Chorus
Aegyptus; and now that you know my ancient lineage, I pray you to help1a band that is Argive by descent.
King
[325]
I think you indeed have some share in this land from old. But how did you bring yourselves to leave the home of your fathers? What stroke of fortune befell you?
Chorus
Lord of the Pelasgians, of varying color are the ills of mankind, and nowhere can you find trouble of the same plume.
[330]
For who dreamed that a kindred race, sprung of old, would thus in unexpected flight find haven at Argos, fleeing in terror through loathing of the marriage-bed?
King
Why have you come as suppliants of these gods congregated here, holding in your hands those white-wreathed, fresh-plucked boughs?
Chorus
[335]
So as not to be made slave to Aegyptus' race.
King
By reason of hatred? Or do you speak of unlawfulness ?
Chorus
Who would purchase their lords from among their kin?
King
In this way families have enhanced their power.
Chorus
And it is easy then, if things go ill, to separate from a wife.
King
[340]
How then am I to deal with you in accordance with my sacred duty?
Chorus
By not surrendering us at the demand of Aegyptus' sons.
King
A serious request—to take upon myself a dangerous war.
Chorus
But Justice protects her champions.
King
True, if she had a share in the matter from the beginning.
Chorus
[345]
Show reverence for the ship of state thus crowned.2
King
I shrink as I gaze upon these shaded shrines.
Chorus
Yet heavy is the wrath of Zeus, god of the suppliant.
This text is part of:
Table of Contents:
Aeschylus. Aeschylus, with an English translation by Herbert Weir Smyth, Ph. D. in two volumes. 2. Suppliant Women. Herbert Weir Smyth, Ph. D. Cambridge, MA. Harvard University Press. 1926.
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