Stasimon 3
[Episode]
Dost not mark how swift my steps are hasting?
Servant (of Hyllus)
I mark more seeming than reality in thy haste.
735
Iolaus
Thou wilt tell a different tale when thou seest me there.
Servant (of Hyllus)
What shall I see thee do? I wish thee all success, at any rate.
Iolaus
Thou shalt see me smite some foeman through the shield.
Servant (of Hyllus)
Perhaps, if ever we get there. I have my fears of that.
Iolaus
Ah! would to Heaven that thou, mine arm, e’en as I remember thee in thy lusty youth, when with Heracles thou didst sack Sparta, couldst so champion me to-day! how I would put Eurystheus to flight! since he is too craven to wait the onslaught.
740
For prosperity carries with it this error too a reputation for bravery; for we think the prosperous man a master of all knowledge.
745
[Choral 1]
O earth, and moon that shines by night, and dazzling radiance of the god,
Chorus
that giveth light to man, bear the tidings to me, shout aloud to heaven for joy, and beside our ruler’s throne, and in the shrine of grey-eyed Athene.
750
For my fatherland and home will I soon decide the issue of the strife with the gleaming sword, because I have taken suppliants under my protection.
755
’Tis a fearful thing, that a city
prosperous as Mycenae is, one famed for martial prowess, should harbour wrath against my land; still, my countrymen, it were a shameful thing in us to yield up suppliant strangers
760
at the bidding of Argos. Zeus is on my side, I am not afraid; Zeus hath a favour unto me, as is my due; never by meDindorf’s emendation is followed in this corrupt passage; ἥσσονες παρ’ ἐμοὶ θεοὶ φανοῦνται. shall gods be thought weaker than mortal men.
765
[Choral 2]
O dread goddess,Pallas. thine the soil whereon we stand, thine this city, for thou art its mother, queen, and saviour; wherefore turn some other way the impious king, who leadeth a host
770
Chorus
from Argos with brandished lance against this land; for, such my worth, I little merit exile from my home.
775
For thy worshipThe festival of the Panathenaea is alluded to. is aye performed with many a sacrifice, and never art thou forgotten as each month draweth to its close,
when young voices sing and dancers’ music is heard abroad, while on our wind-swept hill goes up the cry of joy to the beat of maidens’ feet by night.
780
