17
Lack zeal of mine. Then go, let her be brought
Hither outside the gate;
And bid her know me friend. But speed thee well,
Lest on those there with her some mischief fell 175 (184)
She wreak: so has her passion swelled of late.
Nurse.
I will do as ye bid, but there's fear lest I fail
My lady to win.
Yet I will give you my pains in free boon,
Although with the gaze of a lioness 180 (187)
With newborn cubs does she glare at her slaves,
If any approach her proffering speech.
And sure ye would not err if ye said
The men of old times were rude and nought wise,
Who fashioned for revels and wassails and feasts
Songs that make life by listening delight, 186 (194)
While no mortal has yet devised to lull
By music and chants many-toned the loathed pangs
When death and strange fates tread down homes.
And yet to calm these with the measured strain 190 (199)
Were in sooth a gain unto men: but why
Raise the vain sound where the feast is glad?
