OENE answered back
The eager pleading of her glance with one
Of chilly calmness, as she thus replied:--

"There is _no living_ mortal in my realms,
Save thou alone, the first who ever came.
Thy BERTHO, from a thousand shades of men
Who roam the prisons of our underworld,
Pray, how can we distinguish? Would'st thou search?
Thou hast the liberty. We will not lay
The slightest new obstruction in thy way;
And this is mercy which we did not deem
We should extend towards an enemy.
We do not comprehend that strange excess
Of passion which hath made thee venture here.
But love, at least, is harmless. Go thy ways."
The innocent maidens, gathered round their Queen,
Looked on with interest, as the southern girl
Turned with a mute and trembling lip, away.
TULA, who on KOLONA's shoulder leaned,
Sprang towards her, reaching forth a friendly hand,
Whispering,--"Stay, beautiful, and sup with us;
Our servant spirits have already spread
The Feast of Borealis in the field,"
But, OLIVE shook her head, denying smiles
Deep in her wistful eyes, and went her way.

Court being ended, from her regal throne
OENE descended, passed the glowing steps,