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Chapter Text

Trees, fields, sounds of cattle. Enter animals, Cyrene herding them

CYRENE (singing):

Another evening, another day

Of winding down well worn ways

Another round of standing guard

Over this herd who would be prey

Tempo and volume increase

To the wild beasts of glade and wood!

Who see in my charges more of their food

But none of growl and fang will win

Past this sentinel tending the king’s brood

The predators lurk

But must all stay hid

Or sent to their tomb

To threaten calf and kid 

Tempo slows 

No man could surpass such a maiden as I 

In race by foot or of arrow’s flight 

For this princess is of a different kind 

Blessed by the archer goddess high!

Volume decreases, tempo slows more

But then the sun wanes

And all must turn in

And I lead them home 

Till morning, when I lead them out again

She arrives at the palace gates. Two guards bow and open the doors

GUARD 1:

Evening, princess!

GUARD 2:

Welcome home!

CYRENE:

Good evening, sirs!

GUARD 1: 

Any trouble in the fields today, madam?

Cyrene prods the herd through the open gates.

CYRENE: 

None at all, my good guards.

GUARD 2:

As always, brave lady!

CYRENE: 

Good night, now. I pray your relief does not arrive late!

Guards bow

GUARD 1:

Her highness is most gracious

Guard 2:

Goddess of the Woods keep you!

Cyrene exits

Chapter Text

Cyrene enters the hall of King Hypseus where he is on his throne. She kneels on the floor below the dais and bows.

HYPSEUS: Ah, my brave lady, stronger and swifter than all the sons of my rivals! Are my herds well behaved lately?

CYRENE: As always, father. And well protected, as I aim to serve you.

HYPSEUS: I have never any doubts, maiden of Artemis. Come, and let us take the evening meal.

Hypseus rises, and they walk together. Throne exits and table enters. Enter Themisto, Alcaea, Astyagyia. They all sit and are served.

HYPSEUS:

(singing)

You have labored long days, daughter.

Tomorrow will you not rest?

Music tempo quickens 

CYRENE :

I will indeed, father

(singing)

For approaches soon your fest

Before the day I will away

To hunt for only the best

To serve my king beloved

And his noble guests

Family laughs. Music pauses.

THEMISTO: Oh sister, but what repose is that?

ALCAEA: Yes you never join us at ease in chat

Music resumes slowly.

HYPSEUS: 

(singing)

Come now, daughters,

Sometimes such sport is rest enough

For youthful hearts of fire unspent. 

ASTYAGIA: 

(singing)

Be are come of age now

Such games are for suitors' tests

THEMISTO:

(singing)

Father must make his ties with other realms

For which we shall make our nests

Do you not care for that?

Music pauses.

HYPSEUS: 

(speaking)

Enough now, ladies. I have daughters plenty, all of whose desires will serve my kingdom well. Some go with Hera the Queen and Lady Hestia, but we have many women riders and tenders of flocks, and chief among them is our Cyrene who keeps our most valuable kines and herds always protected.

They eat quietly for a few moments; Cyrene seems distracted.

Chapter Text

ASTYAGIA: Do not let our jests weigh so heavily on you, sister.

HYPSEUS: 

(singing)

It would seem my daughter's heart troubled?

Music resumes.

CYRENE: 

(singing)

But is not yours?

For I fit the mold of sons more than daughters

I have not the leanings of a lady proper

Not for the eyes of great kings

With whom we trade from our herds

HYPSEUS: 

(singing)

Were I a lesser man it could be so

But of neither thieves nor peers

Have I any fear

For the Immortal Huntress has blessed this daughter

As fawn by the doe

You shall have a fine destiny,

Your mother, fair water sprite, told me so.

CYRENE:

(singing)

I am grateful, father.

For I think my spirit indeed would fade

Like the summer blooms

When they meet the winter shade

Should I be bid to sit idle by the loom

and bind myself to hearth beneath the roof

For some city prince

Who sees in me no better use

Music pauses.

HYPSEUS: Not at all my daughter, it is my duty to the goddess who keeps our forests, and to her brother Apollo guardian of the grazing fields.

CYRENE: 

(singing)

But do you fear I will not marry?

HYPSEUS: 

The maiden goddess takes no spouse, nor need you. Unless, in truth you desire it after all?

ALCAEA: Perhaps she is more like we homebound ladies prim and proper than we thought!

CYRENE: 

No indeed! One fear only I have, 

(singing) 

and that is the captivity into which marriage would bind me.

