CXXXII.
The diadem, that from his locks he tore,
For that one life. Idaspes watched his mood,
And (ere the first fierce burst of grief was o'er,
While lost Altheëtor's every pulse) pursued
With guardian skill the kindly deep design:
He probed the king's light changeful heart, and gained
A promise that the maid of Palestine,
Until twelve moons had o'er his garden waned,
Should live in banishment from court. So, sent
To muse in peace upon her unknown love
(So long announced), dejected Egla went
With all her house, and seeks her own acacia-grove.
The facility with which the young king of Media forgets his
beautiful captive, setting aside the effect produced by the premature
death of Altheëtor his preserver, agrees perfectly with the
following description:—
“Nous rencontrames une troupe à cheval leste et brillant, à la
tête de laquelle était le jeune Pharnabaze, l'air serein et radieux,
faisant caracoler son cheval, et plaisantant avec ses camarades;
j'en fus étourdis: je l'avais vue, la veille, desespéré; s'arrachant
les cheveux, se jettant sur le corps de la belle Statira; invoquant
la mort, voulant se poignarder; et, déjà, la rire, le plaisir, avait
succédés à ce grand désespoir.”—
Voyages d'Antenor.
