Herald

If you will not resign yourself and get to the ship, rending will have no pity on the fabric of your garments.

Chorus

We are lost! O King, we are suffering impious violence! ¹

Herald

² Oh, you will soon see many kings in Aegyptus ’ sons. Be of good cheer: you will not have to blame lack of government.

905

Chorus

Listen! Chiefs and rulers of the city, I am threatened with violence! ³

Herald

I think I will have to seize you by the hair and drag you off ⁴

since you are slow to heed my orders.

910

King

You there! What are you doing? What kind of arrogance has incited you to do such dishonor to this realm of Pelasgian men? Indeed, do you think you have come to a land of women? For a barbarian dealing with Hellenes, you act insolently.

Many are the misses of your wits, and your hits are none.

915

Herald

And in this case where have I gone wrong and transgressed my right?

King

First of all, you do not know how to act as a stranger.

Herald

I not know? How so, when I simply find and take my own that I had lost?

King

To what patrons of your land was your notice given?

Herald

To Hermes, the Searcher, greatest of patrons.

920

King

For all your notice to the gods, you do them no reverence.

Herald

I revere the deities by the Nile .

King

While ours are nothing, as I understand you?

Herald

I shall carry off these maids unless someone tears them away.

King

If you so much as touch them, you will regret it, and right soon.

925

Herald

I hear you; and your speech is far from hospitable.

King

No, since I have no hospitality for despoilers of the gods.

Herald

I will go and tell Aegyptus ’ sons about this.

King

My proud spirit will not ponder on this threat.

Herald

But that I may know and tell a plainer tale —for it is fitting that a herald make exact report on each detail—what message am I to deliver? Who is it, am I to tell on my return, that has despoiled me of this band of women, their own cousins? It is not, I suppose, by voice of witnesses that the god of battle judges cases like this;

930

nor is it by the gift of silver that he settles dispute; no! If that be the case, many a one shall fall and shuffle off his life.

935

King

My name? Why should I tell you? In due course of time you will learn it, you and your companions.

As for these maids, if, convinced by god-fearing argument, they consent of their own free will and heartily, you may take them. But to this purpose a decree has been passed by the unanimous resolve of the people of the State, never, under compulsion, to surrender this association of women. Through their resolve

940

the rivet has been driven home, to remain fixed and fast. Not on tablets is this inscribed, nor has it been sealed in folds of books: you hear the truth from free-spoken lips. Now get out of my sight immediately!

945

Herald

I think we are about to involve ourselves in a new war. But may victory and authority rest with the men!

950

King

It is men, I believe, you will find in the dwellers of this land; and they are no drinkers of diluted wine. Exit Herald. But

take courage, all of you, and together with your handmaidens, proceed to our well-fenced town, encircled by sturdy devices of towers. As for places inside to lodge, there are plenty of the public sort. For on no modest scale do I myself live, where,

955

in company with many others, you may occupy abodes suitably prepared; or, if it is more pleasing to you, it is free for you also to make your home in dwellings of separate sort. Of these select what is best and most to your desires. A protector you have in me and in all the inhabitants, whose resolve this is that now takes effect.

960

Why wait for others of higher authority?

965

Chorus

In blessings may you abound, noble Pelasgian, in requital for your blessings! But, if it pleases you, send our brave father Danaus here to be our adviser

and leader of our counsels. For it befits him, rather than ourselves, to advise us where we should establish our home and what neighborhood is friendly. All the world is ready to cast reproach on those who speak a foreign tongue. But may all be for the best! Exit the King.

970

And you, dear handmaidens, preserving your fair fame and provoking no angry utterances on the part of the native folk, take up your stations even as Danaus has allotted her duty of attendance unto each.

