Scythean sea; and far beyond those places where SEMIRAMIS did build those stately walls, and rule did bear. 'Mongst whom, I will be one: for many other men beside, JOVE's daughters love; whose study still shall be, both far and wide, Sicilian Arethusa, with the people, to advance; And warlike HIERO. Ye Graces! (who keep resiance [_residence_] In the Thessalian Mount Orchomenus; to Thebes of old So hateful, though of you beloved) to stay I will be bold, Where I am bid to come: and I with them will still remain, That shall invite me to their house, with all my Muses' train. Nor you, will I forsake! For what to men can lovely be Without your company? The Graces always be with me! Emblem. _Si nihil attuleris, ibis HOMERE foras._ [Illustration] THE EIGHTEENTH IDILLION. Argument. Twelve noble Spartan Virgins are brought in singing, in the evening, at the chamber door of MENELAUS and HELENA on their Wedding Day. And first they prettily jest with the Bridegroom, then they praise HELENA, last they wish them both joy of their marriage. Therefore this Idillion is entitled _HELEN's Epithalamion_ that is "HELEN's Wedding Song." _HELEN's Epithalamion_. [Illustration] In Sparta, long ago, where MENELAUS wore the crown, Twelve noble Virgins, daughters to the greatest in the town, All dight upon their hair in crowtoe [_hyacinth_] garlands fresh and green, Danced at the chamber door of HELENA the Queen: What time this MENELAUS, the younger son of ATREUS, Did marry with this lovely daughter of Prince TYNDARUS; And therewithal, at eve, a Wedding Song they jointly sang, With such a shuffling of their feet that all the palace rang. "Fair Bridegroom, do you sleep? Hath slumber all your limbs possesst? } What, are you drowsy? or hath wine your body so oppresst } That you are gone to bed? For if you needs would take your rest, } You should have ta'en a season meet. Mean time, till it be day Suffer the Bride with us, and with her mother dear, to play! For, MENELAUS, She, at evening and at morning tide. From day to day, and year to year, shall be thy loving Bride. "O happy Bridegroom, sure some honest man did sneeze to thee, When thou to Sparta came, to meet with such a one as She! Among the demi-gods thou only art accounted meet } To be the Son-in-law to JOVE! for underneath one sheet } His daughter lies with thee! Of all that tread on ground with feet } There is not such a one in Greece! Now sure some goodly thing She will thee bear; if it be like the mother that she bring.