THE TALE OF ARCHAIS 
67 
Of long delight, and so with gentle kiss 
Touched the maid’s cheek, and broke her dream of 
bliss. 
And she, more startled than the yearling fawn 
As the rude sun breaks golden out of dawn, 
One swift sharp beam of glory, leapt aside 
And made as if to flee, but vainly plied 
Her tender feet amid the tangled flowers. 
For Zeus, enraptured, put forth all his powers, 
And caught her panting, timid, tremulous. 
And he with open lips voluptuous 
Closed her sweet mouth with kisses, and so pressed 
Her sobbing bosom with a manlier breast 
That she was silent ;  next, with sudden force, 
Implacable, unshamed, without remorse, 
Would urge his further suit, but so she strove 
That even the power of Zeus, made weak for 
love, 
Found its last limit, and, releasing her, 
Prayed for her grace, a raptured worshipper, 
Where but a moment earlier had he striven 
A sacrilegious robber.  And all heaven 
Seemed open to his eyes as she looked down 
Into their love, half smiling, with a frown 
Coquetting with her forehead.  Then a change,