Chapter I

Who comes this rampart to defend?
The times assigned us sentinels is o’er;
Yon fading constellation shines no more
Now the seven Pleiades the heaven ascend,
In ether view the eagle glide.
Wake! what means this long delay?
Rise and watch; now dawns the day?
Saw ye the moon diffuse her radiance wide?
Aurora is at hand: but at the gate
(For Dolon sure returns) what faithful guard shall wait?

SEMICHOR. To whom did the first watch belong?

SEMICHOR. ’Tis said
Choræbus, son of Mygdon, is their chief.

SEMICHOR. Who in his room was stationed?

SEMICHOR. The Pæonians
Called from their tent Cilicia’s hardy troops.

SEMICHOR. The Mysians summoned us.

SEMICHOR. Haste, let us seek
The fifth division of the watch, and rouse
Lycia’s brave warriors as by lot ordained.

CHORUS.