"Amid the hundred cities of old Crete, Was the Dictaean the most rich and bright;
Of fair and amorous dames the joyous seat, Joyous with festive sports from morn to night:
And (as her townsmen aye were wont to greet The stranger) with such hospitable rite They welcomed these, it little lacked but they Granted them o'er their households sovereign sway.
