Supplices. N. Wecklein. . .
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Commentary (N. Wecklein, 1902; German; OCR draft) (German) (Suppliants, explanatory commentary pp. 24–120. Single-witness OCR; source readings and all reference placements require scan review.)
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Ἱκέτιδες First1KGreek (Aeschyli Tragoediae. Sidgwick, Arthur, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1902.) — 176-347 focus
Δαναος
1
παῖδες, φρονεῖν χρή: ξὺν φρονοῦντι δ᾽ ἥκετε
2
πιστῷ γέροντι τῷδε ναυκλήρῳ πατρί.
καὶ τἀπὶ χέρσου νῦν προμηθίαν λαβὼν
3
αἰνῶ φυλάξαι τἄμ᾽ ἔπη δελτουμένας.
ὁρῶ κόνιν, ἄναυδον ἄγγελον στρατοῦ:
180
σύριγγες οὐ σιγῶσιν ἀξονήλατοι:
ὄχλον δ᾽ ὑπασπιστῆρα καὶ δορυσσόον
λεύσσω, ξὺν ἵπποις καμπύλοις τ᾽ ὀχήμασιν:
τάχ᾽ ἂν πρὸς ἡμᾶς τῆσδε γῆς ἀρχηγέται
ὀπτῆρες εἶεν ἀγγέλων πεπυσμένοι.
185
ἀλλ᾽ εἴτ᾽ ἀπήμων εἴτε καὶ τεθηγμένος
4
ὠμῇ ξὺν ὀργῇ τόνδ᾽ ἐπόρνυται στόλον,
ἄμεινόν ἐστι παντὸς εἵνεκ᾽, ὦ κόραι,
πάγον προσίζειν τόνδ᾽
5
ἀγωνίων θεῶν.
κρείσσων δὲ πύργου βωμός, ἄρρηκτον σάκος.
190
ἀλλ᾽ ὡς τάχιστα βᾶτε, καὶ λευκοστεφεῖς
ἱκτηρίας,
6
ἀγάλματ᾽ αἰδοίου Διός,
ξένους ἀμείβεσθ᾽, ὡς ἐπήλυδας πρέπει,
195
τορῶς λέγουσαι τάσδ᾽ ἀναιμάκτους φυγάς.
φθογγῇ
11
δ᾽ ἑπέσθω πρῶτα μὲν τὸ μὴ θρασύ,
τὸ μὴ μάταιον δ᾽ ἐκ σεσωφρονισμένων
12
ἴτω προσώπων ὄμματος παρ᾽ ἡσύχου.
καὶ μὴ πρόλεσχος μηδ᾽ ἐφολκὸς ἐν λόγῳ
200
γένῃ: τὸ τῇδε κάρτ᾽ ἐπίφθονον γένος.
μέμνησο δ᾽ εἴκειν: χρεῖος εἶ ξένη
13
φυγάς.
θρασυστομεῖν γὰρ οὐ πρέπει τοὺς ἥσσονας.
ὁρῶ κόνιν, ἄναυδον ἄγγελον στρατοῦ:
Χορος
πάτερ, φρονούντως πρὸς φρονοῦντας ἐννέπεις.
φυλάξομαι δὲ τάσδε μεμνῆσθαι σέθεν
205
κεδνὰς ἐφετμάς: Ζεὺς δὲ γεννήτωρ ἴδοι.
207
Δαναος
ἴδοιτο δῆτα πρευμενοῦς ἀπ᾽ ὄμματος.
14
Χορος
θέλοιμ᾽ ἂν ἤδη σοὶ πέλας θρόνους ἔχειν.
Δαναος
μή νυν
15
σχόλαζε, μηχανῆς δ᾽ ἔστω κράτος.
Χορος
Δαναος
κείνου θέλοντος εὖ τελευτήσει τάδε.
Χορος
Δαναος
Χορος
καλοῦμεν αὐγὰς ἡλίου σωτηρίους,—
Δαναος
ἁγνόν τ᾽ Ἀπόλλω, φυγάδ᾽ ἀπ᾽ οὐρανοῦ θεόν.
Χορος
εἰδὼς ἂν αἶσαν τήνδε συγγνοίη
21
βροτοῖς.
215
Δαναος
συγγνοῖτο δῆτα καὶ παρασταίη πρόφρων.
Χορος
τίν᾽ οὖν κικλήσκω
22
τῶνδε δαιμόνων ἔτι;
Δαναος
ὁρῶ τρίαιναν τήνδε σημεῖον θεοῦ.
Χορος
ἀλλ᾽ εὖ τ᾽ ἔπεμψεν εὖ τε δεξάσθω χθονί.
Δαναος
Ἑρμῆς ὅδ᾽ ἄλλος τοῖσιν
23
Ἑλλήνων νόμοις.
220
Χορος
ἐλευθέροις νυν
24
ἐσθλὰ κηρυκευέτω.
Δαναος
πάντων δ᾽ ἀνάκτων τῶνδε κοινοβωμίαν
σέβεσθ᾽: ἐν ἁγνῷ δ᾽ ἑσμὸς
25
ὡς πελειάδων
ἵζεσθε κίρκων
26
τῶν ὁμοπτέρων φόβῳ,
ἐχθρῶν ὁμαίμων καὶ μιαινόντων γένος.
225
ὄρνιθος ὄρνις πῶς ἂν ἁγνεύοι
27
φαγών;
πῶς δ᾽ ἂν γαμῶν ἄκουσαν ἄκοντος πατρὸς
ἁγνὸς γένοιτ᾽ ἄν; οὐδὲ μὴ ʼν
28
Ἅιδου θανὼν
φύγῃ ματαίων
29
αἰτίας, πράξας τάδε.
κἀκεῖ δικάζει τἀμπλακήμαθ᾽, ὡς
30
λόγος,
230
Ζεὺς ἄλλος ἐν καμοῦσιν ὑστάτας δίκας.
σκοπεῖτε, κἀμείβεσθε τόνδε τὸν τρόπον,
31
ὅπως ἂν ὑμῖν πρᾶγος εὖ νικᾷ τόδε.
234
Βασιλευς
ποδαπὸν ὅμιλον τόνδ᾽ ἀνελληνόστολον
32
πέπλοισι βαρβάροισι καὶ πυκνώμασι
235
χλίοντα προσφωνοῦμεν; οὐ
33
γὰρ Ἀργολὶς
ἐσθὴς γυναικῶν οὐδ᾽ ἀφ᾽ Ἑλλάδος τόπων.
ὅπως δὲ χώραν οὔτε
34
κηρύκων ὕπο,
ἀπρόξενοί τε, νόσφιν ἡγητῶν, μολεῖν
ἔτλητ᾽ ἀτρέστως,
35
τοῦτο θαυμαστὸν πέλει.
240
κλάδοι γε μὲν δὴ κατὰ νόμους ἀφικτόρων
κεῖνται παρ᾽ ὑμῖν πρὸς θεοῖς ἀγωνίοις:
μόνον τόδ᾽ Ἑλλὰς χθὼν συνοίσεται στόχῳ.
καὶ τἄλλα πόλλ᾽ ἔτ᾽ εἰκάσαι
36
δίκαιον ἦν,
εἰ μὴ παρόντι φθόγγος ἦν ὁ σημανῶν.
245
Χορος
εἴρηκας ἀμφὶ κόσμον ἀψευδῆ λόγον.
ἐγὼ δὲ πρός σε πότερον ὡς ἔτην λέγω,
Βασιλευς
πρὸς ταῦτ᾽ ἀμείβου καὶ λέγ᾽ εὐθαρσὴς
39
ἐμοί.
