With rapturous, lyrical glances,
Singing the song of the earth, singing
Its hymn to the Gods,"


will not be pitied as a mad-woman, nor shrunk from as unnatural.

The Greeks, who saw everything in forms, which we are trying to
ascertain as law, and classify as cause, embodied all this in the form
of Cassandra. Cassandra was only unfortunate in receiving her gift too
soon. The remarks, however, that the world still makes in such cases,
are well expressed by the Greek dramatist.

In the Trojan dames there are fine touches of nature with regard to
Cassandra. Hecuba shows that mixture of shame and reverence that
prosaic kindred always do toward the inspired child, the poet, the
elected sufferer for the race.

When the herald announces that Cassandra is chosen to be the mistress
of Agamemnon, Hecuba answers, with indignation, betraying the pride
and faith she involuntarily felt in this daughter.

"_Hec_. The maiden of Phoebus, to whom the golden-haired
Gave as a privilege a virgin life!

_Tal_. Love of the inspired maiden hath pierced him.

_Hec_. Then cast away, my child, the sacred keys, and from thy person
The consecrated garlands which thou wearest."