The Suppliant Women.

CHORUS

May Jove, indeed, the god of suppliants benevolently regard our naval train having set sail from the mouths of the Nile with its fine sands. But having left the divine land bordering on Syria we fled, sentenced to no banishment by the vote of the city, on account of bloodshed, but abhorring the man-shunning and impious nuptials of the sons of Ægyptus our kindred. But our father Danaus both our prime counsellor and leader of our flight, arranging these things, determined on the best of two evils (viz., the nuptials, or flight,) that we should fly with all speed over the billow of the deep, and put to at the land of Argos, from whence, indeed, our lineage, from the heifer rendered frantic by the gadfly, and from the touch and inspiration of Jove, boasts to be derived. To what country therefore more friendly than this can we come with these wool-wreathed branches of suppliants in our hands? O2 city, and land, and limpid water, and you heavenly gods, and you dire-punishing infernal deities possessing temples, and third [called upon] preserver Jove, receive this suppliant female train with a merciful spirit of the country: but the male-abounding insolent swarm, sprung from Ægyptus, before placing their foot in this marshy land, send thou into the deep with their swift ship, and there having met with a furious whirlwind, with thunder, lightning, and with the shower-bearing winds of the fell sea, let them perish, before at any time ascending our unwilling beds, from which Justice restrains them, having made their own1 us here their kindred. But now invoking2 the divine calf, my avenger beyond the sea, and the son of the flower-cropping heifer, our progenitor, from the breathing of Jove. But the fated time rightly confirmed the touch [of Jove] in the name [of her son,] and brought forth Epaphus; whom mentioning now in the fertile regions of his ancient mother, calling to mind her former troubles, partly now will I shew creditable proofs, and partly some things will appear, I know, unlikely, although being unexpected3. But one will ken words [when I have spoken] at length. But if any augur chances to be near in the land, hearing our mournful wail, he will think that he hears the wife of Tereus wretched of device; and the hawk-chased nightingale; who driven from her haunts and the rivers laments with new wail on account of her accustomed haunts; and trills a song on the fate of the boy, how he perished by the very hand of his cruel mother, having met with her wrath. So I, too, lamenting in Ionian strains rend my tender cheek that was cherished beside the Nile, and my heart unacquainted with tears. And I crop the flower of sad complaints, fearing my friends, if there is any one who has regard for this flight of ours from the land of Aeria4. But ye gods, authors of our race, hear, duly regarding justice, or if ye do not grant success in obtaining what is contrary to right, but hating insolence in your souls, you should be just in regard to nuptials5. But there is even to those who fly from war, being hard pressed, an altar, a defence from calamity1, honoured by the deities. Would that [the will] of Jove would bring to pass all things truly. The counsel of Jove is not easily traced out, yet in all things it shines forth, even in darkness, with black calamity to articulate-voiced men. But it falls firmly not upon its back2, if a thing be perfected by the head of Jove: for the ways of the [divine] breast stretch thick and shady, difficult to discover. But he smites abandoned mortals, looking down3 from his high-towered heights, and no one arms violence unpunished by the deity: the [divine] mind sitting aloft4 upon holy seats, nevertheless from that place takes vengeance on it. But let him look to the insolence of mortal men, how a youthful stock shoots anew, blooming5 on account of my nuptials, with ill-advised purpose, and having furious thoughts, an inevitable sting, and having resolved on an infatuated deed through disappointment6. Such wretched sufferings I lamenting recount, mournful, grievous, drawing tears, ah! ah! suited to funereal strains: I alive honour7 myself with lamentations. I suppliant beseech the Apian land, and may you hear kindly my barbarian voice. But oft I fall upon my linen garments with rendings, and my Sidonian head-dress. But to the gods just and perfect rites8, matters having happened fortunately, shall be abundantly afforded, when death is absent. Ah! ah! ah! troubles difficult to be judged! where will this billow carry us? I suppliant beseech the Apian land, and may you hear kindly my barbarian voice. But oft I fall upon my linen garments with rendings. The oar indeed and the wooden house with flaxen sails9, keeping out the sea, has wafted me with the breezes untroubled

by tempests: nor do I blame it: but hereafter may the all-seeing father bring to pass a propitious end1, that the mighty seed of our venerable mother escape, alas! from the beds of men unwedded, virgin. But again may the chaste daughter of Jove willingly regard me willing, keeping fixed upon me her dread countenance: and with all her might let her a virgin defending virgins from persecutions, be our deliverer2. But if not, a blackened sun-burnt3 race to Zagreus4, the many-guest-receiving Jove of the dead will we approach with these suppliant boughs, dying by the noose, not having obtained [the favour] of the Olympian gods. O Jove5, O wrath from the deities pursuing Io! But I ken the vengeance of the wife [of Jove,] which overcomes heaven: for a tempest will come from a fell blast. And then Jove will be subject to unjust rumours, having slighted the son of the heifer, whom he himself once begot, now keeping his eyes averted from our prayers; but may he favourable hear us from above when invoked. O Jove, O wrath from the deities pursuing Io! But I ken the vengeance of the wife [of Jove,] which overcomes heaven: for a tempest will come from a fell blast.