τοῦ γηγενοῦς γάρ εἰμ᾽ ἐγὼ Παλαίχθονος
250
ἶνις Πελασγός,
40
τῆσδε γῆς ἀρχηγέτης.
ἐμοῦ δ᾽ ἄνακτος εὐλόγως ἐπώνυμον
γένος Πελασγῶν τήνδε καρποῦται χθόνα.
Στρυμών, τὸ πρὸς δύνοντος ἡλίου, κρατῶ.
255
ὁρίζομαι δὲ τήν τε
43
Περραιβῶν χθόνα,
Πίνδου τε τἀπέκεινα, Παιόνων πέλας,
ὄρη τε Δωδωναῖα: συντέμνει δ᾽ ὅρος
ὑγρᾶς θαλάσσης: τῶνδε τἀπὶ τάδε
44
κρατῶ.
αὐτῆς δὲ χώρας Ἀπίας πέδον τόδε
260
πάλαι κέκληται φωτὸς ἰατροῦ χάριν.
Ἆπις
45
γὰρ ἐλθὼν ἐκ πέρας Ναυπακτίας
ἰατρόμαντις παῖς Ἀπόλλωνος χθόνα
τήνδ᾽ ἐκκαθαίρει κνωδάλων βροτοφθόρων,
τὰ δὴ
46
παλαιῶν αἱμάτων μιάσμασι
265
δρακονθόμιλον
49
δυσμενῆ ξυνοικίαν.
τούτων ἄκη τομαῖα καὶ λυτήρια
πράξας ἀμέμπτως Ἆπις
50
Ἀργείᾳ χθονὶ
μνήμην ποτ᾽ ἀντίμισθον
51
ηὕρετ᾽ ἐν λιταῖς.
270
γένος τ᾽
53
ἂν ἐξεύχοιο καὶ λέγοις πρόσω.
274
αὐτῆς δὲ χώρας Ἀπίας πέδον τόδε
Χορος
βραχὺς τορός θ᾽ ὁ μῦθος: Ἀργεῖαι γένος
ἐξευχόμεσθα, σπέρματ᾽ εὐτέκνου βοός:
275
καὶ ταῦτ᾽ ἀληθῆ πάντα προσφύσω λόγῳ.
Βασιλευς
ἄπιστα
56
μυθεῖσθ᾽, ὦ ξέναι, κλύειν ἐμοί,
ὅπως τόδ᾽ ὑμῖν ἐστιν Ἀργεῖον γένος.
Λιβυστικαῖς γὰρ μᾶλλον ἐμφερέστεραι
γυναιξίν
57
ἐστε κοὐδαμῶς ἐγχωρίαις.
280
καὶ Νεῖλος ἂν θρέψειε τοιοῦτον φυτόν,
Κύπριος χαρακτήρ τ᾽ ἐν γυναικείοις τύποις
εἰκὼς πέπληκται τεκτόνων πρὸς ἀρσένων:
παρ᾽ Αἰθίοψιν ἀστυγειτονουμένας.
εἰ τοξοτευχεῖς ἦτε, κάρτ᾽ ἂν ᾔκασα
ὑμᾶς. διδαχθεὶς <δ᾽
65
> ἂν τόδ᾽ εἰδείην πλέον,
ὅπως γένεθλον σπέρμα τ᾽ Ἀργεῖον τὸ σόν.
290
291
Χορος
κλῃδοῦχον Ἥρας φασὶ δωμάτων ποτὲ
66
Ἰὼ γενέσθαι τῇδ᾽ ἐν
67
Ἀργείᾳ χθονί.
Βασιλευς
ἦν ὡς μάλιστα, καὶ φάτις πολλὴ κρατεῖ.
68
μὴ καὶ λόγος τις Ζῆνα μιχθῆναι βροτῷ;
295
Χορος
Βασιλευς
πῶς οὖν τελευτᾷ βασιλέων νείκη τάδε;
Χορος
βοῦν τὴν
71
γυναῖκ᾽ ἔθηκεν Ἀργεία θεός.
Βασιλευς
οὔκουν πελάζει Ζεὺς ἐπ᾽
72
εὐκραίρῳ βοΐ;
300
Χορος
φασίν, πρέποντα
73
βουθόρῳ ταύρῳ δέμας.
Βασιλευς
Χορος
τὸν πάνθ᾽ ὁρῶντα φύλακ᾽ ἐπέστησεν βοΐ.
Βασιλευς
ποῖον πανόπτην οἰοβουκόλον λέγεις;
Χορος
Ἄργον, τὸν Ἑρμῆς παῖδα γῆς κατέκτανεν.
305
Βασιλευς
τί οὖν ἔτευξεν
77
ἄλλο δυσπότμῳ βοΐ;
Χορος
βοηλάτην μύωπα κινητήριον.
Βασιλευς
Χορος
Βασιλευς
καὶ ταῦτ᾽ ἔλεξας πάντα συγκόλλως ἐμοί.
310
Χορος
καὶ μὴν Κάνωβον κἀπὶ Μέμφιν ἵκετο.
Βασιλευς
Χορος
καὶ Ζεύς γ᾽ ἐφάπτωρ χειρὶ φιτύει
82
γόνον.
Βασιλευς
Χορος
Ἔπαφος ἀληθῶς ῥυσίων ἐπώνυμος.
315
Βασιλευς
Χορος
Λιβύη, μέγιστον γῆς <πέδον
85
> καρπουμένη.
Βασιλευς
τίν᾽ οὖν ἔτ᾽ ἄλλον τῆσδε βλαστημὸν λέγεις;
Χορος
Βῆλον δίπαιδα, πατέρα τοῦδ᾽ ἐμοῦ πατρός.
Βασιλευς
τὸ πάνσοφον νῦν ὄνομα τούτου
86
μοι φράσον.
320
Χορος
Βασιλευς
καὶ τοῦδ᾽ ἄνοιγε
89
τοὔνομ᾽ ἀφθόνῳ λόγῳ.
323
Χορος
Αἴγυπτος. εἰδὼς δ᾽
90
ἁμὸν ἀρχαῖον γένος
πράσσοις ἄν, ὡς Ἀργεῖον ἀνστήσεις
91
στόλον.
Βασιλευς
δοκεῖτε <δή
92
> μοι τῆσδε κοινωνεῖν χθονὸς
325
τἀρχαῖον. ἀλλὰ πῶς πατρῷα δώματα
λιπεῖν ἔτλητε; τίς κατέσκηψεν τύχη;
Χορος
ἄναξ Πελασγῶν, αἰόλ᾽ ἀνθρώπων κακά.
ἐπεὶ τίς ηὔχει τήνδ᾽ ἀνέλπιστον φυγὴν
330
κέλσειν
95
ἐς Ἄργος κῆδος ἐγγενὲς τὸ πρίν,
ἔχθει μεταπτοιοῦσαν
96
εὐναίων γάμων;
Βασιλευς
τί φῂς ἱκνεῖσθαι τῶνδ᾽ ἀγωνίων θεῶν,
λευκοστεφεῖς ἔχουσα νεοδρέπτους κλάδους;
Χορος
ὡς μὴ γένωμαι δμωὶς Αἰγύπτου γένει.
335
Βασιλευς
πότερα κατ᾽ ἔχθραν, ἢ τὸ μὴ θέμις λέγεις;
Χορος
τίς δ᾽ ἂν φίλους ὄνοιτο
97
τοὺς κεκτημένους;
Βασιλευς
σθένος μὲν οὕτως μεῖζον αὔξεται βροτοῖς.
