Parodos
[Choral 5]
—in what way it shoots up men in their wooing of us, sprouted from thoughts of evil intent,
105
Chorus
having a frenzied purpose as its irresistible spur, and deluded, turning its thoughts to folly.
110
[Choral 6]
Such piteous strains of woe I utter in my pain, now shrill, now deep, blended with falling tears—Alas, alas!
Chorus
groans appropriate to funeral wails; though I live, I chant my own dirge.
115
[Choral 1]
I invoke Apia’s hilly land—for well, O land, you understand my barbarous speech—,
Chorus
and many times I lay my hands upon my Sidonian veil and tear its linen fabric to shreds.
120
[Choral 6]
Sacrifices in satisfaction of vows are given freely to the gods when all fares well, if only there be escape from death.
Chorus
Alas, alas, perplexing troubles! Where will this wave of trouble bear me away?
125
[Choral 1]
I invoke Apia’s hilly land—for
Chorus
well, 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.
130
[Choral 7]
Our oars, indeed, and our timbered ship, bound with yellow ropeUndergirding ropes (ὑποζώματα) to brace a ship’s sides. Cp. l. 441.
Chorus
to 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
135
establish a kindly issue in due time—
140
[Choral 2]
That the mighty race of our honorable mother escape the embrace of man (ah me), unwedded, unvanquished.
[Choral 7]
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,
Chorus
to deliver me—
150
[Choral 2]
That the mighty race of our honorable mother may escape the embrace of man (ah me), unwedded, unvanquished.
[Choral 8]
Yet, if she will not, we, a dark,
Chorus
sun-burned race, with suppliant boughs will invoke the underworld Zeus, Zeus the great host
155
of the dead; for if the gods of Olympus hear us not, we will hang ourselves.
160
[Choral 3]
Ah Zeus! On account of the poisonous hate of Io vengeance from the gods pursues us.The assets of public debtors and exiles were ascertained and secured at Athens by officers called μαστῆρες.I know
Chorus
your consort’s sky-conquering spite; for a stormy sea follows a harsh wind.
165
[Choral 8]
And Zeus shall then be liable to the charge of injustice
Chorus
that 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.
170
May he from above hear our call!
175
[Choral 3]
Ah Zeus! On account of the poisonous hate of Io vengeance from the gods pursues us. I know
Chorus
your consort’s sky-conquering spite; for a stormy sea follows a harsh wind.
165
