Volume Ii Part 31 (1/2)
To prove the G.o.ds benignant to his rule, The years, which fasten rigid whom they cool, Reviewing, saw him hold the seat of power.
A grey one asked: Who next? nor answer had: One greyer pointed on the pallid hour To come: a river dried of waters glad.
VII
For which of his male issue promised grip To stride yon people, with the curb and whip?
This Lycophron! he sole, the father like, Fired prospect of a line in one strong tide, By right of mastery; stern will to strike; Pride to support the stroke: yea, G.o.dlike pride!
VIII
Himself the prince beheld a failing fount.
His line stretched back unto its holy mount: The thirsty onward waved for him no sign.
Then stood before his vision that hard son.
The seizure of a pa.s.sion for his line Impelled him to the path of Lycophron.
IX
The youth was tossing pebbles in the sea; A figure shunned along the busy quay, Perforce of the harsh edict for who dared Address him outcast. Naming it, he crossed His father's look with look that proved them paired For stiffness, and another pebble tossed.
X
An exile to the Island ere nightfall He pa.s.sed from sight, from the hushed mouths of all.
It had resemblance to a death: and on, Against a coast where sapphire shattered white, The seasons rolled like troops of billows blown To spraymist. The prince gazed on capping night.
XI
Deaf Age spake in his ear with shouts: Thy son!
Deep from his heart Life raved of work not done.
He heard historic echoes moan his name, As of the prince in whom the race had pause; Till Tyranny paternity became, And him he hated loved he for the cause.
XII
Not Lycophron the exile now appeared, But young Periander, from the shadow cleared, That haunted his rebellious brows. The prince Grew bright for him; saw youth, if seeming loth, Return: and of pure pardon to convince, Despatched the messenger most dear with both.
XIII
His daughter, from the exile's Island home, Wrote, as a flight of halcyons o'er the foam, Sweet words: her brother to his father bowed; Accepted his peace-offering, and rejoiced.
To bring him back a prince the father vowed, Commanded man the oars, the white sails hoist.
XIV
He waved the fleet to strain its westward way On to the sea-hued hills that crown the bay: Soil of those hospitable islanders Whom now his heart, for honour to his blood, Thanked. They should learn what boons a prince confers When happiness enjoins him grat.i.tude!
XV
In watch upon the offing, worn with haste To see his youth revived, and, close embraced, Pardon who had subdued him, who had gained Surely the stoutest battle between two Since t.i.tan pierced by young Apollo stained Earth's breast, the prince looked forth, himself looked through.
XVI
Errors aforetime unperceived were bared, To be by his young masterful repaired: Renewed his great ideas gone to smoke; His policy confirmed amid the surge Of States and people fretting at his yoke.