98
Χορος
καὶ δυστυχούντων γ᾽
99
εὐμαρὴς ἀπαλλαγή.
Βασιλευς
πῶς οὖν πρὸς ὑμᾶς εὐσεβὴς ἐγὼ πέλω;
340
Χορος
αἰτοῦσι μὴ ʼκδοὺς
100
παισὶν Αἰγύπτου πάλιν.
Βασιλευς
βαρέα σύ γ᾽ εἶπας, πόλεμον ἄρασθαι
101
νέον.
Χορος
ἀλλ᾽ ἡ δίκη γε ξυμμάχων ὑπερστατεῖ.
βασιλεύς
εἴπερ γ᾽ ἀπ᾽ ἀρχῆς πραγμάτων κοινωνὸς
102
ἦν.
Χορος
αἰδοῦ σὺ πρύμναν πόλεος ὧδ᾽ ἐστεμμένην.
103
345
Βασιλευς
Χορος
βαρύς γε μέντοι Ζηνὸς ἱκεσίου κότος.
348
Ἱκέτιδες Perseus (Aeschylus, Volume 1. Smyth, Herbert Weir, editor. London; New York: William Heinemann; G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1922.) — 176-347 focus
Δαναός
παῖδες, φρονεῖν χρή· ξὺν φρονοῦντι δʼ ἥκετε
πιστῷ γέροντι τῷ δε ναυκλήρῳ πατρί.
καὶ τἀπὶ χέρσου νῦν προμηθίαν λαβὼν
αἰνῶ φυλάξαι τἄμʼ ἔπη δελτουμένας.
ὁρῶ κόνιν, ἄναυδον ἄγγελον στρατοῦ·
180
σύριγγες οὐ σιγῶσιν ἀξονήλατοι·
ὄχλον δʼ ὑπασπιστῆρα καὶ δορυσσόον
λεύσσω, ξὺν ἵπποις καμπύλοις τʼ ὀχήμασιν·
τάχʼ ἂν πρὸς ἡμᾶς τῆσδε γῆς ἀρχηγέται
ὀπτῆρες εἶεν ἀγγέλων πεπυσμένοι.
185
ἀλλʼ εἴτʼ ἀπήμων εἴτε καὶ τεθηγμένος
ὠμῇ ξὺν ὀργῇ τόνδʼ ἐπόρνυται στόλον,
ἄμεινόν ἐστι παντὸς εἵνεκʼ, ὦ κόραι,
πάγον προσίζειν τόνδʼ ἀγωνίων θεῶν.
κρεῖσσον δὲ πύργου βωμός, ἄρρηκτον σάκος
190
ἀλλʼ ὡς τάχιστα βᾶτε, καὶ λευκοστεφεῖς
ἱκετηρίας, ἁγάλματʼ αἰδοίου Διός,
σεμνῶς ἔχουσαι διὰ χερῶν εὐωνύμων,
αἰδοῖα καὶ γοεδνὰ καὶ ζαχρεῖʼ ἔπη
ξένους ἀμείβεσθʼ, ὡς ἐπήλυδας πρέπει,
195
τορῶς λέγουσαι τάσδʼ ἀναιμάκτους φυγάς.
φθογγῇ δʼ ἑπέσθω πρῶτα μὲν τὸ μὴ θρασύ,
τὸ μὴ μάταιον δʼ ἐκ μετωποσωφρόνων
ἴτω προσώπων ὄμματος παρʼ ἡσύχου.
καὶ μὴ πρόλεσχος μηδʼ ἐφολκὸς ἐν λόγῳ
200
γένῃ. τὸ τῇδε κάρτʼ ἐπίφθονον γένος.
μέμνησο δʼ εἴκειν· χρεῖος εἶ ξένη φυγάς.
θρασυστομεῖν γὰρ οὐ πρέπει τοὺς ἥσσονας.
ὁρῶ κόνιν, ἄναυδον ἄγγελον στρατοῦ·
Χορός
πάτερ, φρονούντως πρὸς φρονοῦντας ἐννέπεις.
φυλάξομαι δὲ τάσδε μεμνῆσθαι σέθεν
205
κεδνὰς ἐφετμάς. Ζεὺς δὲ γεννήτωρ ἴδοι·
207
Δαναός
ἴδοιτο δῆτα πρευμενοῦς ἀπʼ ὄμματος·
Χορός
θέλοιμʼ ἂν ἤδη σοὶ πέλας θρόνους ἔχειν.
Δαναός
μή νυν σχόλαζε, μηχανῆς δʼ ἔστω κράτος.
Χορός
ὦ Ζεῦ, κόπων οἴκτιρε μὴ ἀπολωλότας.
210
Δαναός
κείνου θέλοντος εὖ τελευτήσει τάδε.
Χορός
Δαναός
καὶ Ζηνὸς ὄρνιν τόνδε νῦν κικλῄσκετε.
Χορός
καλοῦμεν αὐγὰς ἡλίου σωτηρίους,—
Δαναός
ἁγνόν τʼ Ἀπόλλω, φυγάδʼ ἀπʼ οὐρανοῦ θεόν.
Χορός
εἰδὼς ἂν αἶσαν τήνδε συγγνοίη βροτοῖς.
215
Δαναός
συγγνοῖτο δῆτα καὶ παρασταίη πρόφρων.
Χορός
τίνʼ οὖν κικλῄσκω τῶνδε δαιμόνων ἔτι;
Δαναός
ὁρῶ τρίαιναν τήνδε σημεῖον θεοῦ.
Χορός
ἀλλʼ εὖ τʼ ἔπεμψεν εὖ τε δεξάσθω χθονί.
Δαναός
Ἑρμῆς ὅδʼ ἄλλος τοῖσιν Ἑλλήνων νόμοις.
220
Χορός
ἐλευθέροις νυν ἐσθλὰ κηρυκευέτω.
Δαναός
πάντων δʼ ἀνάκτων τῶνδε κοινοβωμίαν
σέβεσθʼ· ἐν ἁγνῷ δʼ ἑσμὸς ὡς πελειάδων
ἵζεσθε κίρκων τῶν ὁμοπτέρων φόβῳ,
ἐχθρῶν ὁμαίμων καὶ μιαινόντων γένος.
225
ὄρνιθος ὄρνις πῶς ἂν ἁγνεύοι φαγών;
πῶς δʼ ἂν γαμῶν ἄκουσαν ἄκοντος πάρα
ἁγνὸς γένοιτʼ ἄν; οὐδὲ μὴ ʼν Ἅιδου θανὼν
φύγῃ ματαίων αἰτίας, πράξας τάδε.
κἀκεῖ δικάζει τἀπλακήμαθʼ, ὡς λόγος,
230
Ζεὺς ἄλλος ἐν καμοῦσιν ὑστάτας δίκας.
σκοπεῖτε, κἀμείβεσθε τόνδε τὸν τρόπον,
ὅπως ἂν ὑμῖν πρᾶγος εὖ νικᾷ τόδε.
234
Βασιλεύς
ποδαπὸν ὅμιλον τόνδʼ ἀνελληνόστολον
πέπλοισι βαρβάροισι καὶ πυκνώμασι
235
χλίοντα προσφωνοῦμεν; οὐ γὰρ Ἀργολὶς
ἐσθὴς γυναικῶν οὐδʼ ἀφʼ Ἑλλάδος τόπων.
ὅπως δὲ χώραν οὔτε κηρύκων ὕπο,
ἀπρόξενοί τε, νόσφιν ἡγητῶν, μολεῖν
ἔτλητʼ ἀτρέστως, τοῦτο θαυμαστὸν πέλει.