Astyagia laughs.

ASTYAGIA: 

Only a wild man of the woods would hope to win such a suit for our sister Cyrene!

The king waves her off.

HYPSEUS: 

Well, for myself, I will accept no son of lesser worth than one who would not grant every wish to this princess, who goes like the goddess herself in mortal form. 

CYRENE: 

(singing)

My king is a gracious lord indeed

HYPSEUS:

(singing)

Thanks to Artemis

Who grace good blessing

To this realm of horse and herd

And its princess

In deed and word

Who I dare not dismiss

And curse our fortunes 

With any decrees oppressing

You shall go forth tomorrow as you desire

And for certain you will fetch 

the fiercest stag 

who roams my lands! 

Light goes dark 

Chapter Text

Cyrene is walking carefully through the woods with her bow and arrow. 

CYRENE:

(singing (forte)) 

Oh does it make my heart sing

To flit through the woods

Like creatures of wing

Free to heed the call of the game

Of tracking, and stalking

And chasing the tame

And prey like the fierce lion of the mountain

Or the wolf strayed away

From the pack which no longer counts it

I dash and I fly

Never wondering if I

Should be in the home

To which good maidens are bound in

Cyrene spots her prey, slows down, creeps from tree to tree

CYRENE:

(singing (piano/softly))

But why should this bird leave the trees 

So long as the good king leaves me be

For I think 

No prince

On earth

Could catch

Or test

Or impress

Me...  

Cyrene shoots her bow, then walks up and stands over a slain stag

For they all see a maid

Most strange, ill behaved [she crouches down to pluck the arrow]

But there is no other way

I can be

Fog fills the forest, Artemis appears. Cyrene is startled, and kneels and bows.

CYRENE:

Mistress of the Forest! Maiden of the Hunt! 

(singing) 

But what brings the great goddess here to grace this lady with her presence?

ARTEMIS:

(singing)

Why I have heard the call

Of a heart that is torn

Though treading free 

Through my forest halls

It fears a life of lonely scorn

Despite service to me?

Cyrene pauses, unable to answer. Artemis smiles.

ARTEMIS :

(singing)

Fear not, fair child

For I will raise you above all

As no woman wild

Will you be remembered

Above man and maid 

Will you stand tall

None through Greece may deny

A champion sent by me

To conquer any feat 

Great or small

Music stops.

CYRENE:

But how will this be?

A pair of large hunting dogs enter and sit by the goddess.

ARTEMIS:

(speaking)

A contest, of sport in arms. There you will be proved to all the kingdoms of Greece.

And, perhaps, you may also find one worthy of your company in hand. 

(singing)

But he need be very great indeed 

To impress the likes of me

Or my maiden, Cyrene!

Cyrene is quiet. Music resumes.

ARTEMIS:

(singing)

Here with this gift you may 

Set out to win the day,

A pair clever and swift 

And precious to me. 

Bring home fame and fortune all the more

To your king who honors the goddess most loyally

Mist fills the woods, Artemis vanishes.

CYRENE:

But of what contest do you speak?!

Dogs go to Cyrene, she greets and pets them.

CYRENE:

Would you fine hounds know the answer?

Dogs give friendly barks. 

CYRENE:

Come then! I suppose we should get my prize home.

Perhaps your lady will send some token to me in reply.

Cyrene retrieves the stag onto her shoulders, exits with the dogs.

Chapter Text

Cyrene enters the throne room with her new dogs, where the king is in conference with a servant

CYRENE:

(speaking)

Father, father! I must tell you what has happened! 

(singing) 

A thing most incredible

It could not be believed, 

were not my mother 

Kin herself of the gods.

Hypseus holds a hand up

HYPSEUS:

(speaking) In a moment, dearest.

Cyrene stops and takes a knee and bows. Then the servant bows and leaves a parchment in the king's hand. Cyrene jumps up excitedly

CYRENE:

(speaking) Father, will you believe it? I was - 

HYPSEUS:

(singing) My princess, let the king speak first if you please.

CYRENE:

(speaking) Forgive me, o king.

Slow solemn tone and tempo 

HYPSEUS :

(singing)

There are grievous tidings 

which may shadow your news, I fear. 

To funeral we'll soon be riding

For our neighboring king is no longer here

Music pauses

CYRENE:

(speaking) 

He is dead? 

