Epeisodion 1
Danaus
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.
I 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
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come 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.
ἀγών has here the force of ἀγορά, place of assembly. Cp. l. 222.
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Stronger 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.
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Reply 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.
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In 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.
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Chorus
Father, your words are prudent, and they fall on prudent ears.
I will take heed of your wise words, and hold them in memory. May Zeus, the author of our race, behold us!
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Danaus
May he indeed behold you, and with a gracious eye.l. 210
Chorus
I would like even now to be seated by your side.
Danaus
Then do not delay, but put your purpose into action.l. 207
Chorus
O Zeus, have pity upon our troubles lest we are ruined.l. 209
210
Danaus
If he wishes it so, all will end well.
Danaus
Invoke now also that bird of Zeus
Chorus
We invoke the saving beams of the sun.
Danaus
Pure Apollo, too, who, though a god, was exiled once from heaven.
Chorus
Knowing our lot, he may well have pity on mortals.
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Danaus
May he have pity indeed, and stand by ready to defend.
Chorus
Whom, further, of these divinities must I invoke?
Danaus
I behold a trident here, the token of its god.
Chorus
Well did he send us here and well may he receive us in this land.
Danaus
Here, too, is Hermes, according to the Hellenic custom.
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Chorus
May he then announce good tidings to the free!
Danaus
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—
kindred, 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.
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There 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.
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King
From where comes this band we address,
clothed 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,
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this 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.The original means agree in forming a conjecture, i.e. be satisfied with a guess.As for the rest, there is still much I should with reason leave to conjecture,
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