That night, when storms were spent and tranquil heaven
That night, when storms were spent and tranquil heaven,
Clear-eyed with stars and fragrant with fresh air,
Slept after thunder, came a sound of song,
And a keen voice that through the forest cried
On Ithocles, and still on Ithocles,
Persistent, till the woods and caverns rang.
He in his lair close-lying and tear-tired
Heard, knew the cry, and trembled. Nearer still
And nearer vibrated the single sound.
Yet, though much called for, Ithocles abode
Prone, deeming that the gods had heard his prayer,
And spake not. Till at the cave-door there stayed
Clear-eyed with stars and fragrant with fresh air,
Slept after thunder, came a sound of song,
And a keen voice that through the forest cried
On Ithocles, and still on Ithocles,
Persistent, till the woods and caverns rang.
He in his lair close-lying and tear-tired
Heard, knew the cry, and trembled. Nearer still
And nearer vibrated the single sound.
Yet, though much called for, Ithocles abode
Prone, deeming that the gods had heard his prayer,
And spake not. Till at the cave-door there stayed