(singing) 

A sorrowful thing indeed

Solemn music resumes

HYPSEUS:

(singing)

To the keep of Lord Hades 

He goes to the gates

Of that shadowy land

Where his forefathers await

They pause in a moment of silence, music resumes

HYPSEUS:

(singing)

But what I have missed?

News indeed

New companions you have

What new friends are these?

Tone lightens and tempo gradually increases 

CYRENE:

(singing)

A gift from the goddess herself

Who came to visit me 

Way up in the hills 

Where I came under the trees

She says I'm to compete

With these hounds by my side

In a contest of sport 

To win my kingdom's pride

HYPSEUS:

(singing)

Serendipitous tidings!

For here in my hands

This letter bids us all come

By custom's command

Then after grave procession

Of king in that land

There will be games in his honor

Of skilled strength of hand

Music stops

CYRENE: 

(speaking)

Shall I then compete, father? Would the contestants accept a maiden in their ranks?

HYPSEUS:

(speaking) 

They shall, as they must, if they would not bring a curse of ill fortune upon themselves, for so has the goddess decreed. I have no sons besides, and am of no age to compete. A king must do as he is able, and by my Cyrene will this realm compete. Go then! Send the ladies to alert your sisters, and we will prepare ourselves to travel.

Cyrene exits with her dogs

Chapter Text

Helios is going about his day through the sky in his chariot

HELIOS:

(singing)

Another round 

Along the way

I pass again 

Bright light of day

By my rays 

Will none sit and stay

For all are stirred

To work and play

In thought and deed

Of food and drink

And creative needs

Both lord and lady

Of mortals

and beasts

and even trees

'Til I come west

And pass to rest

When revelers emerge

To commence their fest

But soon will all

In fair moonlight

Of dear sister's night

Come to their nest

To sleep, and dream

Until sweet sister comes,

By dawn 

cool and white

Trumpets sound, Apollo enters on his swan-drawn car and pulls up alongside

APOLLO:

Hoy there, my friend! What passes beneath you this day?

Helios bows

HELIOS: 

Greetings, good prince! Oh, all the usual. Offended parties and brewing battles and troubling monsters, here and there and everywhere. Typical day.

APOLLO:

It must be news indeed to surprise the high seer of the skies. But what monsters are afoot today? It is a while since I have heard of any such trouble.

HELIOS: 

Hmm, yes, the seas at least have been quiet of late and merciful to the good sailors upon them. But come along, and see here!

Helios points

HELIOS: 

In Libya there across the sea, the lands are plagued by a monster out of the great Myrtle Hill that rises over there. The citizens are besieged in fright within their city walls. Their stock of goats and cattle must be kept hidden with them.

Helios holds a hand up to his ear

HELIOS:

Hark! Do you not hear them cry from your temple there?

Apollo turns his face to raise his ear in listening

APOLLO:

Oh dear. Yes indeed. A far land, from which to cry so far to me. I shall go and investigate.

Apollo steers his car away again from Helios and exits.

Chapter Text

King Eurypylus kneels before the priestess in the temple

EURYPYLUS:

O Priestess of the Diviner!

Please tell me what guidance the lord of Light and Knowledge can give for the freedom of this realm from its monstrous oppressor?

Apollo enters and goes to stand near the priestess on her stool, unnoticed by the mortals there

EURYPYLUS:

(singing)

For we here in lands dry and warm

Over the sea from great kingdoms known

Still rule a fair realm where roam fat and free

The beasts by which our wealth is gleaned

But should they at last all be caught

Stolen, or eaten, or starved, not bought

Then what have we left

But to the roaring monster, be victims next

Apollo gently places a hand on the priestess' back, Aphrodite wanders in

PRIESTESS:

(singing)

Take heart dear king

For hope will be found

To relieve man, woman, and beast

From this demon beast 

Haunting your grounds

A hero will come

To turn the tide of fear

Against the great beast

And save all that is dear

The king sighs and cheers with relief, bows to the priestess.

EURYPYLUS:

The lord of Light and Knowledge is a most generous patron of these warm sunny lands.

The king stops and thinks for a moment, and turns away singing quietly to himself. Aphrodite approaches to also stand near the priestess.

EURYPLUS:

(singing)

But what reward will be given

To this hero for such a deed

Will he be my undoing?

The end of my forebears seed?

The king turns back to the priestess

EURYPYLUS:

(singing)

O priestess,

But what can you tell me

Of this hero to be

Will he come to stay?

More loved than me?

Nay, I need have no fear

For I am a son of Poseidon

And lady nymph of the sea

And who would be so bold

As to disturb my seat?