240
κλάδοι γε μὲν δὴ κατὰ νόμους ἀφικτόρων
κεῖνται παρʼ ὑμῖν πρὸς θεοῖς ἀγωνίοις·
μόνον τόδʼ Ἑλλὰς χθὼν συνοίσεται στόχῳ.
καὶ τἄλλα πόλλʼ ἔτʼ εἰκάσαι δίκαιον ἦν,
εἰ μὴ παρόντι φθόγγος ἦν ὁ σημανῶν.
245
Χορός
εἴρηκας ἀμφὶ κόσμον ἀψευδῆ λόγον.
ἐγὼ δὲ πρὸς σὲ πότερον ὡς ἔτην λέγω,
ἢ ῥήτορʼ ἱεροράβδον, ἢ πόλεως ἀγόν;
Βασιλεύς
πρὸς ταῦτʼ ἀμείβου καὶ λέγʼ εὐθαρσὴς ἐμοί.
τοῦ γηγενοῦς γάρ εἰμʼ ἐγὼ Παλαίχθονος
250
ἶνις Πελασγός, τῆσδε γῆς ἀρχηγέτης.
ἐμοῦ δʼ ἄνακτος εὐλόγως ἐπώνυμον
γένος Πελασγῶν τήνδε καρποῦται χθόνα.
καὶ πᾶσαν αἶαν, ἧς διʼ ἁγνὸς ἔρχεται
Στρυμών, τὸ πρὸς δύνοντος ἡλίου, κρατῶ.
255
ὁρίζομαι δὲ τήν τε Περραίβων χθόνα,
Πίνδου τε τἀπέκεινα, Παιόνων πέλας,
ὄρη τε Δωδωναῖα. συντέμνει δʼ ὅρος
ὑγρᾶς θαλάσσης· τῶνδε τἀπὶ τάδε κρατῶ.
αὐτῆς δὲ χώρας Ἀπίας πέδον τόδε
260
πάλαι κέκληται φωτὸς ἰατροῦ χάριν.
Ἆπις γὰρ ἐλθὼν ἐκ πέρας Ναυπακτίας
ἰατρόμαντις παῖς Ἀπόλλωνος χθόνα
τήνδʼ ἐκκαθαίρει κνωδάλων βροτοφθόρων,
τὰ δὴ παλαιῶν αἱμάτων μιάσμασιν
265
χρανθεῖσʼ ἀνῆκε γαῖα μηνιταῖʼ ἄχη
δρακονθόμιλον δυσμενῆ ξυνοικίαν.
τούτων ἄκη τομαῖα καὶ λυτήρια
πράξας ἀμέμπτως Ἆπις Ἀργείᾳ χθονὶ
μνήμην ποτʼ ἀντίμισθον ηὕρετʼ ἐν λιταῖς.
270
ἔχουσα δʼ ἤδη τἀπʼ ἐμοῦ τεκμήρια
γένος τʼ ἂν ἐξεύχοιο καὶ λέγοις πρόσω.
μακράν γε μὲν δὴ ῥῆσιν οὐ στέργει πόλις.
274
αὐτῆς δὲ χώρας Ἀπίας πέδον τόδε
ἔχουσα δʼ ἤδη τἀπʼ ἐμοῦ τεκμήρια
Χορός
βραχὺς τορός θʼ ὁ μῦθος· Ἀργεῖαι γένος
ἐξευχόμεσθα, σπέρματʼ εὐτέκνου βοός·
275
καὶ ταῦτʼ ἀληθῆ πάντα προσφύσω λόγῳ.
Βασιλεύς
ἄπιστα μυθεῖσθʼ, ὦ ξέναι, κλύειν ἐμοί,
ὅπως τόδʼ ὑμῖν ἐστιν Ἀργεῖον γένος.
Λιβυστικαῖς γὰρ μᾶλλον ἐμφερέστεραι
γυναιξίν ἐστε κοὐδαμῶς ἐγχωρίαις.
280
καὶ Νεῖλος ἂν θρέψειε τοιοῦτον φυτόν,
Κύπριος χαρακτήρ τʼ ἐν γυναικείοις τύποις
εἰκὼς πέπληκται τεκτόνων πρὸς ἀρσένων·
τοίας τʼ ἀκούω νομάδας ἱπποβάμοσιν
εἶναι καμήλοις ἀστραβιζούσας, χθόνα
285
παρʼ Αἰθίοψιν ἀστυγειτονουμένας.
καὶ τὰς ἀνάνδρους κρεοβόρους τʼ Ἀμαζόνας,
εἰ τοξοτευχεῖς ἦτε, κάρτʼ ἂν ᾔκασα
ὑμᾶς. διδαχθεὶς
δʼ ἂν τόδʼ εἰδείην πλέον,
ὅπως γένεθλον σπέρμα τʼ Ἀργεῖον τὸ σόν.
290
291
Χορός
κλῃδοῦχον Ἥρας φασὶ δωμάτων ποτὲ
Ἰὼ γενέσθαι τῇ δʼ ἐν Ἀργείᾳ χθονί;
Βασιλεύς
ἦν ὡς μάλιστα, καὶ φάτις πολλὴ κρατεῖ.
Χορός
μὴ καὶ λόγος τις Ζῆνα μειχθῆναι βροτῷ;
295
Βασιλεύς
κἄκρυπτά γʼ Ἥρας ταῦτα τἀμπαλάγματα.
Χορός
πῶς οὖν τελευτᾷ βασιλέων νείκη τάδε;
Βασιλεύς
βοῦν τὴν γυναῖκʼ ἔθηκεν Ἀργεία θεός.
Χορός
οὔκουν πελάζει Ζεὺς ἐπʼ εὐκραίρῳ βοΐ;
300
Βασιλεύς
φασίν, πρέποντα βουθόρῳ ταύρῳ δέμας.
Χορός
τί δῆτα πρὸς ταῦτʼ ἄλοχος ἰσχυρὰ Διός;
Βασιλεύς
τὸν πάνθʼ ὁρῶντα φύλακʼ ἐπέστησεν βοΐ.
Χορός
ποῖον πανόπτην οἰοβουκόλον λέγεις;
Βασιλεύς
Ἄργον, τὸν Ἑρμῆς παῖδα γῆς κατέκτανεν.
305
Χορός
τί οὖν ἔτευξεν ἄλλο δυσπότμῳ βοΐ;
Βασιλεύς
βοηλάτην μύωπα κινητήριον.
Χορός
οἶστρον καλοῦσιν αὐτὸν οἱ Νείλου πέλας.
Βασιλεύς
τοιγάρ νιν ἐκ γῆς ἤλασεν μακρῷ δρόμῳ.
Χορός
καὶ ταῦτʼ ἔλεξας πάντα συγκόλλως ἐμοί.
310
Βασιλεύς
καὶ μὴν Κάνωβον κἀπὶ Μέμφιν ἵκετο.
Χορός
καὶ Ζεύς γʼ ἐφάπτωρ χειρὶ φιτύει γόνον.
Βασιλεύς
τίς οὖν ὁ Δῖος πόρτις εὔχεται βοός;
Χορός
Ἔπαφος ἀληθῶς ῥυσίων ἐπώνυμος.
315
Βασιλεύς
Χορός
Λιβύη, μέγιστον γῆς
πέδον καρπουμένη.
Βασιλεύς
Χορός
Βασιλεύς
τίνʼ οὖν ἔτʼ ἄλλον τῆσδε βλαστημὸν λέγεις;
Χορός
Βῆλον δίπαιδα πατέρα τοῦδʼ ἐμοῦ πατρός.
