16 THE HOIDENS

When the Morning broke before us Came the wayward Three astraying, Chattering in babbling chorus, (Obloquies of Æther saying),— Hoidens that, at pegtop playing, Flung their Top where yet it whirls Through the coil of clouds unstaying; For the Fates are captious girls. CLOTHO Why, upon that Toy before us Insects cluster! Hear them saying, In the quaintest shrillest chorus:— ‘Life affords no time for playing! And for each that goes astraying, Featly as a planet whirls Drops the stroke of doom unstaying, For the Fates are captious girls.’ LACHESIS La, I thought it reeled before us Tumbling, lurching, stumbling, straying, In some sort of mumbling chorus! Now I see them at their playing— I too see,—and hear them saying:— ‘Note with what fixed aim life whirls Onward to set goals unstaying, For the Fates are captious girls.’ ATROPOS Sisters, I am tired of straying. Catch the Toy while yet it whirls! Cleanse the Toy, and end our playing! —For the Fates are captious girls.