I show the path That’s nearest to the goal, and make it smooth That when you stand again before her sight There’ll be at least one thing in me to praise. Here is the rushing fount of life you seek, You have the key yourself, then ope the lock! GYGES. Not for the world! KAN. For her, my friend, for her! [GYGES _makes a gesture of refusal_. Nay, I bethink me now. You wished to-day With your own hand to spill your youthful blood. Maybe I too can muster will; then go And take to her my latest-breathed farewell. ’Tis even as though I now were stretched on earth. GYGES. No, no! I came to fight. KAN. Oho, the pride! In fight with me you cannot be defeated, Eh, friend? GYGES. You know me better. KAN. That as well! Should I be conqueror even there remains No less the other. Is not that the scent The aloe sheds? It is; so soon the wind Carries it from the garden. ’Tis unclosed Only when night is near. The time is come. GYGES. The ring--oh, oh! KAN. You mean ’twere better left Unravished in its charnel? True it is. Rhodope’s dread presentience was no lie, Nor was your shudder empty monishment. Not for a game nor the mad pranks o’ the fool Its metal has been welded, and perchance There hangs on it the whole world-destiny. Methinks ’tis given me to dare the vision Of time’s most ancient gulfs, and see the fight The young gods fought with the hoar gods of eld. Zeus, hurled aback full oft, comes climbing on Toward the gold seat o’ the Father, in his hand The sickle of horror, and behind him creeps A Titan to the attack, sore-bowed with fetters. Why is he not perceived of Kronos? Lo He’s manacled and maimed and downward hurled! Wears he the ring? Gyges, he wore the ring And Gaia’s self had handed him the ring! GYGES. Then curséd be the man that brought it to you. KAN. And why? You did the right, and had I been Made of your mould it had not worked its lure, In silence had I given it back to night And all would now be as it was erewhile. Then seek not on the passive tool’s account To bargain for my sin. The guilt is mine. GYGES. But ah, what guilt! KAN.