Βασιλεύς
τὸ πάνσοφον νῦν ὄνομα τοῦτό μοι φράσον.
320
Χορός
Δαναός, ἀδελφὸς δʼ ἐστὶ πεντηκοντάπαις.
Βασιλεύς
καὶ τοῦδʼ ἄνοιγε τοὔνομʼ ἀφθόνῳ λόγῳ.
323
Χορός
Αἴγυπτος. εἰδὼς δʼ ἁμὸν ἀρχαῖον γένος
πράσσοις ἂν ὡς Ἀργεῖον ἀνστήσῃς στόλον.
Βασιλεύς
δοκεῖτε
δή μοι τῆσδε κοινωνεῖν χθονὸς
325
τἀρχαῖον. ἀλλὰ πῶς πατρῷα δώματα
λιπεῖν ἔτλητε; τίς κατέσκηψεν τύχη;
Χορός
ἄναξ Πελασγῶν, αἰόλʼ ἀνθρώπων κακά.
πόνου δʼ ἴδοις ἂν οὐδαμοῦ ταὐτὸν πτερόν·
ἐπεὶ τίς ηὔχει τήνδʼ ἀνέλπιστον φυγὴν
330
κέλσειν ἐς Ἄργος κῆδος ἐγγενὲς τὸ πρίν,
ἔχθει μεταπτοιοῦσαν εὐναίων γάμων;
Βασιλεύς
τί φὴς ἱκνεῖσθαι τῶνδʼ ἀγωνίων θεῶν,
λευκοστεφεῖς ἔχουσα νεοδρέπτους κλάδους;
Χορός
ὡς μὴ γένωμαι δμωὶς Αἰγύπτου γένει.
335
Βασιλεύς
πότερα κατʼ ἔχθραν, ἢ τὸ μὴ θέμις λέγεις;
Χορός
τίς δʼ ἂν φίλους ὠνοῖτο τοὺς κεκτημένους;
Βασιλεύς
σθένος μὲν οὕτως μεῖζον αὔξεται βροτοῖς.
Χορός
καὶ δυστυχούντων γʼ εὐμαρὴς ἀπαλλαγή.
Βασιλεύς
πῶς οὖν πρὸς ὑμᾶς εὐσεβὴς ἐγὼ πέλω;
340
Χορός
αἰτοῦσι μὴ ʼκδοὺς παισὶν Αἰγύπτου πάλιν.
Βασιλεύς
βαρέα σύ γʼ εἶπας, πόλεμον ἄρασθαι νέον.
Χορός
ἀλλʼ ἡ δίκη γε ξυμμάχων ὑπερστατεῖ.
βασιλεύς
εἴπερ γʼ ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς πραγμάτων κοινωνὸς ἦν.
Χορός
αἰδοῦ σὺ πρύμναν πόλεος ὧδʼ ἐστεμμένην.
345
Βασιλεύς
πέφρικα λεύσσων τάσδʼ ἕδρας κατασκίους.
Χορός
βαρύς γε μέντοι Ζηνὸς ἱκεσίου κότος.
Greek (Editio princeps, 1518) (OCR draft) Experimental (Aeschylus, Suppliants, 1518 edition. Native printed lineation, page markers, and automated correspondence to the Perseus/Smyth edition.) — 141 focus
Χορός
σπέρμα σεμνᾶς μέγα ματρὸς, εὐνὰς ἀνδρῶν, ἔ-
ἄγαμον ἀδάμαντον ἐκ φυγεῖν. θέλυσαν δ' οὖν
Χορός
θέλυσαν ἁγνὰ,
μ' ἐπισθέτω διὸς κόρα. ἔχουσα σεμν' ἔ πώπι
110
ἀσφαλές,
παντὶ δὲ σθένει διωγμοῖσι. δ' ἀσφαλέως
ἀδμήτας ἀδμητα ῥύσιος γενέσθω.
Χορός
σπέρμα σεμνᾶς μέγα ματρὸς, εὐνὰς ἀνδρῶν ἔ,
Ι Κ Ε Τ Ι Δ Ε Σ. 100
Χορός
ἄγαμον ἀδάμαντον ἐκ φυγεῖν. ἠδὴ μὴ μελανθὲς
115
Χορός
ἡλιόκτυπον γένος τόνταιον. τὸν πολυξενώτατον.
ξῆνα τῶν κεκμηκότων. ἱζόμεσθα σὺν κλάδοις
ἀρτάναις,θανοῦσαι. μὴ τυχοῦσαι. θεῶν
ὀλυμπίων.
Χορός
ἀλην ἱστίω. μῆνις μάκαρ ἐκ θεῶν.
120
κοννωσάταν γαμετ' ὀρανόνεικον.
χαλεπῶ γὰρ ἐκ πνώματος εἶσι χειμών.
Χορός
λούμενος.
Χορός / Δαναός
παῖδες φρονεῖν χρὴ, ξὺν φρονοῦντι δ' ἵκετε
Ἱκέτιδες (OCR draft) Experimental (Ἱκέτιδες. Joannes Cornelius de Pauw, 1745.) — 141 focus
ἀντιστροφὴ ζ.
στροφή η.
ἀντιστροφή η.
Ἱκέτιδες (OCR draft) Experimental (Ἱκέτιδες. Guilielmus Dindorfius, 1882.) — 141 focus
Ἱκέτιδες (OCR draft) Experimental (Ἱκέτιδες. Gottfried Hermann, 1852.) — 141 focus
σπέρμα σεμνᾶς μέγα ματρὸς εὐνὰς
ἀνδρῶν, ἢ ἔ,
ἄγαμον ἀδάματον ἐκφυγεῖν.
125
Ἡμιχόριον Β
1
θέλουσα δ᾽ αὖ θέλουσαν ἁ-
γνά μ' ἐπιδέτω Διὸς κόρα,
ἔχουσα σέμν' ἐνώπι᾽ Ἄρτεμις.
παντὶ δὲ σθένει διω-
γμοῖς ἐμοῖσιν ἀσχαλῶσ᾽
130
ἀδμήτας ἀδμήτα
ῥύσιος γενέσθω
σπέρμα σεμνᾶς μέγα ματρὸς εὐνὰς
ἄγαμον ἀδάματον ἐκφυγεῖν.
ἀνδρῶν, ἐ ἔ,
135
Ἡμιχόριον Α
2
εἰ δὲ μή, μελανθὲς
ἡλιόκτυπον γένος
τὸν γάϊον,
τὸν πολυξενώτατον
Ζῆνα τῶν κεκμηκότων
140
Ἡμιχόριον Α
ἱξόμεσθα σὺν κλάδοις
ἀρτάναις θανοῦσαι,
μὴ τυχοῦσαι θεῶν Ὀλυμπίων.
ὦ Ζεῦ, Ἰοῦς ἰῷ μῆνις
μάστειρ᾽ ἐκ θεῶν· ξυννῶ δ᾽ ἄταν
145
γαμετᾶς σᾶς οὐρανόνικον.
χαλεποῦ γὰρ ἐκ
πνεύματος εἶσι χειμών.
ὦ Ζεῦ, Ἰοῦς ἰῷ μῆνις
μάστειρ᾽ ἐκ θεῶν· ξυννῶ δ᾽ ἄταν
γαμετᾶς σᾶς οὐρανόνικον.
χαλεποῦ γὰρ ἐκ
160
πνεύματος εἶσι χειμών.
