The Suppliants

Part 1

1CHORUS: May Zeus who guards suppliants look graciously upon our company, which boarded a ship and put to sea from the outlets of the fine sand of the Nile. For we have fled Zeus’ land

5whose pastures border Syria, and are fugitives, not because of some public decree pronounced against blood crime, but because of our own act to escape the suit of man, since we abhor as impious all marriage with the sons of Aegyptus.

10It was Danaus, our father, adviser and leader, who, considering well our course, decided, as the best of all possible evils, that we flee with all speed over the waves of the sea

15and find a haven on Argos’ shore. For from there descends our race , sprung from the caress and breath of Zeus on the gnat-tormented heifer. To what kinder land than this

20could we come with these wool-wreathed branches in our hands, sole weapons of the suppliant? O realm, O land, and clear water; gods on high and earth-bound powers, grievous in your vengeance,

25which inhabit the tomb; and you, Zeus the Savior, invoked third, the guardian of the habitations of righteous men: receive as suppliants this band of women with the compassionate spirit of the land. But

30the thronging swarm of violent men born of Aegyptus, should they set foot upon this marshy land, drive them seaward—and with them their swift ship—and there may they encounter a cruel sea with thunder, lightning, and rain-charged winds,

35and perish by the tempest’s buffeting blasts, if they ever lay their hands on us, their cousins, and mount unwilling beds from which Right holds them aloof.

40CHORUS: And now I invoke, as our champion from beyond the sea, the calf born of Zeus, the offspring of the flower-grazing cow, our ancestress,

45the caress of Zeus’ breath. The appointed period confirmed itself in a name suited to the event—Epaphus, to whom she gave birth.

49CHORUS: To him I cry for help.

50And now in the region wherein our first mother pastured, by recounting the story of her distress of long ago, I shall now set forth reliable proofs to the inhabitants of the land;

55and other evidence, though unexpected, will yet appear. Men will come to know the truth as my tale proceeds.

58CHORUS: Now if by chance there be some neighbor in the land who knows the song of birds,

60when our complaint greets his ear, he will fancy that he hears the voice of Metis, Tereus’ piteous wife, the hawk-chased nightingale.

63CHORUS: For she, constrained to leave her green leaves, laments pitifully her accustomed haunts,

65and composes the tale of her own child’s doom—how he perished, destroyed by her own hand, victim of the wrath of an unnatural mother.

68CHORUS: Even so I, indulging my grief in Ionian strains,

70pain my tender face summered by Nile’s sun and my heart unexercised in tears; and I gather the flowers of grief, anxious whether there is any friendly kinsman here to champion our band

75which has fled from the haze-shrouded land.

77CHORUS: But, gods of our race, hear, and regard with favor the cause of righteousness; if you refuse youth

80fulfillment of its arrogant desires, and readily abhor violence, you would be righteous toward marriage. Even for those who flee hard-pressed from war there is an altar,

85a shelter against harm through respect for the powers of heaven.

86CHORUS: But may Zeus grant that it go well with us. For Zeus’ desire is hard to trace: it shines everywhere, even in gloom, together with fortune

90obscure to mortal men.

91CHORUS: Safely it falls, and not upon its back, whatever deed comes to pass at Zeus’ nod; for the pathways of his understanding stretch dark and tangled,

95beyond comprehension.

96CHORUS: From their high-towering hopes he hurls mankind to utter destruction; yet he does not marshal any armed violence—

100all that is wrought by the powers divine is free from toil. Seated on his holy throne, unmoved, in mysterious ways he accomplishes his will.

104CHORUS: So let him look upon human outrageousness

105—in what way it shoots up men in their wooing of us, sprouted from thoughts of evil intent,

110having a frenzied purpose as its irresistible spur, and deluded, turning its thoughts to folly.

112CHORUS: Such piteous strains of woe I utter in my pain, now shrill, now deep, blended with falling tears—Alas, alas!

115groans appropriate to funeral wails; though I live, I chant my own dirge.

117CHORUS: I invoke Apia’s hilly land—for well, O land, you understand my barbarous speech—,

120and many times I lay my hands upon my Sidonian veil and tear its linen fabric to shreds.

123CHORUS: Sacrifices in satisfaction of vows are given freely to the gods when all fares well, if only there be escape from death.

125Alas, alas, perplexing troubles! Where will this wave of trouble bear me away?

128CHORUS: I invoke Apia’s hilly land—for

130well, O land, you understand my barbarous speech—, and many times I lay my hands upon my Sidonian veil and tear its linen fabric to shreds.

134CHORUS: Our oars, indeed, and our timbered ship, bound with yellow rope

135to withstand the sea, sped me on by help of favoring winds, unharmed by all tempests; nor have I reason for complaint. But may the all-seeing Father

140establish a kindly issue in due time—

141CHORUS: That the mighty race of our honorable mother escape the embrace of man (ah me), unwedded, unvanquished.

144CHORUS: 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,

150to deliver me—

151CHORUS: That the mighty race of our honorable mother may escape the embrace of man (ah me), unwedded, unvanquished.

154CHORUS: Yet, if she will not, we, a dark,

155sun-burned race, with suppliant boughs will invoke the underworld Zeus, Zeus the great host

160of the dead; for if the gods of Olympus hear us not, we will hang ourselves.

