The Suppliants

THE SUPPLICANTS. a PROTECTOR of the ſuppliant, gracious Jove, Look with an eye of pity on this train, Which from the gentle depths of Nile have ſped Their naval enterprize. Thoſe ſacred fields, That border on the Syrian waſtes, we leave, Not by the public voice of juſtice doom'db For blood, but willing fugitives from youths Too near allied, whoſe impious love wou'd raiſe Perforce the nuptial bed by us abhor'd; Sons of Ægyptus they. Our father Danaus, On whoſe authority we build our counſels, And ſtrengthen our abhorrence, plan'd theſe measures, And wrought us to this honorable toil, To wing our ſwift flight o'er the billowy main, And reach the ſhores of Argosc, whence we draw Our vaunted lineage, from th' embrace of Jove Enamour'd of that virgin, whom transform'd The tort'ring ſting drove wand'ring o'er the world. To what more friendly region can we take Our progreſs, bearing in our ſuppliant hands Theſe peaceful branches crown'd with ſacred wreathsd? Ye royal tow'rs, thou earth, and ye fair ſtreams Of orient chryſtal, ye immortal gods In the high heav'ns enthrond, ye aweful pow'rs That deep beneath hold your tremendous ſeats, Jove the preſerver, guardian of the roof Where dwells the pious man, receive your ſuppliants, Breathe o'er these realms your favorable ſpirit, And form them to receive this female train! But for thoſe men, that proud injurious band Sprung from Ægyptus, e'er they fix their foot On this moiſt ſhore, drive them into the deep, With all their flying ſtreamers and quick oars, There let them meet the whirlwind's boiſterous rage, Thund'rings, and light'nings, and the furious blaſts That harrow up the wild tempeſtuous waves, And periſh in the ſtorm, e'er they aſcend Our kindred bed, and ſeize againſt our will What nature and the laws of blood deny.e To thee, th' avenging pow'r Ador'd beyond the waves of this wide main, Raiſe we the ſolemn ſtrain, Her progeny, that crop'd each various flow'r Which deck'd the fragrant mead, Till Jove's ſoft touch her alter'd ſhape caress'd, And ſooth'd her ſoul to reſt: Thereto we add thy fateappointed name, Epaphus of mighty fame, To thee we raiſe the ſtrain, whilſt now we tread Thy reverenc'd mother's fertile ſoil, And record each various toil; Now ſhall each trace to light be brought, Tho' far ſurpaſſing human thought; Now ſhall the wond'rous tale unfold, Myſterious deeds of times of old. Dwells in this land ſome augur near? If these ſad wailings reach his ear, Will he not deem the mournful note Warbled from Philomela's throat, Such time as from the falcon's wing She leaves her fav'rite haunt and ſpring, And o'er her neſt, and o'er her young Attunes her ſweeteſt, ſaddeſt ſong, And in the melancholy ſtrain Laments the fate of Itys ſlain; In ſullen rage the mother ſtands, And in her ſon's blood bathes her hands. In notes ſo ſweet, ſo ſad, I try To raiſe th' Iönian harmony; And rend theſe cheeks, that ripening drew On Nile's warm banks their vermeil hue; Whilſt at each ſolemn, penſive pauſe My burſting heart the deep ſigh draws, And, woebetroth'd, fears e'en its friends, If yet perchance one friend attends, For that our ſails the deep explore, Leaving our native duſky ſhore. Ye Gods, from whom we proudly trace The glories of our highborn race, Hear us, ye pow'rs, propitious hear, And ſhow that juſtice is your care; Guard in our juſt, our holy cauſe The ſanctity of nature's laws; You, that abhor each impious deed, Ariſe, protect the nuptial bed. When Mars to ſlaughter gives the reinsf, And rages o'er th' enſanguin'd plains, To each that flies the altar gives A refuge, and the ſuppliant lives, For Jove, with pious pray'rs ador'd, Commands ſtern war to drop the ſword. Jove's firm decree, tho' wrapt in night, Beams 'midſt the gloom a conſtant light; Man's fate obſcure in darkneſs lies, Not to be pierc'd by mortal eyes: The juſt reſolves of his high mind A glorious conſummation find; Tho' in majestic ſtate enthrond Thick clouds and dark incloſe him round, As from the tow'r of heav'n his eye Surveys bold man's impiety; Till, his ripe wrath on vengeance bent, He arms each god for puniſhmentg, And from his high and holy throne Sends all his aweful judgments down. And may his eye our wrongs ſurvey, Mark'd by inſulting man his prey; As each bold youth by paſſion fir'd Againſt our boſom-peace conſpir'd, And to deceit's ſmooth influence Join'd rude and boiſterous violence: An infant foreſt theſe, that ſhoot Their wild growth from one parent root, And o'er our freſh bloom ſtrive to ſpread Their chearleſs and malignant ſhade. Thus I attune my notes of woe, And bid the varied meaſures flow; Now the ſhrilling deſcant chaſe, Now ſolemn ſink the deep'ning baſe; Thus bid the warbled cadence 'plain, And ſteep in tears the mournful ſtrain; A ſtrain to grace my obſequies, Whilſt yet I view yon' golden ſkies. Ye riſing hills that crown this ſhore, Where Apis reign'd in years of yore, Propitious hear me, nor diſdain To let your echoes learn this ſtrain; Barbaric tho' my voice and rude, Well may its notes be underſtood; Barbaric tho' this purfled ſtoleh, Frounc'd around with linen roll, This blushing veil tho' Sidon gave, Ye hills of Apis hear, and ſave! The vow perform'd, the Gods aton'd, The pious rites with bleſſings crown'd, Death diſtant waits with ſlacken'd pace, Nor dares profane the ſacred place. But will he now his foot repreſs ? Will the kind Gods their votary bleſs ? Ah me! theſe ſwelling waves of woe, Whither, ah whither will they flow? Ye riſing hills that crown this ſhore, Where Apis reign'd in years of yore, Propitious hear me, nor diſdain To let your echoes learn this ſtrain; Barbaric tho' my voice and rude, Well may its notes be understood; Barbaric tho' this purfled ſtole, Frounc'd around with linen roll : This blushing veil tho' Sidon gave, Ye hills of Apis hear, and ſave! The daſhing oar, the ſwelling ſail, That caught the favorable