Jephthah and Other Mysteries

LYRICAL AND DRAMATIC. __ 199 PENELOPE. LYSSES ’scaped the sorceries of that queen That turned to swine his goodly company; And came with sails broad-burgeoning and clean Over the ripples of his native sea. Yet for the shores his eyes had lately seen, He kept a half-regretful memory; And thought, when all the flower-strewn ways were green, “ Better love Circe than Penelope!” Yes. A good woman’s love will forge a chain To break the spirit of the bravest Greek ; While with a harlot one may leap again Free as the waters of the western main, And turn with no heart-pang the vessel’s beak Out to the oceans that all seamen seek.