CASSANDRA'S WILD MARRIAGE SONG (from "Troades")

by: Euripides

      LIGHT! a light! rise up, be swift;
      I seize, I worship, and I lift
      The bridal torches' festal rays,
      Till all the burning fane's ablaze!
      Hymen! Hymenæan king!
      Look there! look there! what blessings wait
      Upon the bridegroom's nuptial state!
      And I, how blest, who proudly ride
      Through Argos' streets, a queenly bride!
      Go thou, my mother! go!
      With many a gushing tear
      And frantic shriek of woe.
      Wail for thy sire, thy country dear!
      I the while, in bridal glee,
      Lif the glowing, glittering fire.
      Hymen! Hymen! all to thee
      Flames the torch and rings the lyre!
      Bless, O Hecate, the rite;
      Send thy soft and holy light
      To the virgin's nuptial bed.
      Lightly lift the airy tread!
      Evan! Evan! dance along!
      Holy are the dance and song.
      Meetest they to celebrate
      My father Priam's blissful fate.
      Dance, O Phoebus, dance and sing!
      Round thy laurel-shaded fane
      Still I lead the priestess' train.
      Hymen! Hymenæan king!
      Dance, my mother, lift thy feet!
      Here and there the cadence keep
      With thy light and frolic step!
      Sing the Hymenæan sweet,
      With many a gladsome melody
      And jocund nymph's exultant cry.
      Beauteous-vested maids of Troy,
      Sing my song of nuptial joy!
      Sing the fated husband led
      To my virgin bridal-bed.

This English translation, by Henry Hart Milman, of 'Cassandra's Wild Marriage-song' is reprinted from Greek Poets in English Verse. Ed. William Hyde Appleton. Cambridge: The Riverside Press, 1893.

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