gale, Safe from the ſtorms, nor I complain, Wafted our frail bark o'er the main. All-ſeeing ſovereign fire, defend, And guide us to a proſp'rous end; Save us, O ſave the ſeed divine Of our great mother's ſacred line; From man's rude touch O ſave us free, And help inſnared chaſtity! Thou, virgin daughter of high Jove, A virgin's vows hear, and approve; Holding thy ſober, aweful ſtate, Protect us from the touch we hate; From bold incontinence ſecure, Pure thyſelf, preſerve us pure; Save us, O ſave the ſeed divine Of our great mother's ſacred line; From man's rude touch O ſave us free, And help inſnared chaſtity! If not, this glowing train, that trace From Heav'n's high king their highborn race, Shall voluntary victims go To th' allreceiving realms below; To their dread Gods for refuge fly, If Heav'n's high pow'rs their aid deny. O ſovereign Jove, ſhall wrath divine For Iö ſtill purſue her line? Still thy dread queen in fury riſe, And in her cauſe arm all the ſkies? She wings theſe winds, this tempeſt ſpreads, That burſts in vengeance o'er our heads. O ſovereign Jove, for this thy ear No meed of grateful voice ſhall hear; Thy ſon diſhonour'd, whom of yore To thee disfigur'd Iö bore. Turn then, O turn thy gracious eye, And hear us from thy throne on high! DANAUS, CHORUS. DANAUS. Daughters, this hour demands your utmoſt prudence; Your father's care, your old and faithful pilot, Hath held your helm ſafe o'er the dangerous deep; Behoves you now at land with provident heed To form your counſels, and attentive mark My words. Yon' cloud of duſt, tho' tongueleſs, ſpeaks An army nigh; I hear their wheels of braſs Loud rattling on their axles; now I view Chariots and horſe diſtinct, and ſhields, and ſpears Far gleaming o'er the plain; the lords perchance That rule these realms, inform'd of our arrival, Advance to us; but bring they minds of peace, Guiltless of violence, or with ruthless rage Ruſh on this train, beſt ſit together, virgins, Around this altar ſacred to the Godsi Preſiding o'er the games: a ſurer refuge Than tow or ſhield warproof an altar gives. Go then with ſpeed, and reverent in your hands Hold forth these ſupplicating branches crown'd With ſnowy wreaths, enſigns of aweful Jove. With modest, grave, and decent ſpeech receive Theſe ſtrangers, as beſeems the wretched ſtate Of unknown ſupplicants; declare at once Diſtinct and brief the motives of your flight Unſtain'd with blood: let not your roving eye Dart the bold glance, impeaching modeſty. Be not thy voice heard firſt, nor let its anſwers Weary their ear; they quickly take offence; Submiſſive urge thy plea, rememb'ring well The pride of words ill ſuits thy low eſtate, A fugitive, a ſtranger, in diſtreſs. CHORUS. Wiſe are thy counſels, and with reverend heed Shall be remember'd, father; and may Jove, The author of our race, look gracious on us. DANAUS. Quick be his aid, ſtrong guardian of our cauſe. CHORUS. Thus near I chuſe my ſeat. DANAUS. Supreme of Gods, Pity our ſuff'rings, pity e'er we periſh. CHORUS Look with an eye of mercy on thy ſuppliants, Impart thy grace, and bless us with ſucceſs. DANAUS. Address you now this creſted bird of Jovek. CHORUS. Thee, radiant Sun, thy tutelary rays Streaming with gold, ſacred Apollo, God Once exil'd from the ſkies, to thee I calll, Look on our woes, and pity wretched mortals. DANAUS. O ſuccour us, aſſiſt us, gracious pow'r. CHORUS. Whom of these Gods, whom yet ſhall we invoke? DANAUS. Mark you this trident? It declares the God. CHORUS. Safe haſt thou brought us o'er the ſwelling ſea, Receive us then, and ſave us on the ſhore. DANAUS. This, in the Grecian rites, is Mercurym. CHORUS. Nothing but good announce thou to the free. DANAUS. This common altar, ſacred to these Gods, Approach with awe; the ground is holy; fit Like turtles trembling at the falcon's flight, The winged foe of all the winged race, Polluter of his kind; for how can bird, That preys on bird, be pure? Or how can man, That from th' unwilling father drags to marriage Th' unwilling daughter, how can he be chaſte? Or ſhall the haughty deed e'en after death Eſcape unpuniſh'd in the realms below? No: for another Joven, they ſay, holds there His aweful ſeat, and to the guilty dead Awards juſt vengeance. But be wary, try The ſanctity of the place: and may it bring The bleſſing of ſucceſs to crown your hopes. PELASGUS, DANAUS, CHORUS. PELASGUS. What female train addreſs we here, and whence, Gorgeouſly veſted in barbaric ſtoles That float in many a fold? Our Argos ſees not Her daughters thus array'd, nor Greece thro' all Its ſtates. That thus without ſome previous herald, The public hoſpitality not aſk'd, Without ſafe conduct, you have boldly ventur'd To land upon our coaſts, this is moſt ſtrange. Only these boughs, as ſupplicants are wont, You lay before these Gods that o'er the games Preſide: hence Greece forms one conjecture only, Of all beſides uncertain what to think, Till your diſtinct relation clears our doubts. CHORUS. As to our habits, thy remarks are juſt. But how ſhould I addreſs thee, as a man Of private ſtation, or with hallow'd charge Preſiding here, or chieftain of the ſtate? PELASGUS. Nay, anſwer me, and ſpeak with confidence. Pelaſgus bids you, ſovereign of this land: My ſire Palæcthon, of high anceſtry Original with this earth: from me, their king, The people take their name, and boaſt themſelves Pelaſgians. Pelaſgians. O'er a wide extent of land, Thro' which the Algus flows, and Strymon weſt, From the Perrhæbians o'er the ſacred heights Of Pindus, to Poonia, and beyond The mountains of Dodona, ſpacious realms, My empire ſtretches, bounded by the ſea This way. In ancient times the Apian plains From Apis drew their honour'd name, the ſon Of Phœbus, in his father's healing arts Skill'd: from Naupactus came the heav'n-taught ſage And clear'd the land of that peſtiferous brood,o Which the moiſt earth, foul with corrupted gore, Of