891-911) "Friends, verily have I sinned greatly and took no heed not to go among the stranger-folk 1 who roam over our land.

The whole city is smitten with dismay; wherefore no one of the women who formerly gathered here day by day has now come hither.

But since we have come and no one else draws near, come, let us satisfy our souls without stint with soothing song, and when we have plucked the fair flowers amid the tender grass, that very hour will we return.

And with many a gift shall ye reach home this very day, if ye will gladden me with this desire of mine.

For Argus pleads with me, also Chalciope herself; but this that ye hear from me keep silently in your hearts, lest the tale reach my father's ears.