Chorus of Dryades by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Dryads (or Dryades) are tree-nymphs from Greek mythology—minor nature spirits tied to specific trees. In this poem, they function as a chorus, noticing Prometheus approaching and urgently warning one of their own to hide before he gets there. They appear to be worried about his authority or the trouble his presence might cause.

Prometheus is a hero to humanity; he stole fire from the gods to give it to people. However, he remains a Titan, a being of immense divine power. To woodland nymphs, that kind of power is dangerous, no matter what his intentions are. The poem doesn't specify their exact fears; it's the uncertainty of his potential actions that fuels their panic.

Betide is an old English word that means happen to or befall. So, 'lest some harm betide thee' translates to 'in case some harm happens to you.' Longfellow uses it because it matches the poem's archaic, mythological tone and rhymes well with hide thee and chide thee.

The chorus features a tight rhyme scheme centered on the -ide thee sound: hide thee, chide thee, betide thee. This repetition lends the stanza a chant-like quality, fitting for woodland spirits. It also builds momentum—the repeated sound drives the listener onward, echoing the urgency of the warning.

This section comes from a longer dramatic piece by Longfellow inspired by the Prometheus myth. The stage direction at the end — PROMETHEUS (entering.) — indicates that this is crafted as a play or dramatic poem. The chorus of Dryads acts like a Greek theatrical chorus, commenting on the action and establishing the emotional atmosphere before the main character makes an entrance.

Shelley's Prometheus Unbound is a lyrical drama that transforms Prometheus into a symbol of human defiance against oppression. In contrast, Longfellow's fragment is much more limited in scope—it zeroes in on a moment of fear and escape instead of grand philosophical rebellion. While Shelley's Prometheus emerges victorious, Longfellow's version is a strong force that even causes nature spirits to flee.

It shows us that the forest isn't merely dense but complex—a maze of intertwined branches and underbrush. This complexity is what makes it such a great hiding spot. The term also adds a formal, almost architectural touch, suggesting that the forest has been intentionally crafted as a safe haven, which aligns with the concept of the Dryads' home as a place of natural shelter.

Because the Dryads' warning was effective, whoever fled has already vanished back into the forest. Prometheus catches just a glimpse, a shadow among the trees. It's a small but impactful detail: it illustrates the forest's role in hiding, and it keeps the identity of the fleeing figure shrouded in mystery, leaving the reader feeling a bit uneasy.