Part 2

162CHORUS: Ah Zeus! On account of the poisonous hate of Io vengeance from the gods pursues us.I know

165your consort’s sky-conquering spite; for a stormy sea follows a harsh wind.

168CHORUS: And Zeus shall then be liable to the charge of injustice

170that 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.

175May he from above hear our call!

162aCHORUS: Ah Zeus! On account of the poisonous hate of Io vengeance from the gods pursues us. I know

165ayour consort’s sky-conquering spite; for a stormy sea follows a harsh wind.

176DANAUS: 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.

180I 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

185come 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.

190Stronger 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.

195Reply 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.

200In 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.

204CHORUS: Father, your words are prudent, and they fall on prudent ears.

205I will take heed of your wise words, and hold them in memory. May Zeus, the author of our race, behold us!

207DANAUS: May he indeed behold you, and with a gracious eye.

208CHORUS: I would like even now to be seated by your side.

209DANAUS: Then do not delay, but put your purpose into action.

210CHORUS: O Zeus, have pity upon our troubles lest we are ruined.

211DANAUS: If he wishes it so, all will end well.

211bCHORUS: [...]

212DANAUS: Invoke now also that bird of Zeus

213CHORUS: We invoke the saving beams of the sun.

214DANAUS: Pure Apollo, too, who, though a god, was exiled once from heaven.

215CHORUS: Knowing our lot, he may well have pity on mortals.

216DANAUS: May he have pity indeed, and stand by ready to defend.

217CHORUS: Whom, further, of these divinities must I invoke?

218DANAUS: I behold a trident here, the token of its god.

219CHORUS: Well did he send us here and well may he receive us in this land.

220DANAUS: Here, too, is Hermes, according to the Hellenic custom.

Part 3

221CHORUS: May he then announce good tidings to the free!

222DANAUS: Honor to the mutual altar of all these protecting powers; and seat yourselves on holy ground like a flock of doves in dread of hawks of the same feathered tribe—

225kindred, yet foes, who would defile their race. If bird prey on bird, how can it be pure? And how can man be pure who would seize from an unwilling father an unwilling bride? For such an act, not even in Hades, after death, shall he escape arraignment for outrage.

230There also among the dead, so men tell, another Zeus holds a last judgment upon misdeeds. Take heed and reply in this manner, that victory may attend your cause.

234KING: From where comes this band we address,

235clothed in foreign attire and luxuriating in closely-woven and barbaric robes? For your apparel is not that of the women of Argos, nor yet of any part of Hellas. How you have gained courage thus fearlessly to come to this land, unheralded and friendless and without guides,

240this makes me wonder. And yet, truly, I see that branches usually carried by suppliants are laid by your side before the gods assembled here—as to this alone can Hellas guess with confidence.As for the rest, there is still much I should with reason leave to conjecture,

245if your voice were not here to inform me.

246CHORUS: You have not spoken falsely about our clothing. But, for my part, how am I to address you? As commoner, as spokesman, bearer of the sacred wand,or as ruler of the realm?

249KING: As for that, answer and speak to me with confidence.

250For I am Pelasgus, offspring of Palaechthon, whom the earth brought forth, and lord of this land; and after me, their king, is rightly named the race of the Pelasgi, who harvest the land. Of all the region through which the pure

255Strymon flows, on the side toward the setting sun, I am the lord. There lies within the limits of my rule the land of the Perrhaebi, the parts beyond Pindus close to the Paeonians, and the mountain ridge of Dodona; the edge of the watery sea borders my kingdom. I rule up to these boundaries.

260The ground where we stand is Apian land itself, and has borne that name since antiquity in honor of a healer. For Apis, seer and healer, the son of Apollo, came from Naupactus on the farther shore and purified this land of monsters deadly to man, which Earth,

265defiled by the pollution of bloody deeds of old, caused to spring up—plagues charged with wrath, an ominous colony of swarming serpents. Of these plagues Apis worked the cure by sorcery and spells to the content of the Argive land,

270and for reward thereafter earned for himself remembrance in prayers. Now that you have my testimony, declare your lineage and speak further—yet our people do not take pleasure in long discourse.

274CHORUS: Our tale is brief and clear. Argives

275we claim to be by birth, offspring of a cow blest in its children. And the truth of this I shall confirm in full.

277KING: Foreign maidens, your tale is beyond my belief—how your race can be from Argos. For you are more similar to the

280women of Libya and in no way similar to those native to our land. The Nile, too, might foster such a stock, and like yours is the Cyprian impress stamped upon female images by male craftsmen. And of such aspect, I have heard, are nomad women, who

285ride on camels for steeds, having padded saddles, and dwell in a land neighboring the Aethiopians. And had you been armed with the bow, certainly I would have guessed you to be the unwed, flesh-devouring Amazons. But inform me, and I will better comprehend

290how it is that you trace your race and lineage from Argos.

291CHORUS: Is there a report that once in this land of Argos Io was ward of Hera’s house?

293KING: Certainly she was; the tradition prevails far and wide.

295CHORUS: And is there some story, too, that Zeus was joined in love with a mortal?

296KING: This entanglement was not secret from Hera.

297CHORUS: What then was the result of this royal strife?

298KING: The goddess of Argos transformed the woman into a cow.

300CHORUS: And while she was a horned cow, did not Zeus approach her?