DANAUS

My children, it behoves us to be prudent: and ye have come with me your prudent faithful aged father conductor of your voyage. And with respect to your behaviour on land now I bid you assume6 prudence to observe my words, engraving them on your minds. I see dust, the voiceless messenger of an army; the axle-driven naves are not silent, and I behold a bucklered and spear-brandishing crowd, with horses, and curved chariots. Perhaps the rulers of this land may be advancing to us as spies, having heard [of us] from messengers. But whether harmless, or enraged1 with fell wrath, they are rushing on this train, it is better, on every account, O virgins, to sit down at this mound of the gods who preside over assemblies. But an altar is better than a tower, an unbroken shield. But as quickly as possible go, and holding reverently in your left2 hands the white-wreathed suppliant boughs, ornaments of awful Jove, reply to the strangers with modest and sad and fitting words, as becomes those in a strange land, clearly relating these your bloodless flights. But first indeed let not boldness of voice follow, and let no vain look proceed from your modest foreheads, and quiet eye. And be not first to speak nor tedious in your talk: the people in this country greatly dislike it. But be sure to yield: you are a needy stranger exile; for it becomes not the lowly to be bold of speech.

CHORUS

Father, prudently to the prudent do you speak. But we mindful will observe these your wise injunctions; and may Jove the author of our race regard us.

DANAUS

Delay not now, but let there be an accomplishment of your plan3.

CHORUS

I would now have my seat beside you.

DANAUS

O Jove, pity us not utterly consumed by troubles.

CHORUS

Let him regard us in truth with favouring eye: he willing it, these things will turn out well4.

DANAUS

Invoke now also this bird of Jove.

CHORUS

We invoke the preserving rays of the sun, and holy Apollo, a god once exiled from heaven. Knowing this fate, let him be propitious to mortals.

DANAUS

Let him be propitious indeed, and readily afford succour.

CHORUS

Whom then of these deities shall I yet invoke?

DANAUS

I behold this trident, a sign of the god.

CHORUS

But he has brought us well hither, and may he receive us well in the land,

DANAUS

This other is Mercury in the rites of the Greeks.

CHORUS

Let him then announce good tidings to us freed1

DANAUS

But reverence the common altar of all these kings, and sit in a holy place like a flock of doves, through fear of hawks of the same feather, kindred enemies, and polluting your race. How can a bird that devours a bird be pure? and how eould he who marries an unwilling maid from an unwilling father2 be pure? not even when dead in Hades can he who has done these things escape the blame of lewdness. And there, as is the tale, another Jove who passes the last judgments among the dead, judges crimes. Consider, and answer in this fashion, that this matter may turn out well to you.

PELASGUS

Of what country is this band that we address, not Grecian in its garb, delicately attired in barbarian robes, and in many folds? for this attire of women is not Argolic, nor from the realms of Greece. But how you have dared fearlessly to come to this country, neither [announced] by heralds, and without a public host, without conductors, this is wonderful. Boughs indeed after the fashion of suppliants are laid by you at the altars of the gods who preside over assemblies. The Grecian land will gain by conjecture this only, (viz., that you are suppliants,) and it were just to guess many other things, were there not a voice to inform me present.

CHORUS

You have spoken concerning our dress a true speech. But whether shall I speak to you as a private person, or a sceptre-bearing guardian of the temple, or chief of the city3?

PELASGUS

Answer to these things, and speak boldly to me: for I am Pelasgus, son of earth-born Palacthon, leader of this land. And from me their king the race of Pelasgians aptly taking their name enjoys this land, and I rule all the territory through which Algus flows, and Strymon, towards the setting sun. But I claim as my borders the land of the Perræbians1, and the parts beyond Pindus. beside the Pæonians, and the mountains of Dodona: but the boundary of the watery deep cuts it off: and beyond these parts I rule. But this plain of the Apian land long since was named on account of a man skilled in healing arts : for Apis having come from the country of Naupactus the healing-prophetic son of Apollo, cleared this land from men-devouring monsters, which in truth the earth defiled by pollutions of ancient blood produced, fierce animals, a dragon band, a dire fellowship. Of these Apis having blamelessly made complete and liberating remedies for the Argive land, found hereafter his memory in prayers as his reward. Having now signs from me you can declare your race, and speak farther : a long oration indeed the city loves not.

CHORUS

My speech shall be short and clear. We boast ourselves Argives as to our race, the seed of the heifer happy in her son: and I will prove all these things I say to be true.

PELASGUS

You relate incredible things, O strangers, for me to hear, that this your race is Argive. For you are more like to Libyan women, and by no means to the natives of my country. The Nile might nurture such an offspring, and a like Cyprian image is stamped in female forms by male artists; and I hear that the wandering Indians ride on pannier-packed camels fleet as steeds, in their land bordering on the Ethiopians : and by all means I had conjectured that you were the unwedded flesh-eating Amazons, if you had carried bows. Instructed I would know this farther, how your race and seed is Argive.