Apollo having overheard is annoyed at such concerns, holding his hand over the priestess' back, deciding what to say

APOLLO:

(singing)

But what could I expect 

From a king so used

To reverence and respect

As not to rejoice most fully

In my aid to rescue and protect?

Long has he been so impudent

And I should find him some way

To upon such greed reflect

Perhaps I should not deign to save the day?

If to my help he so objects

APHRODITE:

(singing)

O my peer and partner

In blessing these bright lands

Be not hasty in judgment

For these people honor us

In thought, and heart, and hand

Aphrodite moves swiftly before Apollo can react and places a hand on the priestess. Apollo looks at her taken aback.

PRIESTESS :

(singing)

O king! I can say only

That our hero, you will see

Is no usual warrior

Or father of kings to be

But will come by the skies

From over the sea

And by great might of hand

Your lands will be freed

Now go forth to your halls

And with your high station

Strive to keep the calm

And give the good god his due honors

Lest to the monster this realm falls

The king bows back down again.

EURYPYLUS:

Yes, thanks to the good priestess, and mighty Apollo the light of Olympus!

The king gets up and turns to leave, speaks to himself

EURYPYLUS :

(singing)

Perhaps this hero will be champion to me

And serve in duty to this king over the sea

King exits

Chapter Text

Apollo and Aphrodite exit the temple, unseen by passersby

APOLLO:

That was most audacious and improper, Lady.

APHRODITE:

You can thank me later, high son of Zeus. 

APOLLO: 

But I had intended to promise lordship over these lands to whoever could rescue them from its enemy. My prophecy, I believe, will rely upon it. Indeed this king deserves it.

APHRODITE:

Fear not, fine prince of the heavens! Your hero will be found, and all will be well. You’ll need not punish this king with curse of withering plague.

APOLLO: 

I will not argue; that much I foresee. But first to find such a champion. I must return to my lands where walk the sons of the great heroes.

APHRODITE:

You need not go far, my friend. A gathering of the kingdoms is underway, I have heard, at a festival where there is to be a great contest of sport.

APOLLO:

Ah, yes! The funeral of the king of Iolcus! That will make my task much easier. But it is due to start shortly! I take my leave, fair lady! Farewell!

APHRODITE: 

May we meet again in hope for these lands!

Apollo exits

Chapter Text

Cyrene is lined up with her dogs and other competitors on prop horses stage left, crowd of spectators including family across upstage, including King Acastus on an elevated throne

CROWDMEMBER 1:

A fine turnout for the games, today!

CROWDMEMBER 2:

But who is that standing ready to compete? Certainly no son of kings fit to compete I think.

CROWDMEMBER 3:

Why that there is the princess of the Lapiths. 

CROWDMEMBER 2:

The fearless horse tamers! Many of their daughters ride and hunt alongside the men. A most unusual convention, I daresay

CROWDMEMBER 1:

Then she promises to keep this contest interesting at least! The princes may have their work cut out for them against a huntress of Artemis.

CROWDMEMBER 3:

Still this kingdom also boasts great warriors, itself; I think the princes would brook no loss to humiliate their brother, or their father's memory. They are descended from mighty Poseidon, after all.

Upbeat sprightly music starts 

CROWDMEMBER 1:

(singing)

But aren't they all of such stock?

Man and maiden standing before us

Have heritage none dare mock

Blood of river god and lady nymph

Could this princess boast in talk

CROWDMEMBER 2:

(singing)

Yes the Lapith king needs no sons

Nor guardsmen to protect his herds

It is said against all beasts she has won

Graced by the Archer Goddess, I have heard

Like the orphan Atalanta herself

Who has already defeated the Phthian lord

Focus shifts to the kings

HYPSEUS:

(singing)

Many fine sons you have

And I do wish them the best

Against my Cyrene

Sure to give a challenging test

Acastus laughs

ACASTUS:

(singing)

Fine daughters you have, my friend

My eyes do assure me

And daughter must kings defend

Thus will I endure thee 

HYPSEUS:

(singing)

And fine sons do you have, sir

So I will not boast further

But last laugh I am assured

For no man or beast or loss hopes to hurt her

Music slows. Focus shifts back to crowd, Crowdmember 1 pulls out a small coin bag and addresses  Crowdmember 2

CROWDMEMBER 1:

I will set a wager on her victory,

if you are not fearful to risk such a loss

Crowdmember 2 laughs and pulls out own purse

CROWDMEMBER 2:

I fear nothing, good fool! 