301KING: So they say, making his form that of a bull lusting for a mate.

302CHORUS: What answer then did Zeus’ stubborn consort give?

303KING: She placed the all-seeing one to stand watch over the cow.

304CHORUS: What manner of all-seeing herdsman with a single duty do you mean?

305KING: Argus, a son of Earth, whom Hermes slew.

306CHORUS: What else did she contrive against the unfortunate cow?

Part 4

307KING: A sting, torment of cattle, constantly driving her on.

308CHORUS: They call it a gadfly, those who dwell by the Nile.

309KING: Well then, it drove her by a long course out of the land.

310CHORUS: Your account agrees with mine in all respects.

311KING: So she came to Canobus and to Memphis.

312CHORUS: And Zeus begot a son by the touching of his hand.

313KING: Who is it then that claims to be the cow’s Zeus-begotten calf?

315CHORUS: Epaphus, and truly named from laying on of hands.

315bKING: And who was begotten of Epaphus?

317CHORUS: Libya, who reaps the fruit of the largest portion of the earth.

317bKING: What offspring, then, did Libya have?

317cCHORUS: Agenor was her first child born.

318KING: And who was his offspring?

319CHORUS: Belus, who had two sons and was father of my father here.

320KING: Now tell me his wisely-given name.

321CHORUS: Danaus: and he has a brother with fifty sons.

322KING: Reveal his name ungrudgingly.

323CHORUS: Aegyptus; and now that you know my ancient lineage, I pray you to helpa band that is Argive by descent.

325KING: 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?

328CHORUS: Lord of the Pelasgians, of varying color are the ills of mankind, and nowhere can you find trouble of the same plume.

330For 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?

Part 5

333KING: Why have you come as suppliants of these gods congregated here, holding in your hands those white-wreathed, fresh-plucked boughs?

335CHORUS: So as not to be made slave to Aegyptus’ race.

336KING: By reason of hatred? Or do you speak of unlawfulness ?

337CHORUS: Who would purchase their lords from among their kin?

338KING: In this way families have enhanced their power.

339CHORUS: And it is easy then, if things go ill, to separate from a wife.

340KING: How then am I to deal with you in accordance with my sacred duty?

341CHORUS: By not surrendering us at the demand of Aegyptus’ sons.

342KING: A serious request—to take upon myself a dangerous war.

343CHORUS: But Justice protects her champions.

344KING: True, if she had a share in the matter from the beginning.

345CHORUS: Show reverence for the ship of state thus crowned.

346KING: I shrink as I gaze upon these shaded shrines.

347CHORUS: Yet heavy is the wrath of Zeus, god of the suppliant.

348Son of Palaechthon, lord of the Pelasgians, hear me with a benign heart.

350Behold me, your suppliant, a fugitive, running around like a heifer chased by wolves upon precipitous crags, where, confident in his help, she lows to tell the herdsman of her distress.

354KING: I see

355a company of assembled gods assenting beneath the shade of fresh-plucked boughs. Nevertheless may this affair of claimants to the friendship of our city bring no mischief in its wake! And let no feud come upon the state from causes unforeseen and unforestalled; for the state has no need of such trouble.

359CHORUS: Indeed,

360may Justice, daughter of Zeus the Apportioner, Justice who protects the suppliant, look upon our flight that it bring no mischief in its wake. But you, aged in experience, learn from one of younger birth. If you show mercy to a suppliant ... from a man of holiness.

365KING: It is not my own house at whose hearth you sit. If the state is stained by pollution in its commonalty, in common let the people strive to work out the cure. For myself, I will pledge no promise before I have communicated these events to all the citizens.

370CHORUS: You are the state, you are the people. Being subject to no judge, you rule the altar, your country’s hearth by your will’s sole ordinance; and, enthroned in sole sovereignty,

375you determine every issue. Beware pollution!

376KING: Pollution on my enemies! But without harm I do not know how to help you. And yet again, it is not well advised to slight these supplications. I am perplexed, and fear possesses my soul

380whether to act, or not to act and take what fortune sends.

Part 6

381CHORUS: Look to him who looks down from above, to him, the guardian of mortals sore-distressed, who appeal to their neighbors, yet do not obtain the justice that is their right.

385The wrath of Zeus, the suppliant’s god, remains, and will not be softened by a sufferer’s complaints.

387KING: If the sons of Aegyptus have authority over you by the law of your country claiming that they are nearest of kin, who would wish to contest it?

390You must plead in accordance with the laws of the land you have fled, that they have no authority over you.

392CHORUS: Never, oh never, may I fall subject to the power and authority of these men. I am determined to flee to escape this marriage that offends my soul, piloting my course by the stars.

395Take Justice as your ally, and render judgment for the cause deemed righteous by the gods.

397KING: The judgment is not easy—do not make me the judge. I have declared already that, though I am ruler, I will not do this thing without the consent of my people, lest hereafter,

400if any evil befall, the people should say, You honored aliens and brought ruin upon your own land.

402CHORUS: Kindred to both in blood, Zeus surveys both sides alike in this dispute with an impartial scale, apportioning, as is due, to the wicked their wrongdoing and to the godly their works of righteousness.

405When these things are thus equally balanced, why do you fear to act justly?

