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Athena
No, I will not grow tired of telling you about these good things, so you will never be able to say that you, an ancient goddess, were cast out, dishonored and banished, from this land by me, a younger goddess, and by the mortal guardians of my city. But if you give holy reverence to Persuasion, [885] the sweetness and charm of my tongue, then you might remain. But if you are not willing to stay, then surely it would be unjust for you to inflict on this city any wrath or rage or harm to the people. For it is possible for you to have a share of the land justly, with full honors. [890] Chorus
Lady Athena, what place do you say I will have? Athena
One free from all pain and distress; accept it. Chorus
Say that I have accepted it, what honor awaits me? Athena
That no house will flourish without you. [895] Chorus
Will you gain for me the possession of such power? Athena
Yes, for we will set straight the fortunes of those who worship. Chorus
And will you give me a pledge for all time? Athena
Yes, for I have no need to say what I will not accomplish. Chorus
It seems you will win me by your spells; I am letting go my anger. [900] Athena
Then stay in the land and you will gain other friends. Chorus
What blessings then do you advise me to invoke on this land? Athena
Blessings that aim at a victory not evil; blessings from the earth and from the waters of the sea and from the heavens: that the breathing gales of wind may approach the land in radiant sunshine, [905] and that the fruit of the earth and offspring of grazing beasts, flourishing in overflow, may not fail my citizens in the course of time, and that the seed of mortals will be kept safe. May you make more prosperous the offspring of godly men; [910] for I, like a gardener, cherish the race of these just men, free of sorrow.Pointing to the audience. Such blessings are yours to give. I, for my part, will not allow this city to be without honor among mortals, this city victorious in the glorious contests of deadly war. [915]
Aeschylus. Aeschylus, with an English translation by Herbert Weir Smyth, Ph. D. in two volumes. 2. Eumenides. Herbert Weir Smyth, Ph. D. Cambridge, MA. Harvard University Press. 1926.
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