old engender'd, fierce with dragonrage, A cruel neighbourhood; their horrible pride The matchless Apis quell'd, and freed the land Of Argos. Hence in ſacred reverence We hold his memory. Inſtructed thus Say on, declare your race, and ought beſides: But know we brook not the long pomp of words. CHORUS. Brief will I be, and plain. Of Argive race We boaſt ourſelves, and draw our vaunted lineage From her, the lowing mother, in her ſon Supremely bleſt. All this my words ſhall prove. PELASGUS. Unplauſible your tale. Can it be, ſtrangers, That you're of Argive race? Liker, I ween, The Lybian damſels, in no wiſe reſemblingp Our daughters: ſuch perchance the Nile might rear, Such in the glowing tint the artiſt's hand Might mark the Colchian dame; and ſuch, I hear, The wand'ring Indians, mounted on their camels, Along the tented plains outſtretching wide To Æthiopia's cities; ſuch the troops Of warlike Amazons; and were your hands Arm'd with the poliſh'd bow, I might conjecture You were of these; therefore I thirſt to know More fully, how you are of Argive race. CHORUS. Fame ſpeaks of Iö, in this Argive land The ſacred guardian of the fane of Juno. Her, as the common voice loudly reports PELASGUS. Reports it that the Thunderer, of her charms Enamour'd, with a mortal mix'd the god? CHORUS. And met in ſecret ſhades, conceal'd from Juno. PELASGUS. How ended then the bickerings of these pow'rs? CHORUS. The Argive queen transform'd her to an heifer. PELASGUS. Does Jove approach her in this fairhorn'd ſhape? CHORUS. Himſelf, they ſay, transforming to a bull. PELASGUS. What angry meaſures form'd his royal confort? CHORUS. An herdſman ſhe aſſign'd ſtarr'd round with eyes. PELASGUS. What herdſman this, and how ſtarr'd round with eyes? CHORUS. The earthborn Argus: but him Hermes flew. PELASGUS. What new device to vex the wretched heifer? CHORUS. A winged peſt, arm'd with an horrid ſting: Thoſe on the banks of Nile call it the bryze. PELASGUS. And drove her in long wand'rings from this land. CHORUS. Thy words, according well, ſpeak this for me. PELASGUS. Reach'd ſhe Canobus, and the walls of Memphis? CHORUS. There Jove with gentle hand ſooth'd her to reſt; There planted his illuſtrious progeny. PELASGUS. Who from this heifer boaſts his race divine? CHORUS. Hence Epaphus receiv'd his name; from him Libya, whoſe fair domains extended wide. PELASGUS. What other branch ſprung from this mighty root? CHORUS. Belus, the father of two ſons; my ſire, Behold, is one. PELASGUS. Declare the ſage's name. CHORUS. Danaus: his brother, whom by name they call Ægyptus, is the fire of fifty ſons. Thus have I ſhewn thee our high anceſtry; Protect us then, ſupport an Argive train. PELASGUS. You ſeem indeed to draw your origin Of old from hence: but ſay, how have you dar'd To leave your father's house? What chance conſtrain'd you? CHORUS. King of Pelaſgia, various are the illsq Of mortal man; and never may'ſt thou ſee Misfortune mounting on the selffame wing. Who wou'd have thought we ſhou'd have wing'd our flight Thus unexpected to the coast of Argos Allied of old, amazement in our van, And strong abhorrence of the nuptial bed! PELASGUS. Why, ſay'ſt thou, fly you to theſe Gods for refuge, Holding theſe freſhcropt branches crown'd with wreaths? CHORUS. That to the offspring of Ægyptus we Might not be ſlaves. PELASGUS. Whence this reluctance, ſay, From hate? Or do your laws forbid ſuch nuptials? CHORUS. And who wou'd wish to make their friends their lords? PELASGUS. Yet thus the ſtrength of families gains force. CHORUS. And to the wretched death is not unwelcome. PELASGUS. In what wou'd you engage my honour to you? CHORUS. Not to enthrall us to Ægyptus' fons, Shou'd they demand us. PELASGUS. Arduous is the taſk Thou wou'dſt injoin me, to provoke new wars. CHORUS. O'er him, that ſuccours, Juſtice holds her shield. PELASGUS. If from the firſt the cauſe were my concern. : CHORUS. Revere theſe Gods, the guardians of your ſtate, Encircled with this ſupplicating train. PELASGUS. Struck with religious horror I behold Theſe branches ſhade this confecrated ſeat. CHORUS. Dread then the wrath of Jove, who guards the ſuppliant. Son of Palæcthon, hear me; with an heart Prompt to relieve, king of Pelafgia, hear. Behold me ſupplicant, an exile, wand'ring,. Like the poor lamb, that on the craggy ſteep Raiſes her mournful voice, ſecure of help, And warns her faithful keeper of her danger. PELASGUS. I ſee a ſtranger train, with boughs newpluck'd Shading theſe Gods that o'er the games preſide. May their arrival, tho' now ſtrangers here, Yet hence deſcended, bring no dread event; Nor from this ſudden, unexpected hap Let war, which least we wish, disturb our ſtate. CHORUS. May Themis, guardian of the ſuppliant, ſprung From pow'rful Jove, look on our harmless flight. Nor from a younger let thy age diſdain To learn the reverence due to ſupplicants, From whoſe pure hands the fav'ring Gods accept The grateful offering. PELASGUS. Make not your requeſt To me in private: if pollution ſtains The public ſtate, the public has the charge To expiate that ſtain; nor can my voice, E'er conſultation with the people held,. Warrant the fanction of the public faith. CHORUS. Thou art the ſtate; the public thou; thy voice, Superior to controul, confirms the ſanction This altar gives; thy fole authority, Highſcepter'd monarch of a ſovereign throne, Is here obey'd: religion's voice pleads for us; Revere it, nor profane theſe hallow'd feats. PELASGUS. That profanation to mine enemies. To grant you my protection cannot be But with much danger; to reject your pray'rs, Humanity forbids: perplex'd I fear To act, or not to act, and fix my choice. CHORUS. On Heav'n's high throne he ſits, whoſe watch- ful eye Regards th' afflicted, when unfeeling pride Denies that juſtice which the law aſks for them. Reverence his pow'r; for when the ſufferer groans With pangs unpitied, the fix'd