975

Danaus

My children, it is right to offer prayers to the Argives and to sacrifice and pour libations to them as to Olympian gods; for they are our saviors in no doubtful manner. They heard from my lips the conduct of your cousins toward their own kinfolk, and were moved to bitterness against them;

980

but to me they assigned this escort of spearmen, that I might have rank and honor, and might not be ambushed and perish by the death of the spear, and so an ever-living burden come upon the land. Recipients of such favors as these,

985

it becomes us to hold gratitude in yet higher honor from the bottom of our hearts. And in addition to the many other wise injunctions of your father recorded in your memory, inscribe this too—that an unknown company is proved by time. For in an alien’s case, all the world bears an evil tongue in readiness,

990

and it is easy lightly to utter defiling slander. Therefore I would have you bring no shame upon me, now when your youthful loveliness attracts men’s gaze. The tender ripeness of summer fruit is in no way easy to protect; beasts despoil it—and men, why not?—

995

and brutes that fly and those that walk the earth. Love’s goddess spreads news abroad of fruit bursting ripe. . . . So all men, as they pass,

1000

mastered by desire, shoot an alluring arrow of the eye at the delicate beauty of virgins. See to it, therefore, that we do not suffer that in fear for which we have endured great toil and ploughed the great waters with our ship; and that we bring no shame to ourselves and exultation to our enemies. Housing of two kinds is at our disposition,

1005

the one Pelasgus offers, the other, the city, and to occupy free of cost. These terms are easy. Only pay heed to these behests of your father, and count your chastity more precious than your life.

1010

Chorus

May the Olympian gods grant us good fortune in all the rest!

But, concerning the bloom of my virginity, father, be of good cheer, for, unless some evil has been devised of Heaven, I will not swerve from the former pathway of my thoughts.

1015

PELASGUS

What does it behove you to say? Having at length learnt what is just, do you yourself determine, and your fellow-voyagers. But you may lead away these willing indeed according to the inclinations of their minds, if a lawful speech can persuade them. But such an unanimous public decree of the state has been passed, never to give up by force the train of women. Of these things the nail is firmly driven through and through, so as to remain fixed. These things are not graven on tablets, nor sealed in the folds of books, but you hear them plain from a free-speaking tongue; but with all speed take yourself from my eyes.

HERALD

Know this, now you will undertake a new war: but may victory and strength be to the males.

PELASGUS

But you will find males inhabitants also of this land, not drinking wine made from barley. But do you all, with your loved attendants, take courage, and go to the well-fortified city, inclosed by a deep device of towers. And there are indeed many public abodes, but I have built with no scant hand. It is pleasant to inhabit well-built abodes with many others; but if it be any greater pleasure, you are at liberty to dwell also in abodes which hold but one family. Of these choose the best and what are most pleasing. But I will be your patron, and all the citizens, by whom this decree is now passed. Why wait you for more powerful ones than these?

CHORUS

LE ROI

Pourquoi te donner mon nom ? Tu l'apprendras
avec le temps, toi comme tes compagnons. Ces femmes, tu les emmèneras, si elles y consentent de bon cœur, quand tu auras, pour les convaincre, trouvé de pieuses raisons. Par un vote unanime, le peuple argien l'a proclamé sans appel : jamais il n'abandonnera à la violence une troupe
de femmes. C'est là un clou assez fermement planté et enfoncé pour que rien ne l'ébranle jamais. Il ne s'agit point de mots inscrits sur des tablettes ni scellés dans des rouleaux de papyrus : tu entends ici le clair langage d'une bouche libre. Allons, vite, hors de ma vue !

LE HÉRAUT

Sache dès lors que tu soulèves là une guerre incertaine. La victoire et la conquête puissent-elles être pour les mâles !

LE ROI

Des mâles, vous en trouverez aussi dans ce pays, et qui ne boivent pas un vin fait avec l'orge ² !

LE ROI

Pour vous, reprenez confiance, et toutes, avec vos sui-
vantes, entrez dans notre cité bien close, que protège l'appareil de ses remparts élevés. L'État y possède de nombreuses demeures ; moi-même, j'y ai été pourvu d'appartements d'une main généreuse. Des logis sont là tout prêts

LE ROI

pour vous, si vous voulez habiter avec d'autres. Vous
êtes libres aussi, s'il vous agrée davantage, d'occuper des demeures disposées pour vous seules. Choisissez ce qui vous paraîtra le plus avantageux et le plus agréable. Pour répondants ³ vous avez le Roi et tous
les citoyens, dont s'exécute ici la décision : en attendez-vous

PELASGUS.