4097KING: Surely there is need of deep and salutary counsel; need for a keen-sighted eye, not confused, to descend, like some diver, into the depths;

410that to the state above all things this matter may not work mischief, but may end well for us; that strife may not seize you for its prize, nor yet that we surrender you from these seats of sanctuary,

415and bring upon ourselves the dire, abiding vengeance of the all-destroying god, who, even in the realm of Death, does not set his victim free. Surely you cannot think there is no need of salutary counsel?

418CHORUS: Take counsel, and, as is your sacred duty, prove yourself our sacred

420champion. Do not betray the fugitive who has been impiously cast out and driven from afar.

423And see me not ravished from this sanctuary of many gods,

425oh you who hold sovereign power over the land. Recognize men’s wantonness, and guard against wrath.

428Do not see your suppliant dragged, in spite of justice, from the images of the gods,

430like a horse by the bridle, and see rude hands laid upon my fine-woven robes.

433For be assured of this—whichever end you bring to pass, to your children and house

435does it remain to make full payment.Consider these just ordinances of God.

438KING: I have considered them; and I am driven to this cruel predicament. I must take upon myself a mighty war against one side or the other.

440There is no escape, it is as firmly fixed as a ship’s hull drawn tight by windlasses. There is no result without grievous hurt. Now when goods are plundered from a homestead,

445other goods may come by grace of Zeus, guardian of household wealth; as a tongue that has shot arrows beside the mark, one speech may be the healer of another. But to avoid the shedding of kindred blood,

450surely there is need of sacrifice and that many a victim fall to many a god as a deliverance from impending harm. For truly, it is to my undoing that I have come into this quarrel; and yet I prefer to be unskilled rather than practised in the lore of foretelling ill. But may my judgment belie itself and all go well!

455CHORUS: Hear now the end of my appeals for compassion.

456KING: I hear; say on. It shall not escape me.

457CHORUS: I have breast-bands and girdles to gather up my robes.

458KING: Such things are proper, no doubt, for women.

459CHORUS: In these then, be sure, I have a beautiful instrument—

460KING: Tell me what speech you plan to utter.

461CHORUS: If you will not give some pledge to this group—

462KING: What will the contrivance of the sashes do for you?

463CHORUS: To adorn these images with tablets of strange sort.

Part 7

464KING: Your words are riddling; come, explain in simple speech.

465CHORUS: To hang ourselves from the statues of these gods.

466KING: I detect a threat that is a lash upon my heart.

467CHORUS: You have grasped my intention, for I have cleared your vision.

468KING: And on many sides there are difficulties hard to wrestle with; for, like a flood, a multitude of ills bursts on me.

470It is a sea of ruin, fathomless and impassable, which I am launched upon, and nowhere is there a haven from distress. For should I not pay the debt due to you, the pollution you name is beyond all range of speech; yet if

475I take my stand before the walls and try the issue of battle with the sons of Aegyptus, your kinsmen, how will the cost not mount to a cruel price—men’s blood to stain the ground for women’s sake? And yet the wrath of Zeus who guards the suppliant compels my reverence; for supreme among mortals is the fear of him.

480Aged father of these maidens, take these boughs straightway in your arms and place them upon other altars of the country’s gods, that all the natives may see the sign that you have come in suppliance. And let no random word fall against

485me; for the people could complain against authority. It may well be that some, stirred to compassion at the sight, will hate the wantonness of the troop of males, and that the people will be more friendly towards you; for all men are well disposed to the weaker cause.

490DANAUS: We consider it worth much to have gained a champion who is compassionate. Yet send escorts and guides of the country’s people with me so we may find where the gods who protect your city have their altars at the temple porches and their . . . seats,

495and that we may go safely through the town. My shape is unlike yours, for Nile and Inachus rear a different race. Beware lest boldness give birth to fear; for through ignorance men have slain those they love.

500KING: Come, men, the stranger speaks well. Be his guides to the altars of the city and to the sanctuaries of the gods. Do not speak at length with whomever you meet on the way while you are bringing this seafarer to be a suppliant at the hearths of the gods. Exit Danaus with attendants

504CHORUS: You told him, and let him go as directed.

505But what of me? What am I to do? Where do you assign security to me?

506KING: Leave your boughs here, tokens of your distress.

507CHORUS: Behold, I leave them at your signal and command.

508KING: Go now along this level space about the sanctuary.

509CHORUS: But it is not holy ground. How can it keep me safe?

510KING: Be assured, we will not surrender you to winged creatures’ ravishment.

511CHORUS: But what about those whom we dread worse than evil serpents?

512KING: Speak with good omen, as I have spoken auspiciously to you.

513CHORUS: No wonder I am fretful through alarm of mind.

514KING: Excessive fear is always uncontrolled.

515CHORUS: Cheer my heart by deeds as well as words.

516KING: Your father will not leave you here alone for long. I am going now to call together the people of the land, that I may make the masses friendly; and I will instruct your father in what things he should say.

520Now stay here and beseech the gods of the land with prayers to grant what you desire, while I go to advance your cause. May persuasion and efficacious fortune attend me! Exit with attendants

524CHORUS: Lord of lords,

525most blessed among the blessed, power most perfect among the perfect, O blessed Zeus, hear! And from your offspring ward off in utter abhorrence the lust of men, and into the purple sea cast

530their black-benched madness!

