Chorus.

(1) Sisters! what have we heard! Our fair Persephone, the flower of the earth, By Hades stolen away, his queen to be. (others) Alas!--alas!--ay me! (2) And great Demeter's bold relentless word To Hermes given, Threatening mankind with dearth. (others) Ay me! alas! alas!-- (3 or 1) She in her sorrow strong Fears not to impeach the King of Heaven, And combat wrong with wrong.-- (others confusedly) What can we do?--Alas!-- Back to our ocean-haunts return To weep and mourn.-- What use to mourn?-- Nay, nay!--Away with sorrow: Let us forget to-day And look for joy to-morrow:-- [(1) Nay, nay! hearken to me!] Nay, how forget that on us too,-- Yea, on us all The curse will fall.-- [(1) Hearken! I say!] What can we do? Alas! alas! (1) Hearken! There's nought so light, Nothing of weight so small, But that in even balance 'twill avail Wholly to turn the scale. Let us our feeble force unite, And giving voice to tears, Assail Poseidon's ears; Rob pleasure from his days, Darken with sorrow all his ways, Until his shifty mind Become to pity inclined, And 'gainst his brother turn. (others) 'Tis well, thou sayest well. (2) Yea; for if Zeus should learn That earth and sea were both combined Against his cruel intent, Sooner will he relent. (others) 'Tis well--we do it--'tis well.-- (1) Come let us vow. Vow all with one accord To harden every heart Till we have won Poseidon to our part. (all) We vow--we do it--we vow. (1) Till we have conquer'd heav'n's almighty lord And seen Persephone restored. (all) We vow--we vow. (1) Come then all; and, as ye go, Begin the song of woe.

Song.

Close up, bright flow'rs, and hang the head, Ye beauties of the plain, The Queen of Spring is with the dead, Ye deck the earth in vain. From your deserted vale we fly, And where the salt waves mourn Our song shall swell their burd'ning sigh Until sweet joy return.