Hades.

I am the King of Hell, nor prone to vex Eternal destiny with weak complaint; Nor when I took my kingdom did I mourn My lot, from heav'n expell'd, deny'd to enjoy Its radiant revelry and ambrosial feast, Nor blamed our mighty Sisters, that not one Would share my empire in the shades of night. But when a younger race of gods arose, And Zeus set many sons on heav'nly seats, And many daughters dower'd with new domain, And year by year were multiply'd on earth Their temples and their statu'd sanctities, Mirrors of man's ideas that grow apace, Yea, since man's mind was one with my desire That Hell should have a queen,--for heav'n hath queens Many, nor on all earth reigns any king In unkind isolation like to me,-- I claimed from Zeus that of the fair immortals One should be given to me to grace my throne. Willing he was, and quick to praise my rule, And of mere justice there had granted me Whome'er I chose: but 'Brother mine,' he said, 'Great as my power among the gods, this thing I cannot compass, that a child of mine, Who once hath tasted of celestial life, Should all forgo, and destitute of bliss Descend into the shades, albeit to sit An equal on thy throne. Take whom thou wilt; But by triumphant force persuade, as erst I conquer'd heav'n.' Said I 'My heart is set: I take Demeter's child Persephone; Dost thou consent?' Whereto he gave his nod. And I am come to-day with hidden powers, Ev'n unto Enna's fair Sicilian field, To rob her from the earth. 'Tis here she wanders With all her train: nor is this flow'ry vale Fairer among the fairest vales of earth, Nor any flower within this flow'ry vale Fair above other flowers, as she is fairest Among immortal goddesses, the daughter Of gentle-eyed Demeter; and her passion Is for the flowers, and every tenderness That I have long'd for in my fierce abodes. But she hath always in attendant guard The dancing nymphs of Ocean, and to-day The wise Athena and chaste Artemis Indulge her girlish fancy, gathering flowers To deck the banner of my golden brother, Whose thought they guess not, tho' their presence here Affront his will and mine. If once alone I spy her, I can snatch her swiftly down: And after shall find favour for my fault, When I by gentle means have won her love. I hear their music now. Hither they come: I'll to my ambush in the rocky cave. [Exit.