With the biggest stag in arms

Will the king's prince return to the line, first across

Focus broadens to full crowd, music resumes

ACASTUS:

(singing)

We'll see who may brag

with the trophy treasure to carry away!

HYPSEUS:

(singing)

Perhaps I should drink now 

To celebrate my enhanced riches by the end of the day!

ANNOUNCER: 

On your marks, get ready...

Trumpet sound marks start of hunt race

ANNOUNCER:

Go!

Contestants exit with horse props to stage right and with hunting dogs following

Chapter Text

Gods have also joined the spectators on a balcony of clouds (elevated platform), ground level is dark but a crowd of heads and flags and horses can be seen.

ARES: A great many warriors at play, today. The sons of the king are due for a victory, I think. 

DIONYSUS: If they are as mad as their sisters, perhaps they might achieve it. That is how I accomplish mine.  

ATHENA: Yes, brother, as we know well.

SELENE: Or they accomplish their downfall!

DIONYSUS: Just as likely. Especially if one were to cross me!

ARES: Or any of us for that matter.

ARTEMIS: Speak for yourself, brothers, my maiden Cyrene will win today.

ATHENA: She may well be the cleverest!

HERMES: And the swiftest - look at her go!

Chapter Text

Forest scene, Cyrene enters, following her new dogs, weaving through the trees, holding bow and arrow ready. Slow subtle music.

CYRENE:

(singing)

Here I am

In the woods

Alone again

But where else would I be?

I can only be me

Who hunts but for love of the chase

In shade of the trees

In cool dim at dusk 

And dawn's early blush

In the haunting twilight

Do wild woods give a rush

Her running slows to careful stalking, weaving between the trees.

And like the panther 

Who creeps through the brush

Will the prey be caught

Another's footsteps be hushed

For king 

For people

For food

And forever…

Cyrene spots her target, takes aim, and fires.

Chapter Text

The gods peer out at the fields. Apollo arrives. Music begins, quick tempo

APOLLO: Have I missed it?  

HERMES: 

(singing)

Not at all, favored prince. 

It has only just begun

APOLLO: 

(singing)

Very good!

For I have come to find

A champion to be the one

To come with me 

Over the sea

As a hero to the king

Of the wide lands

of Libya

And set its people free

ARES:

(singing)

Then you are in the right place

For these hunters all keep pace

You will find valiant fighters in plenty 

ARTEMIS:

(singing)

But only one will return 

to be first in this race

My best, you will learn!  

ATHENA:

(singing)

Indeed I’ll not bet against 

Maiden Huntress this round 

Her choice from the Lapiths

Does seem to me sound

SELENE: 

(singing)

My lady of the forest deeps

Today chooses well

For among those riding herders

Of country wood and dell

May maidens fare abroad

And at such sport 

Of bow and race excel

APOLLO:

(singing)

But of whom now do you speak?

Could it be the one I seek?

For of the hero 

I promised to send

To king of Libya

Did our Lady Aphrodite tell

Would be no father

Of any prince

Music slows and softens. The goddesses laugh.

ARTEMIS: 

No, indeed, brother! You shall have your hero. Look now! 

DIONYSUS: 

Well, my wager is also on the lady there, whose heart dwells in hidden fields and mountain forests. If she is not declared the winner, well then I will curse this king and all his kin!

ARTEMIS: 

There'll be no need for that, dear comrade of night and shaded wilderness. You shall see.

Chapter Text

Dionysus notices Apollo gazing enthralled

DIONYSUS:

Has my leopard caught your tongue? The Prince of the Bright Sky is lost for words!

The other gods turn to notice, Apollo answers haltingly

APOLLO:

I but pause to admire the skills of my sister's champion, of whom she speaks with such confident praise. As the rest of you do, is that not so?

The gods laugh

EOS: 

Love need no aid of Eros' bow today, I think!

APOLLO:

Nor would I let him dare the venture!

DIONYSUS:

Nor I. I'll not go through that again. I shall set curse to his mortal lady against him if he tries.

Artemis grows aggressive

ARTEMIS:

She has always honored me humbly; the son of Aphrodite will face my arrows if he does!

EOS:

Fret not, my friends, for Seaborn Lady's irksome son is not here now. Keep watching!

The gods join the crowd of spectators, spotlight fades to black, indication of time passing / day is waning toward sunset. Spotlight returns. The gods are watching with the crowd in anticipation.