CHORUS

They say that Io was once key-bearer [of the] temple of Juno in this Argive land, whom, as chiefly and great rumour prevails * *

PELASGUS

Is there not a tale that Jove mingled with a mortal ?

CHORUS

And this intercourse without the knowledge of Juno **

PELASGUS

How then did this strife of the powers end ?

CHORUS

The Argive goddess made the woman an heifer.

PELASGUS

Did Jove still approach the well-horned heifer.

CHORUS

They say [that he did so,] likening his body to a cow-leaping bull.

PELASGUS

What truly on this did the mighty wife of Jove ?

CHORUS

She placed over the heifer an all-seeing keeper.

PELASGUS

What all-viewing herdsman do you mean ?

CHORUS

Argus, whom son of the Earth Mercury slew.

PELASGUS

What other thing did she yet frame against the ill-fated heifer ?

CHORUS

A cow-chasing gad-fly, quick in motion : those near the Nile call it a brize1.

PELASGUS

Accordingly it chased her from the land in long flight.

CHORUS

And you have spoken all these things agreeing with me.

PELASGUS

Moreover she came to Canobus and to Memphis.

CHORUS

And Jove laying hands on her planted an offspring.

PELASGUS

Who then is the divine calf that boasts to be sprung from an heifer ?

CHORUS

Epaphus truly called from deliverance.

PELASGUS

* *

CHORUS

Lybia enjoying the name of a very great land.

PELASGUS

What other branch yet of this [heifer] do you men tion?

CHORUS

Belus having two sons, the father of my father here.

PELASGUS

Tell me now the all-wise name of this2 man.

CHORUS

Danaus : and his brother has fifty sons.

PELASGUS

Of him, too, declare the name in plain terms,

CHORUS

Ægyptus ; and knowing my ancient race you should act so as to support this Argive train.

PELASGUS

You seem now to me to have shared this land of old : but how have you dared to leave your paternal abodes ? What mischance has befallen you ?

CHORUS

King of the Pelasgians, the ills of men are various: and no where can you behold the same wing of trouble: since who would have expected that this unhoped-for flight would have driven me to Argos, allied to our race of old, trembling through hate of the marriage bed ?

PELASGUS

What do you say that you entreat from these gods of the assembly, holding white-wreathed new-cropped boughs?

CHORUS

That I may not become a slave to the race of Ægyptus.

PELASGUS

Whether do you mean on account of hatred, or on account of its being unlawful?

CHORUS

Who would purchase1 [by a dowry] their kindred as their lords?

PELASGUS

Thus, indeed, greater strength increases to mortals.

CHORUS

And from the wretched it is easy to turn away.

PELASGUS

How then can I be pious toward you?

CHORUS

By not giving us up to the sons of Ægyptus demanding us.

PELASGUS

You speak grievous things, to raise a new war.

CHORUS

But Justice defends her allies.

PELASGUS

If perchance she was a sharer of their affairs from the beginning.

CHORUS

Revere the stern of the state thus crowned.

PELASGUS

I shudder beholding these shaded seats.

CHORUS

Grievous, indeed, is the wrath of Jove who guards the suppliant. Son of Palacthon, hear me with willing heart, king of the Pelasgians. Behold me a suppliant, an exile, a wanderer, like a white-spotted2 heifer on the lofty rocks, where trusting for aid she lows telling to the herdsman her troubles.

PELASGUS

I behold a youthful band3 shaded with new-cropped boughs [at the altars] of these gods who preside over the games. But may this business of the guests of our city be unattended with hurt nor let strife arise to the city from unexpected and sudden things, for these the city wants not.

CHORUS

May Themis, the goddess of suppliants, daughter of lot-directing Jove, regard in truth our harmless flight: but do you, though being an old man4 in mind, learn from one younger; reverencing a suppliant, you shall not be reduced to want.5 * * * * gifts offered to the gods from a pure man.

PELASGUS

By no means do you sit at the hearth of my house: but if the city be polluted in common, together let the people take care to work out remedies: but I could not perform a promise, before at least having communicated with all these of1 citizens concerning these things.

CHORUS

You are the city, and you are the people, being a ruler accountable to none, you have sway over the altar, the hearth of the land: by your soul-deciding nod, and on a sole-sceptred throne you determine every thing; beware of pollution.

PELASGUS

May pollution, indeed, be upon my enemies: but I can not aid you without harm, nor again is it prudent to reject these prayers. But I am perplexed, and fear holds my mind, whether to act, or not to act, and to take my chance.

CHORUS

Look to the beholder on high, the protector of troubled mortals, who sitting [as suppliants] before their kindred, obtain not lawful justice. Therefore the wrath of Jove guardian of suppliants waits upon the wailing of the sufferer, that can not be appeased.