wrath of Jove, Protector of the ſuppliant, burns ſeverer. PELASGUS. If by your country's laws Ægyptus' ſons, As next of blood, aſſert a right in you, Who ſhou'd oppoſe them? It behoves thee then By your own laws to prove ſuch claim unjuſt, CHORUS. Ah never may I be perforce a thrall To man! By heav'ndirected flight I break The wayward plan of theſe deteſted nuptials. Arm juſtice on thy ſide, and with her aid Judge with that ſanctity the Gods demand. PELASGUS. No eaſy province: make not me your judge. Great tho' my pow'r, it is not mine to act,s I told thee ſo, without my people's voice Aſſenting; left, if ill arife, they ſay By honouring ſtrangers thou' hast undone thy country. CHORUS. Each equally allied, impartial Jove Weighs each in equal balance; but repays The impious deed with vengeance, to the juſt Rewards their ſanctity. Why griev'ſt thou then To emulate the God, and act with juſtice? PELASGUS. Matter of high import hast thou propos'd, Which not admits heady and fitful raſhneſs, But deep deliberation, provident care, Wiſely attentive to the general weal, That hence no evil riſe, but the event Be profp'rous found, firſt, to the ſtate and me; Next, that no force arreſt you here, nor we Betray you refug'd in theſe hallow'd ſeats, The hostages of Heav'n, and on our heads Call ruin and the vengeance of the Gods, That e'en in death acquits not. Seems not this Matter of deep debate, and public care? CHORUS. Deliberate then with prudent care: To thy counſels take with thee Heav'ncommercing piety, And be ſtedfaſt juſtice near. Hark! methinks I hear them ſay, Do not, mighty king, betray Wretched exiles wand'ring far. See me not with ruffian hand, Refug'd at this ſhrine, profan'd, Learn what boiſt'rous man may dare. See me not with ruffled veſtt Rent unfeemly from my breaſt, Looſe my treſſes waving round, Bridled with this golden brede, Led, like a reluctant ſteed, From the Gods that guard this ground. See each hallow'd image here, And the aweful pow'rs revere : At thy feet thy ſuppliant laid, Mighty monarch, hear and aid ! And know, to thee, thy houſe, thy riſing race Impartial juſtice ſhall repay the deed; With glory's radiant crown thy virtues grace, And righteous Jove ſhall ſanctify the meed. PELASGUS. Well; I have paus'd, and ponder'd; but each thought Tells me the fluctuating tide perforce Will drive me on a war with these, or those; And, like a ſhip with all its anchors out, I must abide the ſtorm: nor will this end Without calamity, and loſs, and woe. When the rich houſe in deſolation ſinks, Its wealth all waſted, bounteous Jove may raiſe Its ſplendor to outſhine its former ſtate: Or when the haughty tongue unſeemly bolts The bitter taunt that ſtings the anguifh'd heart, The balm of honied words may heal the wound. But kindred blood to reek upon the dust- No: let the altars blaze, and each due rite Propitiate ev'ry God t' avert the ill. Meanwhile I keep aloof, wiſhing t' appear Ignorant of these diſputes: and may th' event Be fortunate beyond my expectation. CHORUS. Hear the last words of deſperate modeſty. PELASGUS. Have I not heard? Speak on, I will attend. CHORUS. Seeft thou these braided zones that bind our robes? PELASGUS. Ornaments these that ſuit your female ſtate. CHORUS. Know then the honest purpoſe these ſhall ſerve. PELASGUS. What wou'd thy words intend? Explain thyſelf. CHORUS. If honour ſhall not guard this female train- PELASGUS. How can these binding zones ſecure your fafety? CHORUS. Hanging new trophies on these images. PELASGUS. Mysterious are thy words; ſpeak plainly to me. CHORUS. To tell thee plainly then, I mean ourſelves. PELASGUS. I hear the language of an anguiſh'd heart. CHORUS. Be ſure of that: I ſpeak our firm reſolves. PELASGUS. On ev'ry ſide inevitable ills Surround me, like a flood, whoſe dang'rous ſurge Drives me into a vaſt and gulphy ſea, Where no kind harbour ſhelters from the ſtorm. Shou'd I not yield you refuge, thou hast nam'd A deed of horror not to be ſurpaſs'd: If with Ægyptus' fons, whoſe veins are rich With kindred blood, before our walls I try The chance of war, what else, but bitter loſs Can be th' event, when in a woman's cauſe Men ſhed their warm blood on th' embattled plain? Yet ſtrong conſtraint compels me to revere The wrath of Jove, whoſe hofpitable pow'r Protects the ſuppliant, awefully ſevere. And thou, agehonour'd father of theſe virgins, Take in thy hands these boughs, place them with ſpeed On other altars of our country Gods; That all the citizens may ſee the ſigns Of your arrival; but of me be ſure Speak not a word: for this free people love To tax authority with blame. Some eye Perchance may melt with pity, and abhor The boiſt'rous force of these injurious men; Hence ſhall you find more favour from the people; For nature prompts to ſuccour the diſtreſs'd. DANAUS. This reverend, this benevolent regard To ſtrangers we receive with grateful honour. But from thy train ſend with me ſome t' attend, To guide me to the altars of your Gods, The guardians of your ſtate, and to their ſhrines, With ſafety thro' your ſtreets; for much unlike Our form, our garb to yours; nor does our Nile See on its banks a race like thoſe, that tread... The verdant borders of your Inachus: Hence inſolence may dare the rude affront; The ſtranger friend by the friend's hand has bled. PELASGUS. Attend him; he ſays well; conduct his ſteps Safe to the ſacred ſhrines, ſeats of the Gods, Within our walls; and, as you paſs, avoid Much talk with those you meet, guiding this ſtranger, Who claims protection from our hallow'd altars. CHORUS. For him thou hast order'd well; ſafe may he go Appointed thus: but what becomes of me ? What ſhall I do? How wilt thou calm my fears? PELASGUS. Leave here thoſe boughs, the enſigns of your toils. CHORUS. I leave them, as thy voice and hand directs. PELASGUS. Seeft thou that unfenc'd grove? Take ſhelter thereu. CHORUS. How ſhou'd