368
மயிலை சீனி. வேங்கடசாமி ஆய்வுக்களஞ்சியம் - 20
And slowly opening, peered within: the space
Stood void; for so it had been planned, that none Might, when the hour arrived
Obstruct the spot at which escape should vanish:
668
But farther on, voices were heard confused,
And lights shone faintly thro' the chinks of doors, Where one less spacious hall
Led, also void, to that of fated banquet.
Curious, and yielding to his own bold heart,
672
As line on line came, steel-clad, from the wall, Flooding funereal floors,
The young King whispered, 'Here await my signal,'
676
And stole along the intervening space,
At whose far end, curtains of Lydian woof, Between vast columns drawn,
Left a slight crevice where their folds disparted;
680
He looked within, unseen; all eyes were turned Towards a pale front, just- risen o'er the guests, In which the Persian knew
684
His brother King; it was not pale in battle.
And thus Omartes spoke: - 'Captains and sons Of the same mother, Scythia, to this feast,
Which in such straits of want
Needs strong excuse, not idly are ye summoned.
688
Wishing the line of kings from which I spring
Yet to extend, perchance, to happier times,
And save mine only child
From death, or, worse than death, the Median bondage, 692
'I would this night betroth her as a bride
To him amongst you whom herself shall choose;
And the benignant gods
Have, thro' the wisdom of their sacred augur,
696
