The Cranes of Ibycus
In Greek mythology Ibycus is robbed and killed on his way to a musical competition. He
appeals to some cranes overhead to avenge his cause - cranes considered a good omen.
Later at the festival, held in a huge amphitheater, the furies announce and morn the death of
Ibycus. During the performance the cranes fly overhead and one of the robbers cries, "Look,
comrade, the cranes of Ibycus!" They are both caught.
"Look! Look, comrade
There yonder flow
The cranes of Ibycus!"
Above the stadium
In perfect row,
The cranes of Ibycus.
Above the Fury's chorus,
In dissonance, crow,
The cranes of Ibycus!
Above the bedlam crowd
Their numbers grow,
The cranes of Ibycus.
Above the hoard of voices
Become now low,
The cranes of Ibycus.
Above the perfect silence,
Flying slow,
The cranes of Ibycus.
Above ten thousand heads
Which lowly bow,
The cranes of Ibycus.
Beyond the tiers and fading
In the distant glow,
The cranes of Ibycus.
*
*Bullfinch, Mythology
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