th' unconfecrated grove protect me ? PELASGUS. Let them have wings, we leave you not their prey. CHORUS. Than winged dragons they're more dreadful to us, PELASGUS. With better omens be thy words auſpicious x. CHORUS. No marvel if my mind ſinks with its fears. PELASGUS. But a king's fear is omenous of ill. CHORUS. Be all thy words, be all thy actions happy! PELASGUS. Your father will not long be abſent from you; Meanwhile will I perfuade th' aſſembled people, If haply I may move them, to receive you With gen'rous pity: him will I inſtruct How beſt t' addreſs his ſpeech. Await th' event, And ſupplicate the Gods, whoſe guardian pow'r Is worship'd here, to grant your hearts' warm wiſh. This done, I will return; and may perfuafion Attend me, and good fortune ſpeed my ſteps. CHORUS. Might of the mighty, king of kings, Supremely bleſt amidſt the bleſt above, Enthron'd in glory, righteous Jove, From whom perfection to the perfect ſprings, Hear us, O hear our fond request, To pity melt each gen'rous breast; View this bold outrage with indignant eye, And shield us from the injury: O'ertake their proud bark on the purple main, Sink it with all its ſable train; Our female band with pity view, And think from whoſe rich blood our honour'd race we drew. If Argive lö's blooming grace Cou'd e'er thy fond enamour'd boſom move To warm deſire, and rapt'rous love, The pleaſing memory of her charms retrace. From her our race divine we boaſt, Not foreign to this Argive coaft. Her foot, in times of old, where now we tread, Trod the flow'renamell'd mead; And made with lowings loud the forests ring, As from the bryze's tort'ring ſting O'er many' a realm ſhe wander'd wide, And dar'd the bounding waves, that world from world dividey. Found her foot reſt on Aſia's ſhore, On paſtoral Phrygia's, or on Lydia's plains, Or Myſian Teuthra's wide domains? Wildly Cilicia's rugged mountains o'er, Pamphilia's various tribes among, Each ceaſeleſsflowing ſtream along, Thro' cornclad fields, and vallies ever green, The hallow'd haunts of beauty's queen, That winged peſt impell'd her foot to rove, To the divine, all ſoft'ring grove, Thro' whoſe rich meads, impregn'd with ſnow,z Temper'd with torrid beams Nile's healthful waters flow. The race that then poſſeſs'd the land, Struck with aſtoniſhment and pale affright, Beheld the ſtrange, prodigious ſight: Diſdaining to be touch'd ſhe trod the ſtrand, The likeneſs of the lowing race Now ſoft'ning ſweet to virgin grace a : They ſaw, and trembled. All her toils at laſt, Her wand'rings wild, her tortures paſt, What gentle handEternal Lord 'twas thine; Thy gentle hand, thy pow'r divineb Sooth, ſoftly ſooth'd her frantic fear, And from her glowing cheek wip'd ſorrow's modeſt tear. Now thy pleaſing force employ, All be love, and all be joy. Rifing from the ſweet embrace, Worthy of his radiant race, Smiles the auſpicious boy. Time prepares to ſtamp his name Glorious in the roll of fame; Earth, thro' ev'ry raptur'd ſcene, Hails th' ætherial ſon of Jove. Who cou'd charm Heav'n's angry queen? Who her hoſtile hate remove ? This the deed of Jove alone, And this his genuine ſon. To whom, for juſtice when I raiſe the ſtrain, To whom, ſave Jove, ſhou'd I complain? Great, aweful author of our ancient line, Creative parent, independent lord, Diſpoſer of the world, righteous, benign, Sovereign, above the highest high ador'd; Whene'er he deigns to grace ſome favour'd head, Eaſy alike to him the will, the word, the deed. DANAUS, CHORUS. DANAUS. Be of good courage, daughters; a decree, Such as you wiſh, this gen'rous ſtate has paſs'd. CHORUS. Dear to my ſoul, with grateful tidings fraught, Hail, reverend parent! But inform us how Paſs'd the decree; what numbers favour'd us ? DANAUS. Not one diſcordant voice jarr'd in their counſels. The fire of youth glow'd in theſe aged veins, When the whole people their uplifted hands Wav'd in the air, to witneſs their aſſent That we might be permitted here to dwell Free, unreclaimable, inviolate : That none preſume, native or ſtranger, hence To lead us; and ſhou'd force be us'd, whoe'er Aſſiſts not, him the public ſentence drives, With infamy, an exile from his country. This the Pelaſgian king advis'd, to us Benevolent, declaring the fierce wrath Of Jove, protector of the ſuppliant, Cou'd not permit this firm and proſp'rous ſtate To flourish; but ſuch double inſult, offer'd To ev'ry law of hoſpitality Sacred and civil, wou'd with twofold vengeance Draw ruin on it. When the Argives heard Theſe arguments of winning eloquence, Impatient of the uſual forms, they gave With hands uplifted their concordant ſuffrage Friendly to us: thus Jove decreed th' event. CHORUS. Come then, my ſiſters, for theſe pious Argives Breath we ſome pious pray'r, whoſe ſolemn ſtrain May reach the ear of Jove. And thou, Supreme, God of the ſtranger, hear a ſtranger's voice Sincere, unblam'd; and ratify our vows! Ye progeny of Jove, whoſe aweful pow'r In yon' ætherial plain Fixes the glories of your reign, Bend from your radiant ſeats your ear, Attentive to a virgin's pray'r, And on this gen'rous race your choiceſt bleſſings ſhow'r. Never may war, whoſe wanton rage The thund'ring falchion joys to wield, Joys, when embattled hoſts engage, To mow with ruthless arm the field; Never with rude diſcordant roar Affright the echoes of this ſhore; Never with hoſtile hand Wave round theſe glitt'ring tow'rs the blazing brand. Softey'd humanity dwells here, That melting to the ſuppliant's tear Aſſerts our hopeleſs cauſe; And ſpotleſs piety, whoſe breast Submiſs reveres Jove's high beheſt, And hoſpitable laws. Your ſacred ſpirit inſpires the free To form the gen'rous, bold decree, And man's rude force diſdain; To cast on Heav'n's dread Lord their eye, The terrors of his vengeance fly, Nor ſcorn our female train : He o'er the impious roof his thunders rolls,c And aweful in his wrath appalls the guilty ſouls. Our kindred