Cassandra's Wild Marriage Song

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.