Orion.
55
And to the caves returned, hopeful that now
The others would assist. There sat the three,
Listening the slow speech of Encolyon,
Who with change-hating eyes, fixed on the earth,
Discoursed, and to Orion's anxious looks
Thus made reply. "We have resolved to give
Our utmost aid—or aid that may suffice,—
In furtherance of thy task, which many days
Rightly requires." "Six days," Orion said,
And turned to go; when Harpax interposed:
"Be it then six, but our conditions hear.
Take Merope, thy prize; the rest be ours.
Œnopion's kingdom we shall duly share,
And make Encolyon king, as fitted best
For cares of state and governance of men."
"Not altogether King," Encolyon said
With meekness—"but, in sooth, I would return
Among mankind, and dictate to small towns."
The others would assist. There sat the three,
Listening the slow speech of Encolyon,
Who with change-hating eyes, fixed on the earth,
Discoursed, and to Orion's anxious looks
Thus made reply. "We have resolved to give
Our utmost aid—or aid that may suffice,—
In furtherance of thy task, which many days
Rightly requires." "Six days," Orion said,
And turned to go; when Harpax interposed:
"Be it then six, but our conditions hear.
Take Merope, thy prize; the rest be ours.
Œnopion's kingdom we shall duly share,
And make Encolyon king, as fitted best
For cares of state and governance of men."
"Not altogether King," Encolyon said
With meekness—"but, in sooth, I would return
Among mankind, and dictate to small towns."
Orion answered, "This were breach of faith
In me; the King and all his subjects, still
Must as I found them rest, until he die;
Then, as ye will, among ye take the crown,
Which, having Merope, I ne'er shall claim.
In me; the King and all his subjects, still
Must as I found them rest, until he die;
Then, as ye will, among ye take the crown,
Which, having Merope, I ne'er shall claim.