train, ſuppliants of holy Jove, Pelaſgia's ſons revere, And make our wrongs their gen'rous care. For this at ev'ry hallow'd ſhrine Propitious be each pow'r divine; For this beneath this ſolemnſhaded grove Our raptur'd invocations riſe, And Heav'n ſhall hear the pious ſtrains. Ah! never may malignant ſkies Blaſt the freſh glories of your plains: Nor peſtilence with pois'nous breath, Waſte your thin towns with livid death : Nor war's ſtern pow'r deface The blooming flow'rs that youth's fair ſeaſon grace. Still may your chiefs, a reverend band, Around the hallow'd altars ſtand; And ardent for the ſtate Pour the warm vow to Heav'n's high Lord, The great, the juſt; whoſe will ador'd With hoar law tempers fated. Still riſe new chiefs; a lengthen'd line, (Kind on their birth, Diana, ſhine!) The brave, the wise, the good: But never diſcord's dread alarms Your mad'ning cities rouſe to arms, And stain your ſtreets with blood: Nor pale diſeaſe her ſickly dews diſplay, Touch'd by thy golden beams, ambrofial fount of day. Fav'ring ſeaſons grace the year, Crown with rich fruits your cultur'd plains; The joyful flock, the ſportive ſteer, Bound wanton o'er your wide domains. Each immortal ſhow'ring treaſures, Wake the ſoft melodious meaſures;.. Let the chaſtelywarbled lay The muſes' rapturebreathing ſhell obey. Firm may the honours of your laws remain, And prudence in your counſels reign: Juſt to yourſelves, and to the ſtranger kind, May peace to ſleep conſign the bloodleſs ſword; Each honour to your country's Gods aſſign'd; Each laurel'd ſhrine with hallow'd rites ador'd; The parent's hoary head with reverence crown'd; View this, ye righteous Gods, and ſtrech protection round! DANAUS. I like this well: wise are theſe votive ſtrains. But tho' your father brings unwelcome tidings, New, and unlook'd for, fear not you th' event. From yon' high mound, where firſt you ſuppliant ſtood, I saw a ſhip, I mark'd its waving ſtreamer, Its ſwelling fails, and all its gallant trim : Its prow with heedful eye obſerves its way, Obedient to the helm that guides behind; Unfriendly ſight! the ſailors too I mark'd, Confpicuous in white robes their ſable limbs.e Th' attendant veſſels, proudly riding, ſweep The watry way; ſhe foremost near the land Now furls her fails, and all the ſhouting crew Bend to the eager oar. Behoves you now Sedate and ſage attention, nor neglect Theſe Gods. I haſte to bring their gen'rous aid, The patrons, the protectors of your caufe. Haply ſome herald may be ſent, with charge To claim you as their prize: it ſhall not be: Fear not th' event: but ſhou'd our aid come ſlow, Forget not the protection of this place. Be comforted: the day, the hour ſhall come, When he, that dares affront the Gods, ſhall feel Their chaſt'ning vengeance bursting on his head. CHORUS. How my frame trembles! Ah, my father, ſee With winged ſpeed the ſhips arrive; between No interval of time: my stiff'ning limbs Are chain'd with fear, and ev'ry hope of ſafety, If ſafety lies in flying far, is lost. DANAUS. Since this decree is paſs'd, fear not, my child; Argos, I know, will arm in your defence. CHORUS. Fatally fierce they are, and on their pride Deſtruction waits, and neverfated war, Theſe ſons of old Ægyptus, not to thee Unknown: E'en now their firmcompacted ſhips Black o'er the angry deep inſulting ride, Eager to land their ſabletinctur'd hoſts. DANAUS. And they ſhall find an hoſt, whoſe toil-ſtrung armsf Relax not in the ſun's meridian heat. CHORUS. Forſake me not, ah, leave me not alone, I pray thee, father: a forſaken woman Is very weak: their wily, faithless minds, Like obſcene crows, ſpare not the hallow'd altar. DANAUS. Now fair befall our cauſe, if their mad rage, Inſulting thee, my child, inſults the Gods. CHORUS. Neither theſe tridents, nor this folemn ſcene Will awe them to refrain their impious hands. They ſcorn the Gods, and with unhallow'd force Ruſh madly on, like ſavage, rav'ning dogs. DANAUS. But dogs, they ſay, yield to the maſt'ring wolvesg, And the ſoft reed to the firm ſpiked corn. CHORUS. They have the force of wild and ſavage beasts; We must eſcape them therefore, as we may. DANAUS. Slow are th' advances of a naval train; Slow the arrangements of the ſhips; the care To fix the cables, ſlow; th' experienc'd chiefs Truſt not too ſoon the biting anchor's hold, If ſtation'd where no harbour winds around: And when the golden ſun withdraws his beams, The gloom of night brings many' an anxious care; Nor dare they, till their veſſels ride ſecure, Attempt to land. But take thou heed, nor let Thy fears impel thee to neglect the Gods; But aſk their aid. The ſtate will not diſdain My age, that tells with youthful warmth its tidings. CHORUS. Ye riſing hills, whoſe reverend heads Majestic wave their awecommanding ſhades, What woes our ſhudd'ring ſouls await ? Or flying on the wings of fear, In ſome cavern dark and drear Deep ſhall we plunge, and hide us from our fate? Oh that I cou'd as ſmoke ariſe, That rolls its black wreaths thro' the air; Mix with the clouds, that o'er the ſkies Show their light forms, and diſappear: Or like the dust be toſt By ev'ry ſportive wind, till all be lost! Such thoughts in deep deſpair I roll, The gloom of ſorrow black'ning on my ſoul. Ah father, the vex'd ocean round What horrors ſtruck thy aching ſight? Diſmay, and pale affright, And wild amazement ſink me to the ground. Shall then the baſe, deteſted band With rude touch ſeize us for their own? No: rather ſhall this daring hand Prepare for death the conſcious zone; Rather in deep diſdain My pale ſhade ſink to Pluto's dreary reign. Oh might I ſit ſublime in air, Where watry clouds the freezing ſnows prepare! Or on a rock whoſe threat'ning brow, Th' aerial vulture's unreach'd ſeat, In ſolitary ſtate Frowns ruinous o'er th' affrighted waſte below: Roll'd headlong down its rugged ſide, A mangled carcaſs let me lie, E'er drag'd a pale, unwilling