Epeisodion 1
Chorus
Your account agrees with mine in all respects.
310
King
So she came to Canobus and to Memphis.
Chorus
And Zeus begot a son by the touching of his hand.
King
Who is it then that claims to be the cow’s Zeus-begotten calf?
Chorus
Epaphus, and truly named from laying on of hands.
315
King
And who was begotten of Epaphus?
315
Chorus
Libya, who reaps the fruit of the largest portion of the earth.
King
What offspring, then, did Libya have?
Chorus
Agenor was her first child born.
King
And who was his offspring?
Chorus
Belus, who had two sons and was father of my father here.
King
Now tell me his wisely-given name.The epithet, properly applicable to the venerable, Danaus, is transferred to his name, because, to the Greek, name often connoted personality. So the dreaded name of Demogorgon.
320
Chorus
Danaus: and he has a brother with fifty sons.
King
Reveal his name ungrudgingly.
Chorus
Aegyptus; and now that you know my ancient lineage, I pray you to helpLiterally raise from sanctuary.a band that is Argive by descent.
King
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?
325
Chorus
Lord of the Pelasgians, of varying color are the ills of mankind, and nowhere can you find trouble of the same plume.
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?
330
King
Why have you come as suppliants of these gods congregated here, holding in your hands those white-wreathed, fresh-plucked boughs?
Chorus
So as not to be made slave to Aegyptus’ race.
335
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
How then am I to deal with you in accordance with my sacred duty?
340
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
Show reverence for the ship of state thus crowned.The gods, whose statues have been wreathed with the suppliants’ branches, are regarded as the pilots who direct the ship of state. Possibly there is also a reference to the custom of crowning a vessel’s stern with flowers.
345