ΙΚΕΤΙΔΕΣ (OCR draft) Experimental (ΙΚΕΤΙΔΕΣ. Paul Mazon, 1920-1925.) — 141 focus
ΧΟΡΟΣ
οὐρανόνικον· χαλεπού
γὰρ ἐκ πνεύματος εἶσι χειμών.
Ἱκέτιδες (OCR draft) Experimental (Ἱκέτιδες. N. Wecklein, 1885.) — 141 focus
Aeschyli Supplices (OCR draft) Experimental (Aeschyli Supplices. Ulrich von Wilamowitz-Moellendorff, 1914.) — 141 focus
Testim.:
Numeri:
Apparatus Criticus
ἀχείματόν ἀχίματον πνοιαῖς (ὦ) supplevi 1 (ὦ) supplevi ἀδάματον ἀδάμαντον ἀδάματον ἀδάμαντον ἀσφαλῶς ἀσφαλές 2 σθένει σθένουσι ex alio (σθένος ut vid.) corr. Heath διωγμοῖς διωγμοῖσι δ' 3 ῥύσιος γενέσθω ῥύσιος γενέσθω 4 εἰ δὲ μή εἰ δὴ μὴ 5 ἡλιόκτυπον ἡλιοκτ. γάιον ταιον τὸν ἄγριον (ἀγραῖον codd.) legit
ΧΟ.
τὸν πολυξενώτατον
Ζῆνα τῶν κεκμηκότων
ἱξόμεσθα σὺν κλάδοις
ἀρτάναις θανοῦσαι,
160
μὴ τυχοῦσαι θεῶν Ὀλυμπίων.
Translations (9)
Suppliant Maidens Perseus (Aeschylus, Volume 1. Smyth, Herbert Weir, translator. London; New York: William Heinemann; G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1922. (Modernized by Perseus.)) — 176-347 focus
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
180
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.
1
185
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.
190
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.
195
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.
200
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!
205
207
Danaus
May he indeed behold you, and with a gracious eye.
2
Chorus
I would like even now to be seated by your side.
Danaus
Then do not delay, but put your purpose into action.
3
Chorus
O Zeus, have pity upon our troubles lest we are ruined.
4
210
Danaus
If he wishes it so, all will end well.
Chorus
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.
215
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.
220
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.
225
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.
230
234
Enter the King of
Argos
with men-at-arms
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,
235
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.
5
As for the rest, there is still much I should with reason leave to conjecture,
240
if your voice were not here to inform me.
245
Chorus
You have not spoken falsely about our clothing. But, for my part, how am I to address you? As commoner, as spokesman, bearer of the sacred wand,
6
or as ruler of the realm?
King
As for that, answer and speak to me with confidence.
For I am Pelasgus, offspring of Palaechthon, whom the earth brought forth, and lord of this land; and after me, their king, is rightly named the race of the Pelasgi, who harvest the land. Of all the region through which the pure
250
Strymon flows, on the side toward the setting sun, I am the lord. There lies within the limits of my rule the land of the Perrhaebi, the parts beyond Pindus close to the Paeonians, and the mountain ridge of
Dodona
; the edge of the watery sea borders my kingdom. I rule up to these boundaries.
255
The ground where we stand is Apian land itself, and has borne that name since antiquity in honor of a healer. For Apis, seer and healer, the son of Apollo, came from
Naupactus
on the farther shore and purified this land of monsters deadly to man, which Earth,
260
defiled by the pollution of bloody deeds of old, caused to spring up—plagues charged with wrath, an ominous colony of swarming serpents. Of these plagues Apis worked the cure by sorcery and spells to the content of the
Argive
land,
265
and for reward thereafter earned for himself remembrance in prayers.
Now that you have my testimony, declare your lineage and speak further—yet our people do not take pleasure in long discourse.
270
274
Now that you have my testimony, declare your lineage and speak further—yet our people do not take pleasure in long discourse.
Chorus
Our tale is brief and clear. Argives
we claim to be by birth, offspring of a cow blest in its children. And the truth of this I shall confirm in full.
275
King
Foreign maidens, your tale is beyond my belief—how your race can be from
Argos
. For you are more similar to the
women of
Libya
and in no way similar to those native to our land. The
Nile
, too, might foster such a stock, and like yours is the Cyprian impress stamped upon female images by male craftsmen. And of such aspect, I have heard, are nomad women, who
280
ride on camels for steeds, having padded saddles, and dwell in a land neighboring the Aethiopians. And had you been armed with the bow, certainly I would have guessed you to be the unwed, flesh-devouring Amazons. But inform me, and I will better comprehend
285
how it is that you trace your race and lineage from
Argos
.
290
291
Chorus
Is there a report that once in this land of
Argos
Io was ward of Hera’s house?
King
Certainly she was; the tradition prevails far and wide.
Chorus
And is there some story, too, that Zeus was joined in love with a mortal?
295
King
This entanglement was not secret from Hera.
Chorus
What then was the result of this royal strife?
King
The goddess of Argos transformed the woman into a cow.
Chorus
And while she was a horned cow, did not Zeus approach her?
300
King
So they say, making his form that of a bull lusting for a mate.
Chorus
What answer then did Zeus’ stubborn consort give?
King
She placed the all-seeing one to stand watch over the cow.
Chorus
What manner of all-seeing herdsman with a single duty do you mean?
King
Argus, a son of Earth, whom Hermes slew.
305
Chorus
What else did she contrive against the unfortunate cow?
King
A sting, torment of cattle, constantly driving her on.
Chorus
They call it a gadfly, those who dwell by the
Nile
.
King
Well then, it drove her by a long course out of the land.
Chorus
Your account agrees with mine in all respects.
310
King
Chorus
And Zeus begot a son by the touching of his hand.
King
Who is it then that claims to be the cow’s Zeus-begotten calf?
Chorus
Epaphus, and truly named from
laying on of hands.
315
King
And who was begotten of Epaphus?
Chorus
Libya
, who reaps the fruit of the largest portion of the earth.
King
What offspring, then, did Libya have?
Chorus
Agenor was her first child born.
King
And who was his offspring?
Chorus
Belus, who had two sons and was father of my father here.
King
Now tell me his wisely-given name.
7
320
Chorus
Danaus: and he has a brother with fifty sons.
King
Reveal his name ungrudgingly.
323
Chorus
King
I think you indeed have some share in this land from old. But how did you bring yourselves to leave the home of your fathers? What stroke of fortune befell you?
325
Chorus
Lord of the Pelasgians, of varying color are the ills of mankind, and nowhere can you find trouble of the same plume.
For who dreamed that a kindred race, sprung of old, would thus in unexpected flight find haven at
Argos
, fleeing in terror through loathing of the marriage-bed?
330
King
Why have you come as suppliants of these gods congregated here, holding in your hands those white-wreathed, fresh-plucked boughs?
Chorus
So as not to be made slave to
Aegyptus
’ race.
335
King
By reason of hatred? Or do you speak of unlawfulness ?
Chorus
Who would purchase their lords from among their kin?
King
In this way families have enhanced their power.
Chorus
And it is easy then, if things go ill, to separate from a wife.
King
How then am I to deal with you in accordance with my sacred duty?
340
Chorus
By not surrendering us at the demand of
Aegyptus
’ sons.
King
A serious request—to take upon myself a dangerous war.
Chorus
But Justice protects her champions.
King
True, if she had a share in the matter from the beginning.
Chorus
Show reverence for the ship of state thus crowned.
9
345
King
I shrink as I gaze upon these shaded shrines.
Chorus
Yet heavy is the wrath of Zeus, god of the suppliant.
