Stasimon 2
[Choral 1]
When in excess and past all limits Love doth come, he brings not glory or repute
Chorus
to man; but if the Cyprian queen in moderate might approach, no goddess is so full of charm as she. Never, O never, lady mine, discharge at me from thy golden bow a shaft invincible, in passion’s venom dipped.
630
On me may chastity, heaven’s fairest gift, lookVerrall proposes to read στέγοι protect, for MSS. στέργοι. with a favouring eye;
635
never may Cypris, goddess dread, fasten on me a temper to dispute, or restless jealousy, smiting my soul with mad desire for unlawful love, but may she hallow peaceful married life and shrewdly decide whom each of us shall wed.
640
[Choral 2]
O my country, O my own dear home! God grant I may never be an outcast from my city,
Chorus
leading that cruel helpless life, whose every day is misery. Ere that may I this life complete and yield to death, ay, death;
645
for there is no misery that doth surpass the loss of fatherland.
650
I have seen with mine eyes, nor from the lips of others have I the lesson learnt;
no city, not one friend doth pity thee in this thine awful woe. May he perish and find no favour,
655
whoso hath not in him honour for his friends, freely unlocking his heart to them. Never shall he be friend of mine.
660