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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TRACHINIAE: DEIANTRA'S WOOING; CHORUS by SOPHOCLES

First Line: GREAT AND STRONG IS THE CYPRIAN ALWAY TO WIN HER
Last Line: SUDDENLY SHE IS GONE FROM HER MOTHER, LIKE A HEIFER LEFT ALONE.
Subject(s): COURTSHIP;
CHORUS
GREAT and strong is the Cyprian alway to win her will. I pass the doings of the
gods, I tell not how she beguiled the Son of Cronos and nocturnal Hades and
Poseidon, Shaker of the Earth; but when this bride was to be won, what far-
reaching arms spread out to possess her, what beings went forth to that ordeal
of battle -- blows everywhere, and everywhere blinding dust? Here the strength
of a River, towering horns, crashing hooves, and a vision of a Bull, Achelous
from OEniadae; and there the Zeus-begotten from Bacchic Thebes, bent bow and
spear and club sweeping the air. Crashing they met together, mad for a bride;
and none save the couched Cyprian was near, holding her wand above them.
Thud of fists and rush of arrows and crash of wild-bull horns in confusion;
close-wound grapples and deadly shocks of brow on brow and groaning from both;
while a girl tender and sweet-faced sate on the side of a wide-looking hill,
awaiting the master that should be hers. I speak as one that hath borne a child.
The bride's face for which they rage waits piteous-eyed for the end; and
suddenly she is gone from her mother, like a heifer left alone.



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