Chapter Text

Light returns to the stage, judges are measuring the game as the contestants return and submit them for measurement.

ACASTUS:

But what has happened to your fair Cyrene, lord Hypseus? You may miss out on your prize, I fear.

Hypseus laughs confidently 

HYPSEUS:

Have no fear, king! For I still have none. She will be along. 

Cyrene enters with a huge stag over her shoulders. Crowd gasps and whispers. The kings look in surprise, the gods laugh. She hurls it onto the table where it dwarfs the others, the other contestants look at each other. The judge stares at her submission for a few moments.

JUDGE: 

And we have a winner! 

Applause erupts among the spectators of mortals and gods. Acastus stands and goes to the judges table, waves to attendants who come up with a trunk and a shining spear

ACASTUS:

A newsworthy contest this year, indeed! The treasure and champion’s spear goes to Cyrene, Princess of the Lapiths of Thessaly!

Acastus award the prizes to Cyrene

ACASTUS:

Now let us retire to resume our feasting in honor of King Pelias!

Crowd gives roar of applause, slowly exits. 

*.*.*

Spotlight dims on the stage, brightens on gods' balcony. Apollo is watching, distracted and dreamily.

ARTEMIS:

What did I tell you? 

Apollo answers without looking up

APOLLO:

Yes, sister, I have found my hero indeed. 

Dionysus laughs. Apollo still doesn't look up.

DIONYSUS:

You certainly have!

APOLLO:

I must go and meet her!

DIONYSUS:
Take our friend, uncle Chiron, when this is over. His fierce horse legs will bear you, and he will find her, wheresoever she may be, in the quiet hills of her people. Good luck!

Spotlight fades to dark

Chapter Text

Cyrene prods the cattle herd back out through the gate with her dogs.

GUARD 1: 

Keep well, good princess!

GUARD 2: 

Well done again on the trophy of the funeral games!

Cyrene nods

CYRENE: 

Keep well!

Gates curtained off stage. Rolling mural of changing scenery which stops at wooded foothills. Slow music

CYRENE:

(singing)

Home again

Back in the quiet woods

And tall grassed fen

Fame and fortune 

Claimed afar and then

We return 

Back to our old tune

But where else could I go?

What else do I know?

No harvest do I sow

But herds culled at feast

And the caught game

Among their preying foes

And what else could I do?

But walk these woods through

Where my arrows fly true

Against wandering beast

And keep my earned name

Until in old age do I grow

And all fades

With all I have done

And the few I have known

Cyrene stops to rest against a tree at stage right.

CYRENE:
Keep an eye out, you two!

Her dogs bark in reply. Stage right dims

Chapter Text

Spotlight on backstage left. Apollo enters riding Chiron.

CHIRON:

Here we are, my prince. There she is. She looks quite strong and stout, still not like any hero I have seen. 

APOLLO:

Oh but you were not there, uncle! She was quite the marvel at the contest. 

CHIRON: 

I am sure she was. A lady of great beauty, for certain. Are you really here to recruit a warrior? Or rather a wife?

Apollo looks at Chiron, feigning defensiveness for a moment, then sighs and looks at his uncle in earnest.

APOLLO:

Could I do both? 

Chiron laughs triumphantly.

CHIRON:
But why not? 

(Singing)

You're Apollo!

Music starts, med-fast tempo

The god of light and luck

Favored son of our king

Whom no lord or lady 

Would not follow

Whether to the fields of battle

Or to temple doors

You're Apollo!

Archer, avenger

Seer and healer 

Who all will call to

For help in need

Unsurpassed at song and lyre

Deadly handsome diviner

No mortal man or maid

Could find a hand of one finer

Even a lonesome hunting lass like her

APOLLO:

Oh stop already!

(Singing)

We gods have pride enough

without so petting each others’ egos.

But could I? 

Should I? 

Would it be right? 

How would I?

CHIRON:

You could try to... ask her?

Apollo nods

APOLLO:

Yes… you are most wise, uncle.

CHIRON:

A novel idea, it's true

But first perhaps, she might

Get to know you?

Apollo nods again

APOLLO:

I do have a quest to bestow that needs accomplishing. Perhaps I shall pose that to her, first.

CHIRON: 

Never a better icebreaker, sir!

A devotee of your sister is sure to be intrigued

Such a task might serve well to impress her indeed

But look, perhaps she might now impress even me!

Spotlight dims, returns to Cyrene