bride, Victim to ſad neceſſity; And my indignant heart Feel the keen wounds of ſorrow's tort'ring dart. Throw me, e'er that deteſted day, To prowling dogs and rav'nous birds a prey. No form of death affrights me now: O thou, aſſign'd the wretches' friend, To bid his miſeries end, And in oblivion's balm to ſteep his woe; Come, gentle death, e'er that ſad hour Which drags me to the nuptial bed; And let me find in thy ſoft pow'r A refuge from the force I dread; O ſpread thy ſable cloud, And in its unpierc'd gloom our forrows ſhroud! Higher let your voices riſe, And ſwell the choral deſcant to the ſkies, Notes of ſuch a lofty vein, That Gods may liſten to the ſolemn ſtrain ! Eternal Sire, from Heav'n's high throne, If thy indignant eyeballs glow With vengeance at foul deeds below, Look down, thou Sovereign of the World, look down: Ægyptus' ſons, a ruffian race, Our flying footſteps chace; And on our trembling, weeping band Advance to lay their vengeful hand: Extend thy golden ſcales, For without thee what mortal worth avails? By land, by ſea, They ſeek their prey; Oh, e'er they ſeize it, may the ruffians die ! Again I raiſe the mournful cry. They come, they come, the haughty foes: Theſe are but preludes to my woes, To yon' ſtrong rampires bend your flight; By ſea, by land they ruſh ſevere, And with their ſtern and threat'ning air, The ſoftneſs of our ſex affright. Look down, thou Sovereign of the World, and ſave! HERALD.HERALD, CHORUS. Hence to the ſhip, hence with your utmoſt ſpeed.h CHORUS. No, never, never; drag me, drag me, ſtab me, Rend from theſe mangled limbs my bleeding head. HERALD. Hence to the ſhip, abandon'd wretches, hence, That waits to waft you, with your injur'd lords, O'er the wide billows of yon' briny deep. Haſte, or this ſpear, with bridal garlands boundi, Taught a leſs gentle office, there ſhall place you Smarting with many' a wound; there ſit, and ſigh. HERALD. No more, I charge you, of theſe froward moods, Or force ſhall drive them from you, CHORUS. Woe is me! HERALD. Haſte, quit theſe ſeats, haſte to the ſhips, and go Inviolate to the city of the pious, CHORUS. Ah, never may theſe eyes again behold That rich enlivening ſtream, which he who drinks Feels his freſh blood dance lively in his veins. My unpolluted life amidſt theſe ſeats, Theſe ſacred ſeats, old man, preſerve me ſacred, HERALD. Nay, tell not me; but to the ſhip, the ſhip, Averſe or not averſe, quick ſhalt thou go; Or vengeance, chaſt'ning vengeance to thy feet Add wings, and up the bark's tall ſides purſue thee, CHORUS. Ah woe, woe, woe! Barbarian, may the winds In all their fury hurl thee on the rocks Of rough Cilicia's brow; or daſh thy corſe An outcast on the ſwelling ſands beneath. HERALD. Cry, ſhriek, invoke the Gods; yet ſhalt thou not Eſcape the ſhip of Ægypt; louder ſhriek, Cry woe, and woe: if the name pleaſe thee, take it. CHORUS. Ah wretched me! Pollution of the land, How fierce he yells! Inſolent wretch, away, Thy rude touch wounds me: For this ruffian force, Rife, mighty Nile, whelm him beneath thy floods! HERALD. Hence, I command you, to the rolling veſſel Inſtantly hence: if one preſumes to linger, I pay no reverence to your criſped locks, This hand perforce ſhall drag her by her treſſes. CHORUS. Ah me, immortal Sire! Inſolent Force Will hurry me away: it drags me now Intangled in its nets; and all my hopes Are vaniſh'd like a dream, a duſky dream. Earth, I adjure thee, ſhield me; ſhield me, Jove, God of this land, ſave me in this hard conflict. HERALD. Gods of this land! They awe not me; my youth They nouriſh'd not, nor to old age upheld me. CHORUS. Near me the ſerpent rolls his train, and ſoon Will, like a pois'nous viper, dart upon me. Earth, I adjure thee ſhield me; ſhield me, Jove, God of this land; ſave me in this hard conflict. HERALD. If one of you perverſely lingers here, Your richly purfled ſtoles ſhall find no mercy. CHORUS. Ye rulers of the city, Force o'erpow'rs me. HERALD. You ſhall ſee many rulers, doubt not, ſoon, Ægyptus' ſons; no anarchy is here. CHORUS. Unlook'd for ruin comes, O king, upon us. HERALD. I must uſe force, I ſee, and pluck you hence Drag'd by the locks, ſince my words move you not. PELASGUS.PELASGUS, HERALD, CHORUS. Whence theſe outrageous deeds? How dares thy pride Offer this inſult to the land, where dwell Pelaſgian men? Or didſt thou deem that women Alone inhabit here? Thy ſavage acts, Barbarian, touch the dignity of Greece. Learn thy miſtake then, and thine high offence. HERALD. Againſt what law, what right have I offended ? PELASGUS. Firſt, doſt thou know thou art a ſtranger here? HERALD. A ſtranger here I found what I had lost. PELASGUS. To whom hast thou addreſs'd thee for protection? HERALD. To Mercury, who directs the ſtranger's ſearch. PELASGUS. The Gods! Thou hast no reverence for the Gods. HERALD. Yes, for the Gods of Nile, an holy reverence. PELASGUS. But none for these, if right I understand thee. HERALD. Theſe lead I hence; and who ſhall take them from me? PELASGUS. Dare but to touch them, dear ſhalt thou abide it. HERALD. Is this your hoſpitality to ſtrangers? PELASGUS. I owe the ruffian none, that robs the Gods. HERALD. Go then, announce this to Ægyptus' ſons. PELASGUS. It ſuits not me; my ſoul diſdains the office. HERALD. Then let me ſpeak, and plainly; it becomes An herald's office to ſpeak all things plain. How ruffians, ſay, how robbers of the Gods, This kindred train, that comes to claim these women? Not by the voice of evidence does Mars Decide these thingsk; nor for a mulct of gold Compound the dreadful quarrel; e'er it ends Many ſhall ſhed their dear blood in the dust, Many lie low on earth, and bite the ground. PELASGUS. Hear then what honour prompts, what juſtice dictates, And bear it to the partners of thy voyage. If these approve, if their free will incline them, Lead them, if gentle words win their aſſent. This firm decree the