He spake, and left the council, and the rest, All sceptred kings, arose, prepared to obey The shepherd of the people. All the Greeks Meanwhile came thronging to the appointed place. As, swarming forth from cells within the rock, Coming and coming still, the tribe of bees Fly in a cluster o’er the flowers of spring, And some are darting out to right and left, So from the ships and tents a multitude Along the spacious beach, in mighty throngs, Moved toward the assembly. Rumor went with them, The messenger of Jove, and urged them on. And now, when they were met, the place was stunned With clamor; earth, as the great crowd sat down, Groaned under them; a din of mingled cries Arose; nine shouting heralds strove to hush The noisy crowd to silence, that at length The heaven-descended monarchs might be heard.