Canto III.]
Orion.
79
"Better pull down the city, and destroy
The fleet"—Rhexergon said—"Then, all despoiled—
And made as slaves,—leave we our woodland homes:
There live, with Akinetos for our king?
Aught we destroy Orion can rebuild,
If we should need; or frame aught else we need;
Rise, therefore, Akinetos, thou art king!"
So saying in his hand he placed a spear.
The fleet"—Rhexergon said—"Then, all despoiled—
And made as slaves,—leave we our woodland homes:
There live, with Akinetos for our king?
Aught we destroy Orion can rebuild,
If we should need; or frame aught else we need;
Rise, therefore, Akinetos, thou art king!"
So saying in his hand he placed a spear.
As though against a wall 't were set aslant,
Flatly the long spear fell upon the ground.
"He will not be a king; nor will he aid
Your purposes," murmured the Great Unmoved.
"Autarces, Harpax, aided, and both died;
Orion's work will shortly work his end;
Encolyon, ever meddling to prevent,
Wasted his mind and care, and found his death.
Those who have wisdom aid not, nor prevent.
Nought good has followed aught that ye have done,
Nor will good follow aught that ye can do,
Or I can do, or any one can do,
Except such good as of itself had come,
If so 't was ordered. Leave God to his work,
Flatly the long spear fell upon the ground.
"He will not be a king; nor will he aid
Your purposes," murmured the Great Unmoved.
"Autarces, Harpax, aided, and both died;
Orion's work will shortly work his end;
Encolyon, ever meddling to prevent,
Wasted his mind and care, and found his death.
Those who have wisdom aid not, nor prevent.
Nought good has followed aught that ye have done,
Nor will good follow aught that ye can do,
Or I can do, or any one can do,
Except such good as of itself had come,
If so 't was ordered. Leave God to his work,
