Synopsis

ONCE on the throne of Argos sat a maid, Daphles the fair; serene and unafraid She ruled her realm, for the rough folk were brought To worship one they deemed divinely wrought, In beauty and mild graciousness of heart: Nobles and courtiers, too, espoused her part, So that the sweet young face all thronged to see Glanced from her throne-room's silken canopy (Broidered with leaves, and many a snow-white dove), Rosily conscious of her people's love. Only the chief of a far frontier clan, A haughty, bold, ambitious nobleman, By law her vassal, but self-worn to be From subject-tithe and tribute boldly free, And scorning most this weak girl-sovereign's reign, Now from the mountain fastness to the plain Summoned his savage legions to the fight,-- Wherein he hoped to wrench the imperial might From Daphles, and confirm his claim thereto.