PELASGUS

If the sons of Ægyptus have power over you by the law of your state, saying that they are nearest of kin, who would wish to oppose them? Ye needs must therefore prove according to the laws of your home that they have no authority over you.

CHORUS

May I never at any time then become subject to the power of males: but I mark out a star-guided remedy of the wretched marriage by flight: and having taken Justice an ally, do thou determine according to the reverence due to the gods.

PELASGUS

The judgment is not easy to judge: choose not me as judge. But I said even before, not without the people would I do these things, not even though ruler, lest at any time the people shall say, if perchance any thing fall out not such [as we wish]2, honoring strangers you have destroyed the city.

CHORUS

Jove allied to both, inclining to one side, regards these things, distributing as is right unjust things to the bad, but the rewards of piety to the just3. Wherefore, these being equally inclined, are you pained to do what is just?

PELASGUS

There is need of deep thought, so that the clear-sighted eye may4, without dizziness, reach the bottom of deep preserving thought, like a diver: that these things harmless, first indeed to the city and to ourselves, may turn out well, and that neither strife lay hold of the pledges1, nor that we, having given up you placed here in the seats of the gods, bring on ourselves a dire fellow-dweller the all-destroying avenging god, who, not even in the abode of Hades frees the dead. Does there not seem to be need of saving thought?

CHORUS

Consider, and be most justly a pious receiver of strangers, betray not the exile driven from afar by godless expulsion: nor behold me dragged as a pledge from the seats sacred to many gods, O you who possess the whole sway of the land. But consider the insolence of men, and guard against their wrath. In nowise endure to behold the suppliant led from the images in spite of Justice, like a steed, and the seizing of my fillets and robes woven with many threads. For know, whatever you determine, there awaits your children and your house to suffer a like justice. Consider these just commands of Jove.

PELASGUS

And truly I have considered; and the matter is driven to this: it is absolutely necessary to undertake a great war either with these (viz. the gods) or with those (viz. the sons of Ægyptus): and it is compacted with nails, like a ship put together by naval wedges. But without sorrow by no means will there be a turning aside. And, indeed, when possessions are borne as plunder from the house, a heap greater than the loss, and which completely fills it up may arise from another quarter by the kindness of bounteous Jove. And the tongue having darted forth unseasonable things grievous, and provoking wrath, there may be other words to soothe the former. But it is necessary by all means to sacrifice, and for many victims to be slain for many gods, remedies of calamity, that kindred blood be not shed. Certainly I altogether pass by this strife; but I wish to be rather ignorant of, than acquainted with ills but may matters fall out well, contrary to my expectation.

CHORUS

Hear the end of many modest speeches.

PELASGUS

I hear and speak, your words shall not escape me.

CHORUS

I have girdles and zones, that confine my robes.

PELASGUS

These are befitting to the condition of women.

CHORUS

From these, therefore, know an excellent contrivance ******

PELASGUS

Say what words are these that you are about to speak?

CHORUS

Unless you shall promise to this train something that may be trusted to * * * * * *

PELASGUS

What will the contrivance of the girdles avail you?

CHORUS

To adorn these images with new tablets.

PELASGUS

Your words are riddles: but speak plainly.

CHORUS

With all speed to hang ourselves from these gods.

PELASGUS

I have heard words that pierce my heart.

CHORUS

Do you understand? for I have let you see clearly.

PELASGUS

And on every side matters are hard to struggle with, and a multitude of ills, like a river, comes on; and I have entered on a deep sea of calamity not easily passed over, and nowhere is there a harbor from ills. For if, indeed, I do not perform this thing for you, you have named a pollution not to be got over: but if again stationed before the walls I shall try the event of battle with your kindred, the sons of Egyptus, how shall not the loss be bitter, that men stain the ground with blood for the sake of women? But nevertheless it is necessary to dread the wrath of Jove the guardian of suppliants: for the fear [of him] among mortals is uppermost. Go then, aged father of these virgins, and quickly having taken in your arms these boughs, place them on the other altars of our country's god's, that all the citizens may behold a sign of this arrival, nor let my words be blabbed: for the people love to blame their rulers. And perchance some commiseration, having seen these things, will hate the insolence of the band of youths, and the people will be more well-inclined to you: for every one bears good-will to the weaker.

DANAUS

These things are much valued by us, to have obtained a pitying patron; but send with us attendants of the citizens to point out the way, that we may find the altars before the temples of the country's gods, and the seats of those who guard the city, and that there may be safety to us proceeding through the city but the appearance of our form is not the same [with yours]: for the Nile nourishes a race different from Inachus; we must take care lest boldness produce fear1 : and in truth one has slain a friend through ignorance.

PELASGUS

Go, attendants; for the stranger says well. Lead to the public altars and seats of the gods: and it behooves you not to talk much with those you meet, leading this sailor who has taken refuge at the hearth of the gods.

CHORUS

To him you have spoken: and he departs as he has been enjoined: but how shall I act? where (or how) do you afford confidence to me?

PELASGUS

Leave here, indeed, the boughs a sign of your trouble.

