Alight! a light! rise up, be swift;
I seize, I worship, and I lift
The bridal torches' festal rays,
Till all the burning fane's ablaze!
Hymen! Hymenæan king!
Look there! look there! what blessings wait
Upon the bridegroom's nuptial state!
And I, how blest, who proudly ride
Through Argos' streets, a queenly bride!
Go thou, my mother! go!
With many a gushing tear
And frantic shriek of woe.
Wail for thy sire, thy country dear!
I the while, in bridal glee,
Lif the glowing, glittering fire.
Hymen! Hymen! all to thee
Flames the torch and rings the lyre!
Bless, O Hecate, the rite;
Send thy soft and holy light
To the virgin's nuptial bed.
Lightly lift the airy tread!
Evan! Evan! dance along!
Holy are the dance and song.
Meetest they to celebrate
My father Priam's blissful fate.
Dance, O Phoebus, dance and sing!
Round thy laurel-shaded fane
Still I lead the priestess' train.
Hymen! Hymenæan king!
Dance, my mother, lift thy feet!
Here and there the cadence keep
With thy light and frolic step!
Sing the Hymenæan sweet,
With many a gladsome melody
And jocund nymph's exultant cry.
Beauteous-vested maids of Troy,
Sing my song of nuptial joy!
Sing the fated husband led
To my virgin bridal-bed.