Stasimon 3
[Choral 1]
For my fatherland and home will I soon decide the issue of the strife with the gleaming sword, because I have taken suppliants under my protection.
755
Chorus
’Tis a fearful thing, that a city
prosperous as Mycenae is, one famed for martial prowess, should harbour wrath against my land; still, my countrymen, it were a shameful thing in us to yield up suppliant strangers
760
at the bidding of Argos. Zeus is on my side, I am not afraid; Zeus hath a favour unto me, as is my due; never by meDindorf’s emendation is followed in this corrupt passage; ἥσσονες παρ’ ἐμοὶ θεοὶ φανοῦνται. shall gods be thought weaker than mortal men.
765
[Choral 2]
O dread goddess,Pallas. thine the soil whereon we stand, thine this city, for thou art its mother, queen, and saviour; wherefore turn some other way the impious king, who leadeth a host
770
Chorus
from Argos with brandished lance against this land; for, such my worth, I little merit exile from my home.
775
For thy worshipThe festival of the Panathenaea is alluded to. is aye performed with many a sacrifice, and never art thou forgotten as each month draweth to its close,
when young voices sing and dancers’ music is heard abroad, while on our wind-swept hill goes up the cry of joy to the beat of maidens’ feet by night.
780