CHORUS

And in truth I leave them, by your authority and words.

PELASGUS

Now betake yourself to this level grove.

CHORUS

And how can an unconsecrated grove defend me.

PELASGUS

By no means will we give you up to the rapine of winged birds.

CHORUS

But what if [you give us up] to those more hateful than hostile dragons?

PELASGUS

May well-omened words be spoken by you addressed with well-omened words.

CHORUS

By no means is it a wonder that I am impatient in mind through terror.

PELASGUS

The fear of kings is ever immoderate.

CHORUS

Do you both by words and deeds gladden my mind2.

PELASGUS

But for no long time shall your father be alone: but I assembling the people of the country, will persuade them in common, that I may render them favorable, and will instruct your father what he ought to say. Therefore remain, and entreat with prayers the gods of the country for those things which you have desire to obtain. But I having performed these things will return: and may persuasion attend me and effective good fortune.

CHORUS

King of kings, most blest of the blest, and most perfect might of the perfect, blessed Jove, be persuaded, and may it come to pass3—avert from thy race the insolence of men, justly hating it, and plunge into the purple deep the black-benched pest4. Regarding the woman's side, renew the pleasing story of the beloved woman our ancestress; be mindful O you who embraced Io,1 by whom we boast ourselves to be your race, settlers from this land. But I have returned into the ancient track, and the flowery scenes of the watchings of our mother, the herd-feeding mead, from whence Io driven2 by the brize, flies distracted, passing through many tribes of mortals: and twice by fate having cut through the billowy way she reaches the opposite continent. She hastens through the Asian land, through sheep-feeding Phrygia: and she passes the city of Teuthras of the Mysians, and the Lydian plains, and through the Cilician and Pamphylian mountains with furious haste; and the ever-flowing rivers, and the wealthy region, and the corn-abounding land of Venus. She arrives, driven along by the sting of the winged herdsman, at the divine all-fostering grove, the snow-fed mead, and on which comes [with]3 the might of Typho, the water of Nile untouched by diseases, maddened by her ignominious toils, and by the stinging pains of raging Juno. But the mortals who then were dwellers in the land, were seized in their minds by pale fear, beholding an unwonted sight, an intractable heifer mingled with a mortal, in part a heifer, and in part again a woman, and they were astonished at the prodigy. And then who was it in truth who soothed the much-wandering wretched Io, driven by the brize? Jove, lord of ceaseless time but the violence [of Juno] ceases by unwasted strength, and by divine influence, but she drops the mournful modesty of tears. But having received the divine load, in true story, she produced her blameless son, all-happy for length of time; whence all the earth exclaims, this is truly the offspring of life-giving Jove: for who could have made to cease the pest inflicted by wily Juno? this is the work of Jove; and saying that that race is sprung from Epaphus you will hit the truth. Whom of the gods could I more rightly invoke than you for just deeds? the creative sire who by the touch of your hand became lord of Io, great all-prudent author of our race, Jove wafting every needful device. But neither subject to the rule of any one are you less mighty than the powerful, nor from above do you revere any inferior. But the deed is at hand with the word1, quickly to perform what your deep-counseling2 mind intends.

DANAUS

Have courage, my children, our affairs are well with the natives; perfect decrees of the people have been passed.

CHORUS

O hail, old man, dearest of messengers to me; but declare to us how the decree has been ratified, to what purport the prevailing hand of the people is in the majority3.

DANAUS

The decree has been passed by the Argives, not with divided opinions, but so as for me to be young again in my aged mind. For in full assembly the air hurtled with the right hands [as the people] determined this matter; that we should inhabit this land, free, and not as pledges, and with sanctity of place among mortals; and that no one either of inhabitants or strangers should lead us away: but if violence should be added, that he of the citizens who did not give his aid should be disgraced by public exile. The king of the Pelasgians strove to persuade, speaking concerning us a speech to this effect, declaring the great wrath of Jove, that never in after time [the god] would increase the city, and saying that if a double pollution both to from the contempt of strangers, and upon the state, should appear before the city, it would be the food of irremediable calamity. Hearing such things, the Argive people passed a decree, without a crier, that these things should be: but the citizens of the Pelasgi heard the eloquent winning turns [of the king's speech]: and Jove brought about a happy conclusion.