Hear then what honour prompts, what juſtice dictates,

And bear it to the partners of thy voyage.

If these approve, if their free will incline them,

1015

Lead them, if gentle words win their aſſent.

This firm decree the ſuffrage of the ſtate

Has render'd ſacred, not by force to yield

A train of females; this reſolve, be ſure,

Is ſtrongly fix'd, and never can be ſhaken.

1020

Tho' not engrav'd on tablets, nor enroll'd

In ſealſtamp'd volumes, my free voice declares it

In words of plaineſt import. Take thy anſwer;

Hence from my ſight, with thy best ſpeed be gone.

HERALD.

Know then a riſing war awaits thy choice:

1025

Valour and conqueſt crown the helms of men.

PELASGUS.

You ſhall be met by men, whoſe lively blood

Dull draughts of barley wine have never clog'd l

.

Now virgins, with your train of faithful friends,

Diſmiſs your fears; enter this town, whoſe walls

1030

Strongbuilt, and crown'd with many' a bulwark, lift

Their tow'red heads impregnable:

within

The ſtate has many ſtructures; nor is mine

A thin inhabitation; ſuch an houſe,

1035

Where cheerful numbers live in wealth and ſplendor,

May haply pleaſe you: if a private manſion,

To your own uſe devote, be more your wiſh;

The best of these, the moſt approv'd, is yours;

Make your free choice: I will protect you; all

1040

This friendly ſtate, ſupporting their decree,

Will shield you. What, wiſh you more pow'rful guardians ?

CHORUS.

PELASGO

Il mio nome, a che pro' dirti? Col tempo

dovrai saperlo, e quei che teco vennero.

1000

Queste, a buon grado, se saprà convincerle

amichevol parola, e in buon accordo,

potrai condurle.

EGIZIO

Novella guerra, a quanto sembra, insorge:

sian coi maschi la possa e la vittoria.

PELASGO

Maschi ben troverete in questa terra,

1015

che non dall'orzo attingono l'ebbrezza.

E tutte voi con le fedeli ancelle

fate pur cuore, e nella ben recinta

città movete, cui le torri chiudono

col profondo riparo. E molte case

1020

son per gli ospiti pronte, e non è piccolo

lo spazio ove le mie sorgon. Potrete

quivi abitare in ben costrutte mura,

con altre insieme; o, se v'aggrada meglio, / stanze abitar sole appartate.

Quello

1025

CORIFEA

Rex

Quid te dicere oportet, nomen tempore disces

865

Fortè ipſe, & comites tui.

Has uerò uolentes quidē ſecundū beneuolentiã mentis

Ducis, ſi pius perſuaſerit ſermo.

Talia popularis ex ciuitate

Suffragium perfecit, ne fortè ui traderet

870

Claſſem mulierum harum fixus est manifeste

Clauus utrinq; ut maneret firmiter.

Hæc uerò tabulis non ſint ſcripta,

Neq; in plicis librorum ſigillata.

Maniſesta audis ex libera

875

Lingua. recipe quàm citiſsimè ex oculis.

Cad.

Scias hæc, iam bellum ſuſcipies nouum.

Erit uerò uictoria & imperium penes uiros.

Rex

Inuenient non bibentes potum hordei.

Vos uerò omnes cum amicis aſsectatoribus

880

Audaciam accipientes ite in munitam urbem,

Turrium profundâ machinâ clauſam,

Et multæ ſunt domus publicæ.

Munitus sum & ego parua manu.

Læta res est, habitare ædes felices

885

Cum multis alijs: ſi uerò aliqua maior gratia

Adest, habitare conſonantes domos.

