DEM. Bright Hermes, Argus-slayer, born of Maia, Who bearest empty words, the mask of war, To Zeus make thine own words, that thou hast found me Offended,--that I still lament my daughter, Nor heed his summons to the courts of heav'n. HER. Giv'st thou me nought but these relentless words? DEM. I send not words, nor dost thou carry deeds. 581 But know, since heav'n denies my claim, I take Earth for my battle-field. Curse and defiance Shall shake his throne, and, readier then for justice, Zeus will enquire my terms: thou, on that day, Remember them; that he shall bid thee lead Persephone from Hades by the hand, And on this spot, whence she was stol'n, restore her Into mine arms. Execute that; and praise Shall rise from earth and peace return to heav'n. 590 HER. How dare I carry unto Zeus thy threats? DEM. Approach him with a gift: this little wallet. [_Giving a little bag of seeds._ I will not see thee again until the day Thou lead my daughter hither thro' the gates of Hell. [_Going._ HER. Ah! mighty Queen, the lightness of thy gift Is greater burden than thy weighty words. [_Exeunt severally r. and l._ _CHORUS._ (1) Sisters! what have we heard! Our fair Persephone, the flower of the earth, By Hades stolen away, his queen to be. (_others_) Alas!--alas!--ay me! 600 (2) And great Demeter's bold relentless word To Hermes given, Threatening mankind with dearth. (_others_) Ay me! alas! alas!-- (3 _or_ 1) She in her sorrow strong Fears not to impeach the King of Heaven, And combat wrong with wrong.-- (_others confusedly_) What can we do?--Alas!-- Back to our ocean-haunts return To weep and mourn.-- 610 What use to mourn?-- Nay, nay!--Away with sorrow: Let us forget to-day And look for joy to-morrow:-- [(1) Nay, nay! hearken to me!] Nay, how forget that on us too,-- Yea, on us all The curse will fall.-- [(1) Hearken! I say!] What can we do? Alas! alas! 620 (1) Hearken! There's nought so light, Nothing of weight so small, But that in even balance 'twill avail Wholly to turn the scale. Let us our feeble force unite, And giving voice to tears, Assail Poseidon's ears; Rob pleasure from his days, Darken with sorrow all his ways, Until his shifty mind 630 Become to pity inclined, And 'gainst his brother turn. (_others_) 'Tis well, thou sayest well. (2) Yea; for if Zeus should learn That earth and sea were both combined Against his cruel intent,