Part 8

531CHORUS: Look benignly upon the women’s cause, look upon our race ancient in story, and recall the happy tale of our ancestress, the woman of your love.

535Show that you remember all, you who laid your hand upon Io. It is from Zeus that we claim descent, and it is from this, our homeland, that we went forth.

538CHORUS: I have come here to the prints of ancient feet, my mother’s, even to the region where she was watched while she browsed among the flowers—

540into that pasture, from which Io, tormented by the gad-fly’s sting, fled in frenzy, traversing many tribes of men, and

545according to fate, cut in two the surging strait, marking off the land upon the farther shore.

547CHORUS: And through the land of Asia she gallops, straight through sheep-pasturing Phrygia, and she passes the city of Teuthras among the Mysians,

550and the hollow vales of Lydia, across the mountains of the Cilicians and the Pamphylians, speeding over ever-flowing rivers and earth deep and rich, and

555the land of Aphrodite that teems with wheat.

556CHORUS: Harassed by the sting of the winged herdsman she gains at last the fertile groves sacred to Zeus, that snow-fed pasture assailed

560by Typho’s fury, and the water of the Nile that no disease may touch—maddened by her ignominious toils and frenzied with the pain of Hera’s torturing goad.

565CHORUS: And mortals, who in those days dwelled in the land, shook with pallid terror at the terrible sight as they beheld a being fearsome, half-human, part cow

570and part of woman; and they were astonished at the monstrous thing. And then, at last, who was it who calmed the far-wandering, the wretched, the sting-tormented Io?

574CHORUS: Zeus, it was, through endless time, the lord,

575. . . and by the unharming might of his hand, and by his divine breath, she gained rest, and let fall the sorrowing shame of tears.

580And, taking Zeus as her support, according to a true story, she bore a blameless son—

582CHORUS: Throughout long ages blessed. All the earth cries aloud, This is in very truth the offspring of life-giving Zeus; for who else could have endured the suffering plotted by Hera? Call this the work of Zeus and this his race sprung from Epaphus and you will hit the truth.

590CHORUS: Which of the gods has accomplished deeds which, with good reason, warrant more justly my appeal to him? Father himself and lord, he planted us with his own hand; he is the mighty fashioner of our race, ancient in wisdom, who devises everything, whose breath makes all things prosper, Zeus himself.

595CHORUS: He does not sit upon his throne by mandate of another and hold his dominion beneath a mightier. No one sits above him whose power he holds in awe. He speaks, and it is done—he hastens to execute whatever his counselling mind conceives.

600DANAUS: Be of good cheer, my children, all goes well on the part of the citizens. Decrees, carrying full authority, have been passed.

602CHORUS: Hail, our envoy, harbinger of tidings most welcome, But tell us—to what end has the decision been carried, and to what course does the majority of the people’s votes incline?

605DANAUS: Action was taken by the Argives, not by any doubtful vote but in such a way as to make my aged heart renew its youth. For the air bristled with right hands held aloft as, in full vote, they ratified this resolution into law: That we are settlers in this land, and are free, subject to no seizure, and secure from robbery of man; that no one, native or alien, lead us captive; but, if they turn to violence, any landholder who refuses to rescue us, should both forfeit his rights and suffer public banishment.

615Such was the persuasive speech that the king of the Pelasgians delivered on our behalf, uttering the solemn warning that never in the future should the city feed the great wrath of Zeus, protector of the suppliant; and declaring that, should a twofold defilement—from strangers and from natives at once—arise before the city,

620it would become fodder for distress past all relief. Hearing these words, the Argive people, waiting for no proclamation of crier, voted by uplifted hand that this should be so. It was the Pelasgian people, won readily to assent, who heard the subtle windings of his speech; but it was Zeus who brought the end to pass.

625CHORUS: Come, let us invoke blessings upon the Argives in return for blessings. And may Zeus, god of strangers, behold the offerings of gratitude voiced by a stranger’s lips, that they may in true fulfilment reach their perfect goal.

630CHORUS: Divinely-born gods! Hear now as I pour forth libations for blessings upon our kindred. Never may the wanton lord of war,

635insatiate of battle-cry, Ares, who reaps a human harvest in alien fields, destroy this Pelasgian land by fire; for they had compassion for us,

640and cast a vote in our favor, respecting our pitiable flock, suppliants in the name of Zeus.

643CHORUS: Nor did they cast their votes for the side of the males,

645disregarding the women’s cause, since they honored the avenging eye of Zeus, against which there is no battling, and what house would have it

650defiling its roof?For he sits heavily upon it. They take reverent heed of their kin, petitioners of holy Zeus; therefore with pure

655altars shall they please the gods.

656CHORUS: Therefore let there fly forth from our overshadowedlips a prayer of gratitude. Never may pestilence

660empty this city of its men nor strife stain the soil of the land with the blood of slain inhabitants. But may the flower of its youth be unplucked, and may Ares,

665the partner of Aphrodite’s bed, he who makes havoc of men, not shear off their bloom.

667CHORUS: And may the altars, where the elders gather, blaze in honor of venerable men.

670Thus may their state be regulated well, if they hold in awe mighty Zeus, and, most of all, Zeus the warden of the guest, who by venerable enactment guides destiny straight.

675We pray that other guardians be always renewed, and that Artemis-Hecatewatch over the childbirth of their women.

