Aeschylus Supplices 739

Chorus

I am possessed by dreadful fear if truly my long flight has been of no profit. Father, I am consumed with fright.

Danaus

Since the vote of the Argives was final,

be of good cheer, my children; they will fight in your defence, I know this well.

740

Chorus

Abominable is the lustful race of Aegyptus and insatiate of battle; and you know that all too well.

In ships, stout-timbered and dark-prowed, they have sailed here,

attended by a mighty black host, and in their wrath overtaken us.

745

Danaus

But they will find here a force with arms well-seasoned by the noonday heat.

Chorus

Do not leave me forlorn, I implore you, father. A woman abandoned to herself is nothing. There is no Ares in her.

They are of evil mind, and guileful of purpose, with impure hearts, thinking no more of altars than carrion birds.

750

Danaus

This would profit us well, my children, should they incur both Heaven’s hate and yours.

Chorus

Father, no fear of tridents or of things held sacred in the sight of Heaven will ever keep their hands from us.

755

They are overweening, maddened, with unholy rage, shameless dogs that do not respect the gods.

Danaus

Yet there is a saying that wolves are stronger than dogs; the papyrus-fruit does not conquer the wheat-ear. ¹

760

Chorus

Since they have the tempers of lewd and impious beasts, we must guard against them quickly.

Danaus

A fleet in getting under way is not so speedy,

nor yet in anchoring, when the securing cables must be brought ashore; and even at anchorage shepherds of ships do not feel immediately secure, above all if they have arrived on a harborless coast when the sun is sinking into night.

765

In a cautious pilot night is likely to beget anxiety. Then, too, the disembarking of an army cannot be effected with success before a ship has gained confidence in her moorings. But, for all your terror, remember not to neglect the gods. I will return when I have secured aid. The city will find no fault with a messenger,

770

old in years, but with youth in his heart and on his tongue. Exit

775