The Suppliant Women. (OCR draft) Experimental (The Suppliant Women.. Theodore Alois Buckley, 1849.) — 141 focus
DANAUS
LES SUPPLIANTES (OCR draft) Experimental (LES SUPPLIANTES. Paul Mazon, 1920-1925.) — 141 focus
l'accorder en sa bonté !
(Un peu retenu.) Que les enfants d'une auguste mère échappent aux
LE CORYPHÉE.
Et que la chaste
1
fille de Zeus, clémente à qui implore sa clémence, laisse tomber sur moi de son visage austère un
Et que la chaste 1 fille de Zeus, clémente à qui implore sa clémence, laisse tomber sur moi de son visage austère un
indignée de telle poursuite, vierge, elle sauve une vierge!
(Un peu retenu.) Que les enfants d'une
LE CORYPHÉE.
Sinon, avec nos teints brunis des traits du soleil, nous irons, nos rameaux suppliants
Sinon, avec nos teints brunis des traits du soleil, nous irons, nos rameaux suppliants
puisque nos voix n'ont pu atteindre les dieux olympiens.
LE CORYPHÉE.
triomphe du Ciel tout entier. Elle est âpre, la bourrasque d'où va sortir l'ouragan
5
!
triomphe du Ciel tout entier. Elle est âpre, la bourrasque d'où va sortir l'ouragan 5 !
<
(Retenu.) Zeus! c'est Io, hélas ! que poursuit en nous un courroux divin: je reconnais une jalousie d'épouse, qui triomphe du Ciel tout entier. Elle est âpre, la bourrasque d'où
The Suppliants (OCR draft) Experimental (The Suppliants. Robert Potter, 1779.) — 141 focus
Eschilo, Le Supplici: traduzione italiana di Ettore Romagnoli (OCR draft) Experimental (Eschilo, Le Supplici: traduzione italiana di Ettore Romagnoli. Ettore Romagnoli, 1922.) — 141 focus
CORO
CORO
CORO
Aeschylus, Supplices: versio Latina Ioannis Sanravii (OCR draft) Experimental (Aeschylus, Supplices: versio Latina Ioannis Sanravii. Ioannes Sanravius, 1555.) — 141 focus
Ex molefto uento it tempestas.
The Suppliants (OCR draft) Experimental (The Suppliants. Anna Swanwick, 1886.) — 141 focus
Chorus
Hail, sire revered; herald to me most dear;
But say what measure hath been ratified,
Whereto the people's hand out-numbering swayed?
600
DANAOS
Not by division did the Argives vote,
But so as to make young mine aged heart.
For in full mote, with raised right-hands the air
Bristled, while this decree they ratified,
That we in Argive land might settle, free,
Not subject to arrest, inviolate;
That no one, native here or foreigner,
Should seize us;-but, should violence be used,
And any of these burghers fail to aid,
An outlaw should he be, to exile doomed.
610
Thus in our favour spake Pelasgia's king,
Persuasive, warning lest the mighty wrath
Of Zeus, the suppliant's god, in future time,
The city should weigh down, and two-fold wrong,
To us as strangers and as citizens,
Upon the state two-fold pollution bring,
Food of disaster irremediable.
Hearing such things the Argives, by their hands,
Confirmed, ere herald summoned, these decrees.
The orator's persuasive winding speech
Heard the Pelasgi, and Zeus wrought the end.
Chorus
Come now for Argos' race
Chant we the gracious prayer
620
Requiting kindly grace.
May Zeus, the stranger's friend,
From strangers' lips regard with favour rare
The orisons, and crown with prosperous end.
Chorus
Ye gods, heaven-born, if e'er before,
Hear now the prayers that for this race we pour!
Never may this Pelasgic town,
Fire-wasted, lift the joyless cry
Of Ares, wanton deity,
Who men in other harvest-fields mows down!
For that a gracious law
They passed, to mercy stirred;
630
And for this pity-moving herd,
Thy supplicants, oh Zeus! felt righteous awe.
Chorus
Nor, voting on the side of men,
The women's cause did they disdainful slight;
But the dread watcher held in ken,
Full hard to cope with, vengeful Might,
Whom on its roofs what house could bear
Wrathful? For heavily he sitteth there.
Yea, sith their proper kin,
Suppliants of Zeus severe,
They venerate with pious fear;
Hence with pure altars they heaven's grace shall win.
640
Chorus
Therefore, in tuneful rivalry, let vows
Ascend from lips shaded by olive boughs.
May pestilence ne'er drain
Of manly strength this town;
Nor discord's lawless reign
With native corpses strow
This land's ensanguined plain!
Still may youth's gracious flower
Unsickled blow;
Nor Aphrodite's spouse, man-slaying power,
Relentless Ares, mow its blossom down!
650
Chorus
May offerings blaze in every sacred fane,
*
By foreign elders throng'd, an honoured train,
That well may fare the State!
Zeus let them hail, the Great,—
The stranger's god, who fate
By hoary law doth rein.
Fresh produce may the fields
For ever bear,
And may dread Artemis, her bow who wields,
View women's travail-pangs and kindly spare.
660
Chorus
And let no man-destroying mischief lay
This town in ruins, arming civil feud,
And Ares tear-exciter, for the fray
Danceless and lyreless. May the brood
Of fell disease far from these burghers wing
1
Its joyless flight, and the Lykeian king
The nation's youth propitiously survey!
Chorus
With every season's wealth may Zeus benign
670
Crown the rich earth, and mightily increase
Before the city walls the pasturing kine!
Ne'er may the gods' rich blessing cease!
May the well-omened song from every shrine
Ascend, and from chaste lips the solemn strain,
Joy-laden, lyre-enamoured, sound amain!
Chorus
Still may the people guard with constant zeal
*
Their honours for the virtuous, while the sway
Of prudent councillors the city's weal
680
Makes stedfast; and, ere arming for the fray,
May they, unscathed, just pacts with strangers seal!
Chorus
And let them, to the gods this land who hold,
With sacrifice and laurel bough draw near,
Jealous to keep their fathers' rites of old.
For venerable Justice hath enroll'd
698
704
This her third statute:—"Parents aye revere.”
†
DANAOS
These sober prayers, daughters beloved, I praise.
690
But though ye from your father tidings hear
New and unlooked for, keep a stedfast heart.
For from this suppliant-guarding eminence
The barque I see; well-marked it 'scapes me not;—
The swelling sails, the bulwarks on each side,
The prow in front, scanning its way with eyes,
And, as to us unfriendly, all too well
Hearing the guiding rudder at the stern.
Distinctly now the sailors may be seen,
Their swart limbs manifest in white attire.
700
Now ope to view the rest, the attendant ships;—
Meanwhile this one, the leader, with furled sails,
Towards the shore is rowed, with equal stroke.
You it behoves, calmly, with stedfast mind,
Viewing the danger, not to slight these gods.
With champions I'll return and advocates,
Should haply herald come or embassy,
Eager to seize you as the prize of war.
But thus it may not be; fear not the event.
Yet were it best, should we be slow to aid,
710
In no wise to forget your shelter here.
Courage! when strikes the appointed day and hour,
Due fine that man shall pay who slights the gods.
Chorus
Father, afraid I am, since swift of wing
The ships advance; full soon will they be here.
My spirit fails me, scared by anxious fear,
Lest that my lengthened flight no profit bring.
736
Father, I faint through dread.
DANAOS
Children, since ratified the Argives' vote,
Take courage; well I know, for you they'll fight.
720
Chorus
Insatiate of battle, fierce and lewd
Ægyptos' race;-to one who knows I speak.