ſuffrage of the ſtate Has render'd ſacred, not by force to yield A train of females; this reſolve, be ſure, Is ſtrongly fix'd, and never can be ſhaken. Tho' not engrav'd on tablets, nor enroll'd In ſealſtamp'd volumes, my free voice declares it In words of plaineſt import. Take thy anſwer; Hence from my ſight, with thy best ſpeed be gone. HERALD. Know then a riſing war awaits thy choice: Valour and conqueſt crown the helms of men. PELASGUS. You ſhall be met by men, whoſe lively blood Dull draughts of barley wine have never clog'dl. Now virgins, with your train of faithful friends, Diſmiſs your fears; enter this town, whoſe walls Strongbuilt, and crown'd with many' a bulwark, lift Their tow'red heads impregnable: within The ſtate has many ſtructures; nor is mine A thin inhabitation; ſuch an houſe, Where cheerful numbers live in wealth and ſplendor, May haply pleaſe you: if a private manſion, To your own uſe devote, be more your wiſh; The best of these, the moſt approv'd, is yours; Make your free choice: I will protect you; all This friendly ſtate, ſupporting their decree, Will shield you. What, wiſh you more pow'rful guardians ? CHORUS. For these thy bounties may the bounteous Gods Show'r bleſſings on thy head, thou gen'rous king Of brave Pelaſgia! But benevolent Send us our father Danaus, on whoſe firm And provident counſels we rely. His care And ſage advice is needful, where to chuſe Our dwelling, our ſecure retreat. The tongue Of Slander is too prompt with wanton malice To wound the ſtranger: Act we then with caution. PELASGUS. With honour, lovely virgins, with the voice Of fairapplauding fame amidſt our city Shall your appointment be, where'er your father Aſſigns to each her manſion and attendants. DANAUS.DANAUS, CHORUS. Daughters, it well becomes you to theſe Argives, As to th' immortal Gods, to offer vows, Libation, ſacrifice, and ev'ry rite Religion knows; ſo liberal their protection, So readily they lent their friendly ears, And favour'd all my deeds againſt theſe youths, Theſe kindred youths, whoſe headlong pride thus haunts you. Behold these ſpears around, to me aſſign'd An honorable guard, that no rude hand With barb'rous rage may lift the ſecret ſword, And with my blood pollute the pious land. This grace, this condeſcenſion claims my thanks, And you with grateful minds honour it ever. To all the wise inſtructions of your father, Grav'd in your faithful tablets, grave theſe alſo, That aftertimes may hold this ſtranger train In reverence. Know then this, The tongue of malice Is ever prompt to wound the ſtranger's fame With ſtings of infamy: I charge you then Diſgrace me not. I ſee your blooming age, Inforcing ſoft deſire; I know how hard To guard the lovely flow'rs that grace that ſeaſon. Beasts love to riot on their ſweetsm, and man, Each insect, and each wantonwinged bird. The Queen of Love proclaims their opening bloom; Ah, wou'd ſhe ſuffer it remain uncropt! And on the delicate tints, that kindling glow On beauty's vermeil cheek, each roving youth With melting wiſhes darts the amorous glance. We brook not this: elſe why these various toils, Theſe wand'rings o'er the wideextended main ? Let us not work this ſcandal to ourſelves, And triumph to our foes. Two manſions here Are offer'd to your choice; Pelaſgus one Wou'd give, and one the ſtate; beneath whoſe roof No male attendant waits: the choice is eaſy. Only obſerve these precepts of your father, And guard with heedful care your virgin honour. CHORUS. O may the pow'rs of Heav'n in all beſides Be gracious to us; in our virgin honour Have confidence: be their high wills unchang'd, I ſhall not deviate from my mind's fix'd plan. CHORUS. Go then, ye pure, ye pious train, In triumph go to thoſe bleſs'd pow'rs, That o'er this ſtate extend their reign Imperial guardians of these tow'rs; Imperial guardians of these glades, Along whoſe hallow'd ſhades His dark'ning ſtream old Erafinus rolls: With courage arm your ſouls. No more to Nile's deep floods belong The warbled voice, the raptur'd ſongn; Our praiſe Pelaſgia's towns demand; And each fresh fount, that loves to lead His humid train thro' grove, thro' mead, And rolls luxuriance thro' the land. Virgin Diana, bend thine eye, And piteous of a virgin's woes, O ſave enſnared chaſtity, From the rude touch of hated foes: Nor ſee thy ſtruggling vot'ries led Where Venus decks the bed! Nor, Queen of Love, ſhall our mellifluous lays Be ſilent in thy praiſe: For thou, next Heav'n's imperial queen, In highest grace with Jove art ſeen, And mighty deeds declare thy pow'r: The paſſions hear thy ſoft controul; Thy ſweet voice melts the willing ſoul, Enchanted with thy honied lore. Round thee, where'er thou lead'ſt the way, Joyful the frolic Cupids rove; And as their antic ſports they play, Whiſper the harmony of love. But what have I with love or joy? My peace wild fears annoy, The miſeries of flight, pursuit's alarms, And ſlaughterthreat'ning arms: Why elſe the quick, the fav'ring gales Waft o'er the waves their flying ſails? SEMICHORUS. This is the fix'd decree of fateo; And thus high Heav'n's unbounded Lord, Pronounc'd th' irrevocable word, And doom'd us to the nuptial ſtate. CHORUS. Ah, never may his ſovereign will Me to Ægyptus' ſons unite! SEMICHORUS. This is to graſp at ſhadows ſtill, And ſooth thy ſoul with vain delight. CHORUS. Know'ſt thou his will? Or has thine eye Look'd thro' futurity? SEMICHORUS. His mind I dare not ſcan, immenſe, profound: And thou thy wishes bound; 'Gainſt Heav'n's high will exclaim no more, But in mute meekneſs learn t'adore. CHORUS. Almighty Sire, whoſe healing hand Sooth'd thy lov'd Iö's ſoul to reſt, With comfort cheer this forrowing breaſt, And ſave us from this hoſtile band! For me thro' fortune's cloud hope beams her ray, And from that bright'ning part goes bright'ning on; So right ſucceeding right ſhall force its way, And the good Gods complete what Greece begun.