Delphi Complete Works of Aeschylus (Illustrated) (Delphi Ancient Classics) by Aeschylus Page A

for complaint. But may the all-seeing Father establish a kindly issue in
due time —
    [141] That the mighty
race of our honorable mother escape the embrace of man (ah me), unwedded,
unvanquished.
    [144] And may Zeus’
pure daughter, she who holds securely the sacred wall, willingly, meeting my
will, look upon me; and, grieved at our pursuit, come with all her might, a
virgin to a virgin’s aid, to deliver me —
    [151] That the mighty
race of our honorable mother may escape the embrace of man (ah me), unwedded,
unvanquished.
    [154] Yet, if she will
not, we, a dark, sun-burned race, with suppliant boughs will invoke the
underworld Zeus, Zeus the great host of the dead; for if the gods of Olympus hear us not, we will hang ourselves.
    [163] Ah Zeus! On
account of the poisonous hate of Io vengeance from the gods pursues us. I know
your consort’s sky-conquering spite; for a stormy sea follows a harsh wind.
    [168] And Zeus shall
then be liable to the charge of injustice that he hates the child of the
heifer, the child whom he himself begat long ago, his very own, and now he
holds his face averted from our prayers. May he from above hear our call!
    [176] Ah Zeus! On
account of the poisonous hate of Io vengeance from the gods pursues us. I know
your consort’s sky-conquering spite; for a stormy sea follows a harsh wind.
    DANAUS
[167a] My children, you must be prudent. A prudent captain of your voyage was
your reliable old father here with whom you came. And now that I have
considered with foresight what may befall us here on land, I charge you, record
my injunctions on the tablets of your minds and guard them.
    [180] I see dust, the
voiceless herald of an army; the axle-driven wheels are not silent in their
sockets. I behold a throng, armed with shields and holding spears, with steeds
and curved chariots. Perhaps they are the princes of the land come to look on
us, informed by messengers. But whether a harmless man or one driven by savage
wrath rouses this expedition, it is better, damsels, in any case, to seat
yourselves at that mound sacred to the assembled gods. Stronger than a castle
is an altar — an impenetrable shield. As quick as you can, gather in your left
hands your white-wreathed suppliant boughs, sacred emblems of Zeus the
merciful. Reply to the strangers, as is fitting for aliens, in piteous and
plaintive language of necessity, telling them clearly of your flight, how it
was unstained by deed of blood. Above all let no arrogance accompany your
speech, and reveal nothing impious in your peaceful eyes, from your respectful
face. In your speech neither interrupt, nor hesitate — for this would offend
these people. And remember to be submissive: you are an alien, a fugitive, and
in need. Bold speech does not suit the weak.
    CHORUS
[204] Father,
your words are prudent, and they fall on prudent ears. I will take heed of your
wise words, and hold them in memory. May Zeus, the author of our race, behold
us!
    DANAUS
[210] May he
indeed behold you, and with a gracious eye.
    CHORUS
[208] I would
like even now to be seated by your side.
    DANAUS
[207] Then do
not delay, but put your purpose into action.
    CHORUS
[209] O Zeus,
have pity upon our troubles lest we are ruined.
    DANAUS
[211] If he
wishes it so, all will end well.
    CHORUS
[ A verse is here lost. ]
    DANAUS
[212] Invoke now
also that bird of Zeus
    CHORUS
[213] We invoke
the saving beams of the sun.
    DANAUS
[214] Pure
Apollo, too, who, though a god, was exiled once from heaven.
    CHORUS
[215] Knowing
our lot, he may well have pity on mortals.
    DANAUS
[216] May he
have pity indeed, and stand by ready to defend.
    CHORUS
[217] Whom,
further, of these divinities must I invoke?
    DANAUS
[218] I behold a
trident here, the token of its god.
    CHORUS
[219] Well did
he send us here and well may he receive us in this land.
    DANAUS
[220] Here, too,
is Hermes, according to the Hellenic custom.
    CHORUS
[221] May he
then announce good tidings to the free!
    DANAUS
[222] Honor to
the