CHORUS With a shout by the hearth let the palace roof ring From those that are dreaming of bridal, and ye, Young men, let your voices in harmony sing To the God of the quiver, the Lord of the free! And the Paean withal from the maiden band To Artemis, huntress of many a land, Let it rise o'er the glad roof tree, To Phoebus' own sister, with fire in each hand, And the Nymphs that her co-mates be! My spirit soars. O sovereign of my soul! I will accept the thrilling flute's control. [_They dance_ The ivy-crowned thyrsus, see! With Bacchic fire is kindling me, And turns my emulous tread Where'er the mazy dance may lead. Euoi! Euoi! O Paean! send us joy. See, dearest Queen, behold! Before thy gaze the event will now unfold. DE. Think not mine eye hath kept such careless guard, Dear maids, that I could miss this moving train. Herald, I bid thee hail, although so late Appearing, if thou bringest health with thee! _Enter_ LICHAS, _with_ Captive Women. LICHAS. A happy welcome on a happy way, As prosperous our achievement. Meet it is Good words should greet bright actions, mistress mine! DE. Kind friend, first tell me what I first would know-- Shall I receive my Heracles alive? LICH. I left him certainly alive and strong: Blooming in health, not with disease oppressed. DE. In Greece, or in some barbarous country? Tell! LICH. Euboea's island hath a promontory, Where to Cenaean Zeus he consecrates Rich altars and the tribute of the ground. DE. Moved by an oracle, or from some vow? LICH. So vowed he when he conquered with the spear The country of these women whom you see. DE. And who, by Heaven, are they? Who was their sire? Their case is piteous, or eludes my thought. LICH. He took them for the service of the Gods And his own house, when high Oechalia fell. DE. Was't then before that city he was kept Those endless ages of uncounted time?