678CHORUS: And let no murderous havoc come upon

680the realm to ravage it, by arming Ares—foe to the dance and lute, parent of tears—and the shout of civil strife.

685And may the joyless swarm of diseases settle far from the heads of the inhabitants, and to all the young people may Lyceusbe graciously disposed.

688CHORUS: May Zeus cause the earth to bring forth its tribute of fruit

690by the produce of every season; may their grazing cattle in the fields have abundant increase, and may they obtain all things from the heavenly powers.

695May minstrels sing hymns of praise at the altars; and from pure lips let there proceed the phorminx-loving chant.

698CHORUS: May the people who control the state guard its privileges free from fear—

700a prudent government counselling wisely for the public prosperity. And should they have recourse to arms may they inflict no loss, but grant just rights of covenant to the stranger within their gates.

Part 9

704CHORUS: And may they worship forever the gods who possess the land

705with native honors of laurel bough held aloft, and oxen slain, even as their fathers did before their time. Since reverence for parents stands written third among the statutes of Justice, to whom honor supreme is due.

710DANAUS: I commend these sensible prayers, dear children; but do not be troubled yourselves when you hear the unexpected and startling tidings your father has to tell. From my post of look-out here on the sanctuary of suppliants I see that ship; for it is well-marked and does not escape me:

715the trimming of its sail, its side-guards, and the prow that with its eyes scans its onward course, obeying—all too well for those to whom it is unfriendly—the guiding rudder at the stern. The men on board are plainly seen, their black

720limbs showing from their white attire. The rest of the ships and all the assisting fleet stand clear in view: but the leading ship herself has furled her sail and draws near the shore with full sweep of sounding oars. Yet

725you must face the matter calmly and with self-control, and not be unmindful of these gods. For my part, I will secure allies and advocates to urge our cause, and return. Perhaps some herald or envoys may come, eager to seize you as a prize and drag you away, but nothing will happen: do not fear them.

730Yet in the event that we should be slow in bringing aid, it would be better not to forget for a moment the means of help you have here at hand. Courage! In good time, assuredly, and on the day ordained, he who dishonors the gods will suffer punishment.

734CHORUS: Father, I am afraid. With what swift wings the ships

735approach! There is not much time left.

736CHORUS: I am possessed by dreadful fear if truly my long flight has been of no profit. Father, I am consumed with fright.

739DANAUS: Since the vote of the Argives was final,

740be of good cheer, my children; they will fight in your defence, I know this well.

741CHORUS: Abominable is the lustful race of Aegyptus and insatiate of battle; and you know that all too well.

743In ships, stout-timbered and dark-prowed, they have sailed here,

745attended by a mighty black host, and in their wrath overtaken us.

746DANAUS: But they will find here a force with arms well-seasoned by the noonday heat.

748CHORUS: Do not leave me forlorn, I implore you, father. A woman abandoned to herself is nothing. There is no Ares in her.

750They are of evil mind, and guileful of purpose, with impure hearts, thinking no more of altars than carrion birds.

753DANAUS: This would profit us well, my children, should they incur both Heaven’s hate and yours.

755CHORUS: Father, no fear of tridents or of things held sacred in the sight of Heaven will ever keep their hands from us.

757They are overweening, maddened, with unholy rage, shameless dogs that do not respect the gods.

760DANAUS: Yet there is a saying that wolves are stronger than dogs; the papyrus-fruit does not conquer the wheat-ear.

762CHORUS: Since they have the tempers of lewd and impious beasts, we must guard against them quickly.

764DANAUS: A fleet in getting under way is not so speedy,

765nor yet in anchoring, when the securing cables must be brought ashore; and even at anchorage shepherds of ships do not feel immediately secure, above all if they have arrived on a harborless coast when the sun is sinking into night.

770In a cautious pilot night is likely to beget anxiety. Then, too, the disembarking of an army cannot be effected with success before a ship has gained confidence in her moorings. But, for all your terror, remember not to neglect the gods. I will return when I have secured aid. The city will find no fault with a messenger,

775old in years, but with youth in his heart and on his tongue. Exit

776CHORUS: O land of hills, land of our righteous veneration, what is to be our lot? To what region in the Apian land are we to flee, if anywhere there be some dark hiding-place? Ah that I might become black smoke

780that draws near to the clouds of Zeus; or, soaring aloft without wings, vanish out of sight like viewless dust and dissolve into nothingness!

784CHORUS: The evil is no longer escapable;

785my heart is darkened and trembling; the look-out my father held has brought me ruin. I am undone with terror. Rather would I meet my doom in a noose

790than suffer the embraces of a man I loathe. Death before that, with Hades for my lord and master!

792CHORUS: Ah that somewhere in the upper air I might find a seat against which the dank clouds turn into snow, or some bare, inaccessible crag,

795beyond sight, brooding in solitude, beetling, vulture-haunted, to bear witness to my plunge into the depths before I am ever forced into a marriage that would pierce my heart!

800CHORUS: Thereafter I refuse not to become a booty for dogs and a banquet for the local birds; for death is freedom from misery-loving evils. Come death, death be my doom,

805before the marriage-bed! How can I yet find some means of escape to deliver me from marriage?

Part 10

808CHORUS: Shriek aloud, with a cry that reaches heaven, strains of supplication to the gods;

810O father, give heed that they are somehow accomplished to my safety and tranquility. Behold deeds of violence with no kind glance in your just eyes!