In timbered ships, blue-prowed, their rage to wreak,
Hither with many a follower, sable-hued,
743
In prosperous wrath they sped.
DANAOS
Ay, but they here a numerous host will find,
With thews well hardened in the noon-tide heat.
Chorus
Oh leave me not alone, father, I pray;
Woman abandoned to herself is nought.
In her no war-god dwells. Crafty are they
730
In mind and counsel; dissolute in thought,
750
Neither, like crows, for altars care they aught.
DANAOS
Our interest, children, it would much avail
Were they to gods as hateful as to thee.
Chorus
No awe of gods before whose shrines we stand,
Or of these sacred tridents, O my sire,
From us will hold their sacrilegious hand;
Too proud their hearts, mad with unhallowed fire,
757
Reckless as dogs, they scorn the gods' command.
DANAOS
But wolves o'ermaster dogs, so runs the rede;
740
And fruit of byblos is no match for corn.
Chorus
Since they the tempers have of brutes unclean
And wanton, of their power we must beware.
DANAOS
No speedy task the menage of a fleet,
Nor yet to fix its moorings, nor ashore
Safely to bring the stern-ropes; nor at once
Are shepherds of swift galleys wont to trust
Their anchor-hold, the more when they approach
A region harbourless, what time the sun
Sinks into night; for anxious travail-throes
750
In wary pilot night is wont to breed.
Trust me, the army will not disembark,
Till in her moorings safe the galley rides;
Though fear-oppressed, beware, slight not the gods,
Who thee have helped; nor shall the city blame
Your herald, old, but young in eloquence.
*
Chorus
O hilly land, which all revere,
What woe awaits us? where, oh where,
2
'Neath soil of Apia, shall we flec,
If refuge dark lurk anywhere?
As sable smoke, ah, might I be,
That to the clouds of Zeus draws near,
760
Or, soaring without wings, ah me,
Unseen, like viewless dust dissolve in air!
Chorus
Scapeless is now the threatened doom;
Throbbeth my spirit steeped in gloom;
Me hath thine out-look ruined, sire!
I faint with dread. Let me expire,
By twistings of the girdle slain,
Or e'er the man by me abhorred,
This form approach with touch profane!
770
Rather, in death, let Hades, be my lord!
Chorus
Oh for a seat in upper air
Where the dank vapours turn to snow;-
Or might some beetling crag forlorn,
Smooth, steep, unfriendly, lonesome, bare,
The vultures' haunt, my plunge below
Witness, ere forceful I am torn,
Heart-piercing wedlock's dreaded yoke to share.
Chorus
That food of dogs I then should be,
780
Or gorge the prey-birds, native here,
Appals me not; for death is free
From ills that sorrow's plaint endear.
Yea, that its doom may come, I pray,
Ere I such nuptial couch ascend ;—
Or other refuge is there, say,
From nuptial-bonds or other saviour friend?
Chorus
Lift to heaven the voice of wail,
Hymns and supplications sing;-
790
Prayers that may perchance avail
Rescue from the gods to wring.
View the conflict from the skies,
Great Father!-Violence behold
With righteous and not friendly eyes;
Dear do thou thy suppliants hold,—
Earth-ruling Zeus, all-mighty king!
English (E. D. A. Morshead, 1908) (OCR draft) Experimental (Aeschylus, Suppliant Maidens — Morshead translation. Wikisource transcription; speech corresp and card milestones aligned to Smyth perseus-grc2.) — 141 focus
Grant that henceforth unstained as heretofore
I may escape the forced embrace
Of those proud children of the race
That sacred Io bore.
160
And thou, O maiden-goddess chaste and pure—
Queen of the inner fane,—
Look of thy grace on me, O Artemis,
Thy willing suppliant—thine, thine it is,
Who from the lustful onslaught fled secure,
165
To grant that I too without stain
The shelter of thy purity may gain!
Grant that henceforth unstained as heretofore
I may escape the forced embrace
Of those proud children of the race
170
That sacred Io bore!
Yet if this may not be,
We, the dark race sun-smitten, we
Will speed with suppliant wands
To Zeus who rules below, with hospitable hands
175
Who welcomes all the dead from all the lands:
Yea, by our own hands strangled, we will go,
Spurned by Olympian gods, unto the gods below!
Zeus, hear and save!
The searching, poisonous hate, that Io vexed and drave,
180
Was of a goddess: well I know
The bitter ire, the wrathful woe
Of Hera, queen of heaven—
A storm, a storm her breath, whereby we yet are driven!
Zeus, hear and save!
The searching poisonous hate, that Io vexed and drave,
Was of a goddess: well I know
The bitter ire, the wrathful woe
195
Of Hera, queen of heaven—
A storm, a storm her breath, whereby we yet are driven!
Danaus
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1854; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (Aeschylos. Deutsch in den Versmaßen der Urschrift. Stuttgart: Hoffmann, 1854. Native Donner line citations, Smyth card correspondence, selected textual readings and metrical facsimiles. Remaining OCR differences and unattributed reading notes are documented in the linked review inventory.) — 141 focus
Daß der hochheiligen Ahnin Töchter,
Ach, ach, unvermählt,
125
Unbezwungen entflieh'n dem verhaften Bund!
Zweiter Halbchor.
Siebente Gegenstrophe,
Zu mir, der Frohen, schaue froh
Zeus' heilige Tochter, wende stets
Ihr hehres Antliß unverrückt auf mich!
Wehre du, Jungfrau, mit aller
130
Macht die Verfolger ab von uns Jungfrau'n,
Retterin, erscheine,
Daß der hochheiligen Ahnin Töchter,
Ach, ach, unvermählt,
Unbezwungen entflieh'n dem verhaften Bund!
135
Erster Halbchor.
Achte Strophe.
Willst du nicht, so flich' ich
Dunkle sonnverbrannte Schaar
Zum Schattengott,
Der die Todten allzumal
Gastlich hegt im Erdenschooß,
140
Fliehe hin mit grünem Zweig,
Durch den Strang mich tödtend,
Weil Olymps Götter nicht mein Fleh'n erhört.
Zeus! Jo's Gericht, von Hera verhängt,
Wohl geißelt's auch uns; ich erkenne den Fluch
145
Der gewaltigsten Macht im Olympos.
Von grimmem Hauch
Wehte der Sturm hernieder.
Zweiter Halbchor.
Achte Gegenstrophe.
Zeus! Jo's Gericht, von Hera verhängt,
Wohl geißelt's auch uns; ich erkenne den Fluch
Der gewaltigsten Macht im Olympos.
Von grimmem Hauch
160
Wehte der Sturm hernieder.
(Während des Gesanges hat Danaos die Gegend durchspäht, und kommt jetzt näher.)
Danaos.
Notes on the current edition
Supplices
Commentary
Critical apparatus to The Suppliant Women (OCR draft) (Latin and Greek critical apparatus to Gottfried Hermann's 1852 edition of The Suppliant Women.) focus
174.
mvp-aeschylus-tlg0085-tlg001-hermann1852-appcrit-lat1-130
Commentary (N. Wecklein, 1902; German; OCR draft) (Suppliants, explanatory commentary pp. 24–120. Single-witness OCR; source readings and all reference placements require scan review.) focus
1-181.
mvp-aeschylus-tlg0085-tlg001-wecklein1902-com-ger1-1
118-181.
mvp-aeschylus-tlg0085-tlg001-wecklein1902-com-ger1-60
174.
mvp-aeschylus-tlg0085-tlg001-wecklein1902-com-ger1-81