Thisbe

Now lay aside, Now lay aside all fear; turn hitherward, And onward come securely." And I still motionless and 'gainst my conscience.

Seeing me stand still motionless and stubborn, Somewhat disturbed he said: "Now look thou, son! 'Twixt Beatrice and thee there is this wall." As at the name of Thisbe oped his lids The dying Pyramus, and gazed upon her, What time the mulberry became a vermilion; Even thus, my obduracy being softened, I turned to my wise guide, hearing the name That in my memory evermore is welling.

Whereat he wagged his head and said: "How now? Shall we stay on this side?" Then smiled as one does at a child who's vanquished by an apple.

Then into the fire in front of me he entered, Beseeching Statius to come after me, Who a long way before divided us.

These were they that dwelt in Hyria and rocky Aulis, who held Shonis, Scolus, and the highlands of Eetioneus, with Thespiae, Graia, and the fair city of Mycalessus.

They also held Harma, Elysium, and Erythrae, and they had Eleon, Hyle, and Pythæone, Osylia, and the strong fortress of Medeon, Copæa, Eutresis, and Thisbe, the haunt of doves.

Coronea, and the pastures of Haliartus, Plateæa, and Glisas, the fortress of Thebes the less, holy Onchestus with its famous grove of Neptune, Arne and rich in vineyards, Midea, sacred Nisa, and Anthedon upon the sea.

From these came the fifty ships, and in each there were a hundred and twenty young men of the Boeotians.