815Have respect for your suppliants, O Zeus, omnipotent upholder of the land!

817CHORUS: For the males of the race of Aegyptus, intolerable in their wantonness, chase after me,

820a fugitive, with clamorous lewdness and seek to lay hold of me with violence. But yours alone is the beam of the balance, and without you what is accomplished for mortals?

825Ho! Ha! Here on the land is the pirate from the ship! Before that, pirate, may you perish . . .

830I see in this the prelude of suffering wrought by violence. Oh! Oh! Fly for protection! Savagery beyond bearing by its insolence on sea and land alike.

835Lord of the land, protect us!

836HERALD: Away with you, away to the ship, as fast as your feet can carry you! If you won’t, your hair shall be torn out; you’ll be pricked with goads, and off will come your heads

840with abundant letting of gory blood. Away with you, away—and curses on you!—to the ships.

843CHORUS: Would that you had perished on your course over the great briny flood

845along with your lordly arrogance and your riveted ship! ...

849HERALD: I order you to stop your shrieking.

850... Ho there! leave the sanctuary: be off to the ship! I do not respect one without honor and city.

854CHORUS: Never again may my eyes behold

855the cattle-nurturing stream from which increase comes to men and vigor of the blood of life. I am a native here, of ancient nobility

860. . . old man.

861HERALD: You will get yourself speedily on board, on board, I say, whether you will or not, by force, by force. . . .

866CHORUS: Alas, alas! So may you perish past all help, driven from your course over the surging waves by eastern breezes off

870the sandy tomb of Sarpedon!

872HERALD: Wail and shout and call upon the gods—you will not escape the Egyptian ship.

875Cry out, utter a strain of woe more bitter still.

876CHORUS: Alas, alas the brutal outrage with which, you crocodile, you boast arrogantly, bellowing on the sea. May the mighty

880Nile, who watches you, overwhelm your arrogance and destroy you.

882HERALD: Go to the double-prowed ship as quickly as possible. Let no one delay, for dragging by force has no mercy on locks of hair.

885CHORUS: Alas, father; the help of the sacred images deludes me. Like a spider, he is carrying me seaward step by step—a nightmare, a black nightmare! Oh! Oh!

890Mother Earth, mother Earth, avert his fearful cries! O father Zeus, son of Earth!

893HERALD: I do not fear the native gods, be assured. They did not rear me, nor by their nurture did they bring me to old age.

895CHORUS: He rages close to me, the two-footed serpent. Like some viper he lays hold of me and bites my foot. Alas, alas! Mother Earth, mother Earth,

900avert his fearful cries! O father Zeus, son of Earth!

902HERALD: If you will not resign yourself and get to the ship, rending will have no pity on the fabric of your garments.

904CHORUS: We are lost! O King, we are suffering impious violence!

905HERALD: Oh, you will soon see many kings in Aegyptus’ sons. Be of good cheer: you will not have to blame lack of government.

907CHORUS: Listen! Chiefs and rulers of the city, I am threatened with violence!

908HERALD: I think I will have to seize you by the hair and drag you off

910since you are slow to heed my orders.

Part 11

911KING: You there! What are you doing? What kind of arrogance has incited you to do such dishonor to this realm of Pelasgian men? Indeed, do you think you have come to a land of women? For a barbarian dealing with Hellenes, you act insolently.

915Many are the misses of your wits, and your hits are none.

916HERALD: And in this case where have I gone wrong and transgressed my right?

917KING: First of all, you do not know how to act as a stranger.

918HERALD: I not know? How so, when I simply find and take my own that I had lost?

919KING: To what patrons of your land was your notice given?

920HERALD: To Hermes, the Searcher, greatest of patrons.

921KING: For all your notice to the gods, you do them no reverence.

922HERALD: I revere the deities by the Nile.

923KING: While ours are nothing, as I understand you?

924HERALD: I shall carry off these maids unless someone tears them away.

925KING: If you so much as touch them, you will regret it, and right soon.

926HERALD: I hear you; and your speech is far from hospitable.

927KING: No, since I have no hospitality for despoilers of the gods.

928HERALD: I will go and tell Aegyptus’ sons about this.

929KING: My proud spirit will not ponder on this threat.

930HERALD: But that I may know and tell a plainer tale —for it is fitting that a herald make exact report on each detail—what message am I to deliver? Who is it, am I to tell on my return, that has despoiled me of this band of women, their own cousins? It is not, I suppose, by voice of witnesses that the god of battle judges cases like this;

935nor is it by the gift of silver that he settles dispute; no! If that be the case, many a one shall fall and shuffle off his life.

938KING: My name? Why should I tell you? In due course of time you will learn it, you and your companions.

940As for these maids, if, convinced by god-fearing argument, they consent of their own free will and heartily, you may take them. But to this purpose a decree has been passed by the unanimous resolve of the people of the State, never, under compulsion, to surrender this association of women. Through their resolve

945the rivet has been driven home, to remain fixed and fast. Not on tablets is this inscribed, nor has it been sealed in folds of books: you hear the truth from free-spoken lips. Now get out of my sight immediately!

950HERALD: I think we are about to involve ourselves in a new war. But may victory and authority rest with the men!

