POETRY.
THE DREAM-LOVERS.
[ATHEILEUS, %Ill., 35.] ODATIS, child of him who ruled the lands
Eastward from Tends, in her dreams beheld Prince Zariadres, whom the tribes obeyed To Tamils northwards from the Caspian Gates, Beheld, and loved him ; and the Prince beheld
The maid in visions of the night, and loved,—
Fairest of Asian dames the girl, and he Of Asia's sons the fairest. So the twain, Though sundered far, were constant each to each.
And Zariadres, when the time was"ripe, Asked her in marriage ; but the King, whose house But for the girl was childless, lest his realm Should fret at alien rule, denied the snit ; And are the year had circled, he ordained His daughter's marriage, calling to the feast Kinsmen, and friends, and princes of the laud, All Scythia's noblest, nor for whom the bride He purposed and the heirship of his crown Declared ; but when the revel was at height Bade fetch the maiden to the hall, and said, "These be thy suitors, girl. Now take the cup, The cup from which the Kings my fathers drank, And mix, and give it as thy heart shall choose."
With one swift glance from under drooping lids She scanned the glittering throng, nor saw the One, The lover of her dream ; then slowly turned, And sought the board whereon the cups were ranged, Seeing her instant fate, but hoping yet Wildly against all hope. And he, it chanced, Drawn by war rumours to his frontier, lay Encamped by Tennis; and he knew her need, Though no man told him, for their hearts were one.
All day he drave across the Scythian plain, Nor spared the lash, and when the sun was set Came where the King held revel. There he left Chariot and charioteer, nor feared to pass, In garb of Scythian prince, the palace doors.
With shout and song the revellers quaffed the wine Unheeding, and Odatis at the board Stood cup in hand, and slowly mixed the draught, While the big tear-drops trickled down her cheek.
Then the Prince knew the lady of his dreams, And whispered, " At thy bidding I am come, 0 best beloved ;" and she beheld him stand, Unknown, yet known, and smiling through her tears, Reached him her hand, nor doubted, and the twain Passed from the ball to where the chariot stood.
Forth sprang the willing steeds, and all the night, For Aphrodite gave them strength, devoured The plain with feet untiring, till they came With morning to the river and the camp.
ALFRED CHURCH.
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