Althaea
Yea to the bone, yea to the blood and all.
CHORUS.
For this thy face and hair are as one fire.
Althaea
A tongue that licks and beats upon the dust.
CHORUS.
And in thine eyes are hollow light and heat.
Althaea
Of flame not fed with hand or frankincense.
CHORUS.
I fear thee for the trembling of thine eyes.
Althaea
Neither with love they tremble nor for fear.
CHORUS.
And thy mouth shuddering like a shot bird.
Althaea
Not as the bride’s mouth when man kisses it.
CHORUS.
Nay, but what thing is this thing thou hast done?
Althaea
Look, I am silent, speak your eyes for me.
CHORUS.
I see a faint fire lightening from the hall.
Althaea
Gaze, stretch your eyes, strain till the lids drop off.
CHORUS.
Flushed pillars down the flickering vestibule.
Althaea
Stretch with your necks like birds: cry, chirp as they.
CHORUS.
And a long brand that blackens: and white dust
Althaea
O children, what is this ye see? your eyes
Are blinder than night’s face at fall of moon.
That is my son, my flesh, my fruit of life,
My travail, and the year’s weight of my womb,
Meleager, a fire enkindled of mine hands
And of mine hands extinguished, this is he.
CHORUS.
O gods, what word has flown out at thy mouth?