952KING: It is men, I believe, you will find in the dwellers of this land; and they are no drinkers of diluted wine. Exit Herald. But

955take courage, all of you, and together with your handmaidens, proceed to our well-fenced town, encircled by sturdy devices of towers. As for places inside to lodge, there are plenty of the public sort. For on no modest scale do I myself live, where,

960in company with many others, you may occupy abodes suitably prepared; or, if it is more pleasing to you, it is free for you also to make your home in dwellings of separate sort. Of these select what is best and most to your desires. A protector you have in me and in all the inhabitants, whose resolve this is that now takes effect.

965Why wait for others of higher authority?

966CHORUS: In blessings may you abound, noble Pelasgian, in requital for your blessings! But, if it pleases you, send our brave father Danaus here to be our adviser

970and leader of our counsels. For it befits him, rather than ourselves, to advise us where we should establish our home and what neighborhood is friendly. All the world is ready to cast reproach on those who speak a foreign tongue. But may all be for the best! Exit the King.

975And you, dear handmaidens, preserving your fair fame and provoking no angry utterances on the part of the native folk, take up your stations even as Danaus has allotted her duty of attendance unto each.

Part 12

980DANAUS: My children, it is right to offer prayers to the Argives and to sacrifice and pour libations to them as to Olympian gods; for they are our saviors in no doubtful manner. They heard from my lips the conduct of your cousins toward their own kinfolk, and were moved to bitterness against them;

985but to me they assigned this escort of spearmen, that I might have rank and honor, and might not be ambushed and perish by the death of the spear, and so an ever-living burden come upon the land. Recipients of such favors as these,

990it becomes us to hold gratitude in yet higher honor from the bottom of our hearts. And in addition to the many other wise injunctions of your father recorded in your memory, inscribe this too—that an unknown company is proved by time. For in an alien’s case, all the world bears an evil tongue in readiness,

995and it is easy lightly to utter defiling slander. Therefore I would have you bring no shame upon me, now when your youthful loveliness attracts men’s gaze. The tender ripeness of summer fruit is in no way easy to protect; beasts despoil it—and men, why not?—

1000and brutes that fly and those that walk the earth. Love’s goddess spreads news abroad of fruit bursting ripe. . . . So all men, as they pass,

1005mastered by desire, shoot an alluring arrow of the eye at the delicate beauty of virgins. See to it, therefore, that we do not suffer that in fear for which we have endured great toil and ploughed the great waters with our ship; and that we bring no shame to ourselves and exultation to our enemies. Housing of two kinds is at our disposition,

1010the one Pelasgus offers, the other, the city, and to occupy free of cost. These terms are easy. Only pay heed to these behests of your father, and count your chastity more precious than your life.

1014CHORUS: May the Olympian gods grant us good fortune in all the rest!

1015But, concerning the bloom of my virginity, father, be of good cheer, for, unless some evil has been devised of Heaven, I will not swerve from the former pathway of my thoughts.

1018CHORUS OF THE DANAIDS: Come now away, glorifying the blessed gods, lords of the city both those who guard the town

1020and those who dwell about Erasinus’ ancient stream. And you handmaidens take up the song. Let the theme of our praise be this city of the Pelasgians, and no longer

1025let the homage of our hymns be paid to Nile’s floods where they seek the sea,

1026CHORUS OF THE DANAIDS: But to the rivers that pour their gentle draught through the land and increase the birth of children, soothing its soil with their fertilizing streams.

1030May pure Artemis look upon this band in compassion, and may marriage never come through Cytherea’s compulsion. May that prize belong to my enemies!

1034CHORUS OF HANDMAIDENS: Yet there is no disdain of Cypris in this our friendly hymn;

1035for she, together with Hera, holds power nearest to Zeus, and for her solemn rites the goddess of varied wiles is held in honor. And in the train of their mother are Desire and she to whom nothing is denied,

1040winning Persuasion; and to Harmonia has been given a share of Aphrodite, and to the whispering touches of the Loves.

1043CHORUS OF HANDMAIDENS: But for the fugitives I have boding fears of blasts of harm and cruel distress and bloody wars.

1045How did they make such a smooth voyage when pursuit followed fast upon their track? Whatever is fated, that will come to pass. The mighty, untrammelled will of Zeus cannot be transgressed.

1050Marriage has been the destiny of many women before our time.

1052A DANAID: May mighty Zeus defend me from marriage with Aegyptus’ race!

1054A HANDMAIDEN: That would indeed be best.

1055A DANAID: But you would move the immovable.

1056A HANDMAIDEN: And you do not know what the future has in store.

1057A DANAID: How should I scan the mind of Zeus, a sight unfathomable?

1059A HANDMAIDEN: Let the words of your prayer be moderate.

1060A DANAID: What sense of proportion would you now teach me?

1061A HANDMAIDEN: Do not ask too much of the gods.

1062CHORUS OF DANAIDS AND HANDMAIDENS: May sovereign Zeus spare me cruel marriage with a man I hate, that very Zeus who

1065mercifully freed Io from pain, restoring her with healing hand by kindly force.

1068CHORUS OF DANAIDS AND HANDMAIDENS: And may he award victory to the women!

1070I praise that which is better than evil, two parts of good mixed with one of bad; and I praise that, through god-given means of deliverance, conflicting rights, in accordance with my prayers, should follow the course of justice. Exeunt omnes