28 
THE TALE OF ARCHAIS 
To wander curst and lonely through the dire 
black brake. 
And this thing is my mother, whose foul tomb 
Is a black serpent, spotted with the gloom 
Of venomous red flecks, and poisonous sweat, 
While on her flat lewd head the mark is set 
Of utter loathsomeness ;  and I, her child 
Born of incestuous lust, and sore defiled 
With evil parentage, am now (Most just 
Unpitying Zeus !) condemned with her, I must 
The hated semblance of a serpent wear 
When noon rides forth upon the crystal air. ” 
While yet she spake, the dwindling shadow 
ran 
Beneath the feet of Charicles, the wan 
Waste water glinted free, and to the deep 
Cool pebbles did the kiss of sunshine creep ; 
The busy lark forgot for joy to sing, 
And all the woods with fairy voices ring ; 
The hills in dreamy langour seem to swoon 
Through the blue haze !  behold, the hour of 
noon ! 
 
And lo !  there came to pass the dreadful fate 
Her lips had shuddered out ;  her pulses bate