CHORUS

Come now, let us pour forth for the Argives good prayers, a return for good. And may Jove, protector of strangers, regard the honors of the stranger's mouth truly blamelessly to full accomplishment. Now, if ever, you gods sprung from Jove, hear us pouring forth prayers for desirable things for this race: that bold Mars may never cause to be consumed by fire the Pelasgian city, who with joyless cry mows down mortals in other plowed fields: since they have pitied us, and have passed a favorable decree; but they revere the suppliants of Jove, this band unenvied: nor have they passed a decree in favor of the men, having slighted the cause of women: reverencing the divine avenger and beholder not to be contented with, whom no house would wish to have upon its roofs in his wrath, for heavily he sits on it. For they reverence us their kindred, the holy suppliants of Jove; therefore they shall please the gods at pure altars. Therefore from our mouths shaded [by boughs] let the honoring prayer fly. Never let pestilence make empty the city of these men: nor let [discord1] make bloody the plain of the land with corses of the natives. And let the flower of youth be uncropped; nor let the paramour of Venus, man-destroying Mars mow the blossom. And let the altars, at which are aged ministers, abound with venerable priests, and let them blaze [with offerings], that the city may be rightly ruled. Let them reverence mighty Jove, the god of hospitality, supreme, who by hoary law directs fate. And we pray that other rulers of the land be ever born, and that far-darting Diana look upon the labors of women. Nor let any man-destroying pestilence come on, laying waste this city, averse to dance and lyre, exciting tears, producing Mars and clamors of the people. And let the unjoyous swarm of diseases settle at a distance from the citizens in their strength: and let Lycian Apollo be propitious to all the youth. And may Jove render the earth fruitful with increase at all seasons: and may the herds that feed before [the city] in like manner bear young abundantly. And may they receive every thing from the gods, and may the divine Muses and bards pour forth a well-omened strain; and from holy mouths let the lyre-loving song be wafted on. And may the people hold continually in honor their rulers; and may a prudent sway, consulting for the common good, govern the city. And ready to come to terms of peace, before preparing Mars, let them afford to strangers what is just without evils. And ever let them honor their country's gods, who preside over the land, with native laurel-bearing bull-slaying honors. For the reverence of parents this third is written in the laws of much-venerated Justice.

DANAUS

I approve indeed of these wise prayers, oh, beloved: but be not you afraid hearing these unexpected and new tidings from your father: for from this suppliant-receiving mount I behold the ship: for conspicuous it escapes not my notice, and the breasts of the sails and the side-guards1 of the vessel, and the prow in the fore part beholding with its eyes the way, too well obeying, as not being friendly to us, the directing helm in the hinder part of the vessel. And the sailors may be seen conspicuous with their black limbs out of white garments: and the other vessels and all the assistant band is conspicuous, but the leading ship, having furled her sails under the land, is rowed with oars sounding together. But it behooves you calmly and prudently looking to the matter, not to neglect these gods. But I will come, having taken assistants and patrons.

CHORUS

For perchance2 some herald or embassador may come, wishing to lead us away, laying hold of us as pledges.

DANAUS

But none of these things shall be, fear3 not now.

CHORUS

Nevertheless it is better, if we indeed be slow in getting aid, by no means to be forgetful of this protection.

DANAUS

Be of good courage; in appointed time and day every one of mortals who despises the gods shall pay the penalty.

CHORUS

Father, I am afraid, as the swift-winged vessels are come, and there is no length of time between. In truth excessive fear possesses me: [I fear] lest there be no advantage to me of my long flight. I perish, father, with terror. The offspring of Ægyptus is bold and insolent, and insatiate of the fight; and I speak to you who know it: and possessing black wood-compacted ships they have sailed here with wrath thus far successful, together with a numerous swarthy host.

DANAUS

And they shall find many who have their arms well-hardened to toil in the meridian heat.

CHORUS

But leave me not alone, I beseech, father. A forsaken woman is nothing. Mars is not in us. But they are wily and deceitful with impure minds, like crows, caring nought for the altars.

DANAUS

These things would advantage us well, O my children, if they were hateful both to you and to the gods.

CHORUS

Not dreading these tridents and the majesty of the gods will they keep off their hands from us, father. But they are very haughty, maddened with impious rage, of dog-like boldness, in no respect obeying regarding the gods.

DANAUS

But there is a saying that wolves are superior to dogs; and the fruit of the papyrus surpasses not the ear of corn.

CHORUS

And thus it behooves us well to guard against them having the dispositions of wanton and wicked beasts.

DANAUS

By no means is the management of a naval host quick, nor a station for the ships, nor a safe fastening for cables, to bring them to land, nor do the rulers of ships too quickly trust to the hold of anchors, especially when arriving at a harbourless land1 . When the sun departs2, night is wont to produce anxiety to a skilful pilot. Thus there can not be even a safe disembarking of the host, before the ship has been stoutly fixed in its station. But do you take heed, not to neglect the gods, on the plea of fear, procuring aid. But the city will not blame a messenger who is old, but young in his mind prompt of speech.

