And there illustrious Vulcan also wrought A dance⁠—a maze like that which Daedalus, In the broad realm of Gnossus once contrived For fair-haired Ariadne. Blooming youths And lovely virgins, tripping to light airs, Held fast each other’s wrists. The maidens wore Fine linen robes; the youths had tunics on Lustrous as oil, and woven daintily. The maids wore wreaths of flowers; the young men swords Of gold in silver belts. They bounded now In a swift circle⁠—as a potter whirls With both his hands a wheel to try its speed, Sitting before it⁠—then again they crossed Each other, darting to their former place. A multitude around that joyous dance Gathered, and were amused, while from the crowd Two tumblers raised their song, and flung themselves About among the band that trod the dance.

Last on the border of that glorious shield He graved in all its strength the ocean-stream.