wide fields, or to herdsmen, shepherds of the starry flocks"?

Apollo answered, "Damon, a song stole from the silence while the
gods were not yet, and a thousand ages passed ere they came, called
forth by the music, and a thousand ages they listened then joined
in the song; then began the worlds to glimmer shadowy about them
and bright beings to bow before them. These, their children, began
in their turn to sing the song that calls forth and awakens life.
He is master of all things who has learned their music. Damon,
heed not the shadows, but the voices, the voices have a message
to thee from beyond the gods. Learn their song and sing it over
again to the people until their hearts too are sick with longing
and they can hear the song within themselves. Oh, my son, I see
far off how the nations shall join in it as in a chorus, and hearing
it the rushing planets shall cease from their speed and be steadfast;
men shall hold starry sway." The face of the god shone through
the face of the old man, and filled with awe, it was so full of
secretness. Damon the herdsman passed from his presence and a
strange fire was kindled in his heart. Then the two lovers, Dion
and Neaera, came in and stood before Apollo.

Dion spake, "Father, you who are so wise can tell us what love is,
so that we shall never miss it. Old Tithonius nods his grey head
at us as we pass; he says, 'only with the changeless gods has
love endurance, for men the loving time is short and its sweetness
is soon over.'"

Neaera added. "But it is not true, father, for his drowsy eyes
light when he remembers the old days, when he was happy and proud
in love as we are."