CHORUS

O land of hills, just object of veneration, what shall we suffer? to what part of the Apian land shall we fly, if there is any where a dark cavern? Would I were black smoke, approaching to the clouds of Jove, and altogether invisible, and flying away without wings, might like dust be lost. But my heart can no longer abide without flight, and my darkened spirit1 throbs. But my father's look-out has undone me: I perish with terror. Would I could obtain death by the twistings of the noose, before the abhorred man draw nigh2, and, ere that, may Pluto rule us dying by our own hands. From whence can I have a seat in the air on which the watery clouds become snow3, or a rock, rugged, inaccessible to goats, not pointed out,4 lonely, desolate, the haunt of vultures, witnessing a deep fall to me, before, in spite of my heart, having met with forced nuptials. And then I refuse not to become the prey of dogs, and the food of the birds of the country: for death is free from mournful ills: let fate approach, having seized me before the nuptial bed. What remedy for myself delivering me from the marriage can I yet find5 Pour forth a voice to the heavens, supplicating strains to the gods, and such as will bring about good fortune to me, being the means of deliverance for me6. Father; do not love violence, seeing with just eyes and respect your suppliants, O earth-ruling, all-powerful Jove. For the male offspring of Ægyptus intolerable in insolence pursuing me with speed, seek with foul abuse to seize me a fugitive by force. But the beam of your balance is over all: and what without you is perfected to mortals? Ah! ah! ah! Here is the sea [and] land seizer7 . Mayest thou, Heigh ho! toil before the shore bringing to here, I utter a cry of pain. I see these preludes are a warranty of violent treatment, of me. Alas! alas! go in flight to [seek] protection against their fell desires, intolerable both by sea and land, O king, defend us8.

HERALD

Haste, haste to the ship with all speed.

CHORUS

Then, then, [there await us] tearings, tearings, and stabbings, gory murderous,1 cuttings off of heads.

HERALD

Haste, haste, abandoned in utter destruction, to the vessel, or to the billowy salt deep, with tyrannic insolence, and with a spear firmly bound with iron, I will place you bloody in the ship, wheref2 if after that you continue your vociferations, I with violence command you to lay aside madness3 from your mind.

CHORUS

Alas! alas!

HERALD

Leave these seats, go to the ship; it is useless to adore the gods in the city.

CHORUS

Never again may I behold the flock-nurturing stream, from whence the life-blood of mortals increased is enlivened.† I am holy from of old on account of this seat, this seat, old man.

HERALD

But you to the ship, to the ship shall go quickly, willing, or unwilling,† forced with much violence; go to the ship before having suffered ill, struck to death by my hands.

CHORUS

Ah! ah! ah! without an helping hand may you perish in the billowy deep, at the sandy Sarpedonian promontory, wandering in the wide air!

HERALD

Exclaim, and rend your robes, and invoke the gods; for you shall not escape the Egyptian bark: exclaim and cry, with more bitter grievings, obtaining the name of calamity.

CHORUS

Oh! oh! oh!† the pollution of seizing barks: approaching, thou dost terribly insult: †who askest, may great Nile turn you away treating us with indelible insolence.

HERALD

I bid you go to the ship turned toward [the shore] with all speed: nor let any one delay: for dragging by no means shall spare your tresses.

CHORUS

Oh! oh! Father, the protection of your image, now leads me to calamity, to the sea like a spider, black spectre. Alas! mother Earth, mother Earth, repel the dreadful cries. O Jove son of Earth advance.

HERALD

By no means do I dread the deities here; for they have not nourished me, nor brought me to old age by their rearing.

CHORUS

The two-footed serpent rages near me, and like a viper,† gnawing my foot. Mother Earth, mother Earth, repel the dreadful cries. O Jove son of Earth advance.

HERALD

Unless some one goes to the ship, submitting to these things, a tearing shall not pity the work of her garment.

CHORUS

Oh chief rulers of the city, I am overpowered.

HERALD

You shall presently behold many rulers, the sons of Ægyptus; be of good courage, you will not call it an anarchy.

CHORUS

We are undone, we suffer, O king, unlooked-for things.

HERALD

It seems I must drag you tearing you by the hair, since you do not quickly obey my words.

PELASGUS

Hark you, what are you about? from what boldness do you dishonor this land of Pelasgic men? do you think that you have come to a city of women? Being a barbarian, you are over-insolent toward Greeks: and having erred much, you have done nothing rightly in your mind.

HERALD

In which of these things have I erred contrary to justice?

PELASGUS

First indeed you forget that you are a stranger.

HERALD

How not? I have found what was lost.

PELASGUS

Having addressed which of the natives as patrons.

HERALD

Hermes the searcher, a very great patron.

PELASGUS

Having addressed the gods, you in no way reverence the gods.

HERALD

I reverence the deities at the Nile.

PELASGUS

But those here, are nothing, as I hear from you.

HERALD

I will lead away these, if some one does not snatch them from me.

PELASGUS

You will rue it, if you touch them, no long time after.

HERALD

I hear words by no means hospitable.

PELASGUS

For I do not hospitably receive the spoilers of the gods.

HERALD

Having gone thou mayest tell these things to the sons of Ægyptus1.

PELASGUS

This is unheeded in my thoughts.

HERALD

But, that you may know, I will more plainly speak: for it is proper that an herald declare all things clearly—how shall I say, and by whom, that I come deprived of the train of kindred women? Mars determines not these things by witnesses, and puts an end to the strife not by the receipt of silver; but before that there are many slaughters of men, and trampling-down of lives.

