Synopsis

As from a temple service, tall and dignified, with slow pace, each a queen, the sixteen matrons from the temple of Hera before the curtain—a dark purple hung between Ionic columns—of the porch or open hall of a palace. Their hair is bound as the marble hair of the temple Hera. Each wears a crown or diadem of gold. They sing—the music is temple music, deep, simple, chanting notes: From the closed gardenWhere our feet paceBack and forth each day,This gladiolus white,This red, this purple spray—Gladiolus tall with dignityAs yours, lady—we layBefore your feet and pray: Of all the blessings—Youth, joy, ecstasy—May one gift last(As the tall gladiolus mayOutlast the wind-flower,Winter-rose or rose),One gift above,Encoming all those;