Horum optimis quisq; & gratiſsimis

Licet abundare. præfectus uerò ego

Et omnes ciues quorum cauſa hoc perficitur

890

Suffragium. quid potiora his expectas?

Cho.

The King of Argos

What skills it that I tell my name to thee?

975

Thou and thy mates shall learn it ere the end.

Know that if words unstained by violence

Can change these maidens' choice, then mayest thou,

With full consent of theirs, conduct them hence.

But thus the city with one voice ordained—

980

No force shall bear away the maiden band.

Firmly this word upon the temple wall

Is by a rivet clenched, and shall abide:

Not upon wax inscribed and delible,

Nor upon parchment sealed and stored away.—

985

Lo, thou hast heard our free mouths speak their will:

Out from our presence—tarry not, but go!

Herald of Aegyptus

Methinks we stand on some new edge of war:

Be strength and triumph on the young men's side!

The King of Argos

Nay but here also shall ye find young men,

990

Unsodden with the juices oozed from grain. ¹

[ Exit Herald of Aegyptus.

But ye, O maids, with your attendants true,

Pass hence with trust into the fencèd town,

Ringed with a wide confine of guarding towers.

Therein are many dwellings for such guests

995

As the State honours; there myself am housed

Within a palace neither scant nor strait.

There dwell ye, if ye will to lodge at ease

In halls well-thronged: yet, if your soul prefer,

Tarry secluded in a separate home.

1000

Choose ye and cull, from these our proffered gifts,

Whiche'er is best and sweetest to your will:

And I and all these citizens whose vote

Stands thus decreed, will your protectors be.

Look not to find elsewhere more loyal guard.

1005

Chorus

Der König.

Wozu den Namen sagen? Kommt die Zeit dereinst,

Erfährst du selbst und deine Fahrtgenossen ihn.

Die führe frei mit ihres Herzens Wunsch davon,

Wenn du mit frommer Rede sie gewinnen kannst.

885

Einstimmig ward von Argos' Bürgern allzumal

Der Schluß genehmigt, keiner Macht jemals die Schaar

Der Frauen auszuliefern: hell glänzt dieser Spruch,

Fest eingenietet, und besteht unwandelbar.

In eh'rne Tafeln gruben wir sein Wort nicht ein,

890

Noch ruht es stumm in Pergamentes Falten; nein,

Vernehmlich hörst du's, ungefälscht, aus freiem Mund.

Und jetzt hinweg aus meinen Augen, - ungesäumt!

Der Herold.

Wofern du neuen Kriegesbrand entflammen willst,

Nun, auch Aegyptos' Söhne sind zu Kampf bereit.

895

Wohl schlichtet Ares solchen Streit durch kein Verhör

Von Zeugen, nicht durch Silber mag er solchen Zwift

In Frieden enden; nein, zuvor auf blut'gem Feld

Sinkt manches tapfre Leben noch im Tode hin.

Doch uns, den Männern, wende dann der Sieg sich zu!

900

(Der Herold mit den Begleitern ab.)

Der König.

Als Männer sollt ihr dieses Reichs Bewohner, traun,

Erfinden, nicht als Trinker schlechten Gerstenweins!

(zu den Jungfrauen)

Ihr alle sammt den treuen Dienerinnen geht

Gefaßten Muthes nach der wallumhegten Stadt,

Die stolzer Mauern sichre Wehr ringsher umschließt !

905

Ihr trefft der Häuser viele dort, vom Volk erbaut,

Und andre baut' ich selber, nicht mit karger Hand.

Behaglich ist's, in einem wohlbestellten Haus

Mit vielen Andern wohnen; doch, gefällt es mehr,

Steht auch in eignen Häusern euch zu wohnen frei.

910

Von alle dem das Beste, Wohlgefälligste

Ist euch zu Dienste: wählet! Euer Schuß bin ich

Und alle Bürger, welche den Beschluß gefaßt.

Was harrst du stärk'rer Freunde noch, denn diese sind?

Die Chorführerin.