Page:Atalanta in Calydon - a tragedy (IA atalantaincalydo00swinrich).pdf/117

SECOND MESSENGER.

Queen, and you maidens, there is come on us

A thing more deadly than the face of death;
Meleager the good lord is as one slain.

SEMICHORUS.

Without sword, without sword is he stricken;

Slain, and slain without hand.

SECOND MESSENGER.

For as keen ice divided of the sun

His limbs divide, and as thawed snow the flesh
Thaws from off all his body to the hair.

SEMICHORUS.

He wastes as the embers quicken;

With the brand he fades as a brand.

SECOND MESSENGER.

Even while they sang and all drew hither and he

Lifted both hands to crown the Arcadian’s hair
And fix the looser leaves, both hands fell down.

SEMICHORUS.

With rending of cheek and of hair

Lament ye, mourn for him, weep.