PELASGUS

What does it behove you to say? Having at length learnt what is just, do you yourself determine, and your fellow-voyagers. But you may lead away these willing indeed according to the inclinations of their minds, if a lawful speech can persuade them. But such an unanimous public decree of the state has been passed, never to give up by force the train of women. Of these things the nail is firmly driven through and through, so as to remain fixed. These things are not graven on tablets, nor sealed in the folds of books, but you hear them plain from a free-speaking tongue; but with all speed take yourself from my eyes.

HERALD

Know this, now you will undertake a new war: but may victory and strength be to the males.

PELASGUS

But you will find males inhabitants also of this land, not drinking wine made from barley. But do you all, with your loved attendants, take courage, and go to the well-fortified city, inclosed by a deep device of towers. And there are indeed many public abodes, but I have built with no scant hand. It is pleasant to inhabit well-built abodes with many others; but if it be any greater pleasure, you are at liberty to dwell also in abodes which hold but one family. Of these choose the best and what are most pleasing. But I will be your patron, and all the citizens, by whom this decree is now passed. Why wait you for more powerful ones than these?

CHORUS

But in return for good things may you abound with good, divine king of the Pelasgians. But benevolently send hither our father Danaus, of good courage, prudent, and our chief adviser. For his is the first counsel, where it behoves us to inhabit abodes, and [where is] a place not subject to envy. Every one is ready to speak reproach against foreigners: but may the best things befall.

PELASGUS

Both with fair fame, and with no wrathful rumour of the people regulate yourselves in the country, O friendly attendants, so as Danaus has assigned you to each [of his daughters] a servile dowry.

DANAUS

O daughters, it is fitting to pay vows to the Argives, and to sacrifice and pour libations, as to the Olympian gods, since they are our preservers with one mind. And they have heard with indignation from me what things have been done with regard to our headstrong friends, our kindred: but they have appointed for me these attendants and armed guards, that I might have this mark of honour, and that I might not unexpectedly perish without their knowledge by the death of the spear, and an everlasting pollution be upon this city. I having obtained1 such things, do you observe a proper gratitude of mind more precious2. And these things, indeed write down in addition to the many other written prudent sayings of your father, so as in time to convince the unknown band3. But every one bears a ready evil tongue against a stranger, and to speak slander is an easy thing. But I exhort you not to disgrace me, being of a time of life which is attractive to men. And by no means is the tender mature fruit easy to guard: but beasts and mortals harm it in somewise and winged and four-footed animals. Venus proclaims the dropping fruits: I affirm that rapine awaits them in whatever way they [try to] hinder it4. And on the fair-formed beauty of virgins every one that passes by sends forth a melting dart from his eye, overcome by desire. Therefore let us not suffer those things on account of which we have had much toil, and much sea has been†5 passed over in a ship, nor let us cause disgrace to us, and pleasure to my enemies. But even a double dwelling is offered to us, the one, Pelasgus, and the other, the city gives, to dwell apart from servants: these things are easy. Only observe these injunctions of your father, honouring modesty more than life.

CHORUS

In other things may we be fortunate from the gods, but on account of my mature age be of good courage, father: for unless something new has been determined by the gods, I will not turn aside the former step of my mind. Go now celebrating the blessed gods who guard the state, both those inhabiting the city, and those who dwell around the ancient wave of Erasinus. But do you, attendants, receive the strain1: and let praise possess this city of Pelasgians, nor let us adore the mouths of Nile with hymns, but the rivers that pour through this country a willing stream, authors of increase, softening this soil of the earth with enriching weaves. And may chaste Diana regard with pity this train: nor through necessity let Cythercan nuptials come: but this reward is hateful2. But this favouring strain neglects not Venus: for she has a power over Jove together with Juno: and the nearest to the many-counselled goddess is honoured for her mighty works. But loved companions are present with mother [Venus], and no passion is disobedient to soothing persuasion. But to Harmonia is given a portion of deceiving Venus and the ways of loves. Expeditions by sea against us fugitive, and dire woes, and bloody wars, in truth I dread beforehand. For why have they performed a lucky voyage with swift pursuit?

SEMI-CHORUS

Whatever is fated, that will take place: the great immense mind of Jove is not to be transgressed. But perhaps with many other nuptials this event will be according to what has formerly befallen other women.

SEMI-CHORUS

O mighty Jove defend me from the nuptials of the sons of Ægyptus.

SEMI-CHORUS

That, indeed, would be best: but you would soothe [a deity] not to be soothed.

SEMI-CHORUS

But you at least knew not the future.

SEMI-CHORUS

How can I behold the divine mind, a fathomless view? Pray now for moderate things.

SEMI-CHORUS

What moderation do you teach me?

SEMI-CHORUS

Not to pry into the affairs of the gods.

SEMI-CHORUS

May royal Jove repel the hateful hostile nuptials of the men, who delivered Io from her misery, well restraining her with healing hand, with benevolent force having founded1 [our race].

SEMI-CHORUS

Let him afford strength also to women. I prefer the better of two evils, and partly good and partly bad2, and that justice follow justice with my prayers by liberating aid from the god.