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Scene II
Part 1
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Cyrene enters the hall of King Hypseus where he is on his throne. She kneels on the floor below the dais and bows.
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HYPSEUS: Ah, my brave lady, stronger and swifter than all the sons of my rivals! Are my herds well behaved lately?
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CYRENE: As always, father. And well protected, as I aim to serve you.
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HYPSEUS: I have never any doubts, maiden of Artemis. Come, and let us take the evening meal.
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Hypseus rises, and they walk together. Throne exits and table enters. Enter Themisto, Alcaea, Astyagyia. They all sit and are served.
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HYPSEUS:
(singing)
You have labored long days, daughter.
Tomorrow will you not rest?
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Music tempo quickens
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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
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Family laughs. Music pauses.
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THEMISTO: Oh sister, but what repose is that?
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ALCAEA: Yes you never join us at ease in chat
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Music resumes slowly.
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HYPSEUS:
(singing)
Come now, daughters,
Sometimes such sport is rest enough
For youthful hearts of fire unspent.
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ASTYAGIA:
(singing)
Be are come of age now
Such games are for suitors' tests
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THEMISTO:
(singing)
Father must make his ties with other realms
For which we shall make our nests
Do you not care for that?
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Music pauses.
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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.
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They eat quietly for a few moments; Cyrene seems distracted.