Stasimon 2
Erinus for a bride, — to make brides mourn, her dower.
Still among mortals staying:
Man’s great prosperity at height of rise
Engenders offspring nor unchilded dies;
And, from good fortune, to such families,
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Buds forth insatiate woe.
Whereas, distinct from any,
For ’t is the unholy deed begets the many,
Resembling each its dam.
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Of households that correctly estimate,
Ever a beauteous child is born of Fate.
But ancient Arrogance delights to generate
Arrogance, young and strong mid mortals’ sorrow,
Or now, or then, when comes the appointed morrow.
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And she bears young Satiety;
And, fiend with whom nor fight nor war can be,
Unholy Daring — twin black Curses
Within the household, children like their nurses.
But Justice shines in smoke-grimed habitations,
And honours the well-omened life;
While, — gold-besprinkled stations
Where the hands’ filth is rife,
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With backward-turning eyes
Leaving, — to holy seats she hies,
Not worshipping the power of wealth
Stamped with applause by stealth:
